The Journey to a Gold Award

Ishir from Grade 12, and one of this year’s IAYP Prefects, has been part of the International Award for Young People (IAYP), and successfully completed his Gold Award journey this year. The annual ceremony for the Gold Award will take place virtually in July 2021. The IAYP programme focuses on efforts made by students who have been working with youth at risk, as well as people with social, physical and economic challenges. Learning about Ishir’s success, we connected with him to find out more about the IAYP and why students should join the venture.

Social service is a key component of the IAYP programme, and one which I hope to take forward with me – Ishir, Grade 12

The IAYP programme is run by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association, a global framework for non-formal education. It is a productive and satisfying use of leisure time, to acquire new skills, take on adventure and make new friends – both young and old. The award was introduced in India in 1962 with the purpose of encouraging youth to achieve their full potential; improving their moral, social and intellectual well-being, and to equip them for life. Growing from 500 participants in 1962, the programme is today hosting around 12,000 students per year, and so far over 100,000 have successfully gained their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.

Receiving the IAYP Gold Award is a real reward, as it celebrates students’ efforts for making real change – in their own lives and for others. “I feel extremely honoured to have received this prestigious Duke of Edinburgh IAYP Gold Award”, says Ishir, also giving appreciation to the TISB’s IAYP team for mentoring him through his journey.

Ishir joined the IAYP programme during Grade 10, and took part, with his teammates and TISB staff, in the Spiti Valley Expedition in the summer of 2019. In the beginning, Ishir’s aim was quite broad: to help better the community around him, while improving himself as a person. “The major reason that I joined IAYP was because of the holistic development it would give me as an individual – an opportunity to serve others, and at the same time grow as an individual”, says Ishir, whose experience unfolded as he witnessed his goal transforming into reality. From teaching TISB support staff English after school, to having fitness initiatives at home during the lockdown, a combination of diverse activities kept him engaged and motivated during academically rigorous years.

Receiving the IAYP Gold Award, will not stop Ishir’s aim to better himself and the world around him, but rather to continue with his vision and efforts. “For example, I continue to volunteer my time with non-profit organisations to help the needy and hope to keep this going in the spirit of social service that IAYP has cultivated within me”, says Ishir, who is feeling confident and looking forward to engaging in other adventurous expeditions.

Ishir encourages students to join the IAYP journey, and to not be deterred by the current situation. “My one piece of advice to every student who aspires to take part in the IAYP program is to not let the current pandemic situation overwhelm you. Get creative about the activities you can do – the online world can also open new opportunities”, says Ishir, who believes that now, perhaps more than ever, we can shave a meaningful impact on the community around us – even from the comfort and safety of our homes. Ishir finishes by describing the IAYP Gold Award programme with one sentence: “An all-encompassing journey of self-discovery and personal growth involving several components- skills, fitness, service and adventure – that can be moulded to suit one’s passions and fulfil one’s aspirations.”

Read more about IAYP at TISB on our website. Contact Mr Rabi or Ms Grace to find out more about how you can join the movement, and make the world a better place for yourself and others.