Cadet Flight Sergeant James Wallman of 1094(City of Ely) Squadron was informed in May 2024 that he has been selected to be a UK Youth Ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
"This followed an application process in which I had to record myself discussing my experience of the award and how I would improve it. I was overjoyed to receive the news confirming my appointment to the role a few weeks later.", said Cdt FS Wallman.
Becoming a DofE Youth Ambassador has already opened the doors to some of the most remarkable opportunities. Already he has met with the other representatives from all over the country in a workshop on public speaking - hosted by BodyTalk UK. Former BBC presenter Alina Jenkins led the workshop and taught them all about public speaking and self presentation skills. This included learning more about the psychology behind certain gestures or body language and why they are more engaging.
Two weeks ago, Cdt FS Wallman was part of a team that reviewed the residential section of the Award. This section is the only part of the Gold Award and requires you to be away for five days in an unfamiliar environment and with people you don't know, gaining experience in a skill or providing service. The team were tasked with creating a new welcome pack for those aspiring to attain their Gold DofE Award and with making the Residential Section more accessible. Work is already underway with the other Ambassadors and with the DofE Executives.
Earlier this week Cdt FS Wallman attended the launch of the Youth Voice Survey at the Houses of Parliament with Ambassadors from previous years. During their term, they created the Survey to assess young people's engagement in politics. Over 3000 young people, aged 14-24, were surveyed. The results can be found on the DofE website
https://www.dofe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Youth-Voices-Report-2024-2.pdf
The event was a brilliant chance to network with members of both Houses of Parliament, and to talk to key executives of charities from across the country including Ruth Marvel, CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
More brilliant experiences are still to come for Cdt Fs Wallman - including representing the DofE Scheme at political party conferences, fundraising by running a half marathon, and representing the organisation internationally. He is looking to complete his Gold DofE Award in a couple of weeks with his expeditions, and will be attending the RAF Air Cadets Gold Cyber course at RAF Cosford the following week.