AwardNL in Malta: a week of growth, connection and challenges

17 countries, one mission.

Last week, a delegation from AwardNL travelled to Malta for the EMAS Regional Conference, the annual gathering of Duke of Edinburgh's International Award from across Europe and the Mediterranean region. It was a week full of inspiration, connection and entirely in the spirit of Award personal challenges.

Doing the Award ourselves

As staff, we were challenged to go through a condensed Award experience ourselves. That meant doing skills like archery, woodworking and knot tying. Doing voluntary service like planting trees and giving one away. Physical challenges including fitness and Boċċi, the Maltese version of pétanque.

The real expedition took us to Mdina, Malta's ancient capital, perched high on a hilltop, with centuries-old streets and sweeping views across the entire island.

Exactly what Award is meant to be: challenging people, helping them grow, and showing them what they're capable of.

Award develops the skills young people truly need. Not just technical knowledge, but the ability to think independently, contribute meaningfully and take responsibility. Human skills are not an add-on, they are essential.

What we're taking home

We used the conference to make concrete progress. Together with colleagues from other countries, we explored the possibilities of Erasmus+. These look promising: they could allow us to create exchange opportunities for young people from different EMAS countries, enabling them to share experiences and learn from one another.

What struck us most: people from 17 countries, with entirely different backgrounds, working together towards the same goal: youth development. All while having the same challenges, the same drive, the same belief in Award.

Malta was a wonderful host: warm people, great energy and genuine commitment to our shared mission.

We came home with three things that are crystal clear: this is the right work. We have the power to make our communities better. And every young person deserves the chance of doing the Award.

That is what we want to build on: Award as a foundation for young people to make smart choices. Serious fun.