Rebecca Donn, a third year law and management student has been awarded a Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the first issued by RGU:Union.
Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) Student Union has awarded its first Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) since attaining the license to run the programme earlier this year.
Third year Law and Management student, Rebecca Donn, began the award through Girls Brigade Scotland before completing her Silver award with the help of RGU:Union.
Speaking of her achievement, Rebecca said: “The union has given me a lot of support and guidance to help me complete the Silver DofE award.
“Completing the relevant sections online made the process convenient and easy to do. This has given me the confidence to progress further with the DofE and look towards achieving my gold Award at RGU: Union.”
RGU is one of only a handful of universities in Scotland who run the award, which involves students undertaking a series of activities including volunteering, skills development, fitness training and planning, and undertaking an expedition.
Activities aim to develop skills to prepare young individuals for the work place, as well as enhancing confidence, resilience and team working.
Ross Leven, Student DofE Coordinator at RGU:Union commented: “Getting the first student through their award was always going to be the hardest part of setting up the award.
“This is the beginning of exciting times for the DofE Award at RGU. Already, over 30 students have expressed an interest in the scheme and we are currently focusing on getting at least 8 of them through the expedition section over the next few months.
“Now that Rebecca has shown that with a bit of hard work the award is achievable, I believe we will see an increase in the number of students wanting to take part over the next few years.”
Not only can students continue previously started awards with RGU:Union like Rebecca, but they can also start the programme from the beginning.
It is found students who participate in the scheme find it a highly valuable experience and a recent survey of employers found that a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the most highly valued experience when selecting employees.
Edward Pollock, President (Communication and Democracy) at RGU:Union said: “It’s great to see RGU students already completing the award and being recognised for their work.
“Students who participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme have had great learning and development opportunities, which set them above others when looking for jobs and succeeding in their careers.
“I hope other students will see the benefit of getting involved and will also take the initiative to sign up and be a part of this excellent opportunity”
Students can find out more about the award and sign up by visiting www.rguunion.co.uk/DofE or email DofE@rguunion.co.uk