More than 300 young people took part this month in a pair of joint training sessions, bringing together Duke of Edinburgh International Award participants and volunteers.

Those who attended on November 2 and 3 were able to participate in an array of interactive skill-building activities with groups including Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Raleigh Bermuda and the Bermuda Police Service.

The sessions focused on topics including environmental stewardship, mindfulness, the arts, personal development, diversity, safety and team-building.

Karen Simmons, a DoE programme director, said: “This year's joint training highlighted the transformative power of personal growth beyond traditional learning.

“With a record turnout, we witnessed young people deliberately pushing their boundaries, developing crucial soft skills that are essential in today's world.

“Our carefully designed activities, generously supported by our community partners, created immersive environments where participants could cultivate critical thinking, emotional intelligence, collaborative leadership and adaptive problem-solving skills.”

She added that the weekend’s success was bolstered by support from the Emerging Leader Development Programme, which offered training and peer leadership for younger participants.

Fiona Holmes, a DoE development director, thanked the donors and volunteers who made the training session possible.

• Anyone interested in getting involved in the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards scheme, or in supporting the award raffle, is invited to e-mail development@theaward.bm or call 737-8959