The Diana Award: Recognising young unsung heroes
The Diana Award celebrates the innate
qualities — courage, commitment, compassion and selfless service to
others — of young people aged 12 to 18 demonstrated through their
contribution to and impact on their schools, communities and
society.
So far, there are more than 24,000 young award holders across the UK. The
Diana Anti-Bullying Award, which is in addition to the main award, is open to
both primary and secondary schools. Thousands of young people have received the
anti-bullying award since its introduction.
Why should schools nominate?
The Diana Award and Diana Anti-Bullying Award both offer huge potential for recipients. They encourage the young people that receive them to continue their work and, in essence, are awarded for altruism and the impact the young people have on their communities.
The awards are seen by many as the equivalent of the children's honours system and have a lasting impact on the lives of the young people who gain them.
For schools, the Diana Award directly meets all the five outcomes of Every Child Matters including: making a positive contribution, achieving economic well-being and enjoyment and achievement in school life. The two outcomes which cover staying safe and emotional and mental health both apply to the Diana Anti-Bullying Award.
Schools receive a certificate which can be displayed to demonstrate their commitment to the value of their students. This positive school ethos will be communicated to Ofsted, the school community and parents.
The awards are made three times a year and carry status through being external, UK-wide and in memory of the late Princess.
Opinion Leader Research amongst teachers shows why schools participate in the awards:
'Definitely more prestigious than other awards — it has the memory and understanding of Diana, when someone gives an award with the name Diana on it, that has a certain cache.'
'In our area it's 70 per cent free school meals, many children have desperate social circumstances and its difficult to break the cycle of negativity... awards like this are a really easy way of helping.'
Receiving the Diana Award is seen as a springboard for many young people. Young people see it as their award and would like to take ownership of it. Award holders on the Youth Advisory Board are consulted on all aspects of the Diana Award. Young ambassadors to the award are trained in skills that enable them to maximise their development as well as acting as spokespeople for the award.
Nominations
Making nominations is easy. All nominations that meet the criteria receive the Diana Award. The process is non-competitive and inclusive. If you know any deserving young people at your school, college or local community who have made a difference, now is the time to nominate.
Nominees include those who are, for example:
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peer mentors
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fundraisers
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young carers
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school councillors
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environmental campaigners
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sports leaders
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overcoming adversity
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tackling bullying
Deadline dates for both awards
The next closing date for nominations is 21 May 2010.
Further information
For further information on how to make nominations, visit the Diana Awards website or telephone 0845 337 2987.
Last updated: 10 January 2010
