Israel Youth Award

The Israel Youth Award is a part of an international program initiated by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip in 1956. There are 93 countries participating in the program including Israel. The program was developed in England after the Second World War and its purpose was to motivate young people to get involve in the community by leading balanced and healthy lives, to volunteer and make proper use of their leisure, through meeting other young people and express their potential. The program started in Israel in 1960 by Mr. Yehuda Arel who saw in this program a real challenge for the Israeli youth. The program runs by the Ministry of Education Culture and Sports, Youth and Society Administration and the Israel Youth Award leaders and graduates. This program is unique due to the fact that it involves young people from all sectors of the country such as: Jews, Druze, Arab, Bedouins, new immigrants and others.

The International Award

The International Award is an exciting self-development Programme available young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and their world. To date almost 6 million young people from over 120 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities.

The Award is flexible and can be done by anyone aged 14–25 in their own time: mental or physical ability or social circumstances should never be a barrier. Moreover, the individual chooses what activities to do depending on his/her interests and resources. If you are over 25 then do not despair! You too can get involved by becoming an Award leader, the backbone of the Award Programme and the key to its success.

There are three levels in which you can participate:

BRONZE for those over 14. The minimum period of participation
to gain this Award is 6 months

SILVER for those over 15. The minimum period of participation
to gain this Award is 12 months

GOLD for those over 16. The minimum period of participation
to gain this Award is 18 months

To gain an Award, all four sections (plus an additional requirement of a Residential Project at Gold Level) must be tackled for the specified minimum period of time. The Sections:
SERVICE
To encourage a sense of responsibility to the community through:
• community service projects
• conservation work
• voluntary service in hospitals or community homes
• or more specialised training such as lifesaving, first aid or rescue services

ADVENTUROUS JOURNEY
An enjoyable experience designed to cultivate a spirit of adventure and discovery; an understanding of the environment, and the importance of working together in a team with a common purpose.
The Adventurous Journey may be by foot, bicycle, boat or horseback. Proper training and preparation, self sufficiency, self-reliance and the exploration of new surroundings are the key elements.

SKILLS
To encourage the development of personal interests and learn practical skills
There are over 200 hobby and vocational skills from which you can choose
PHYSICAL RECREATION
Participants are required to take part in some form of organised physical recreation and show individual progress. Most team and individual sports are included, such as football, athletics, and archery.
RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
(Gold Level only). Intended to broaden your experience through living and working with others (who are not your everyday companions) over a period of five consecutive days.
Our mail: http:// www.intaward.org