The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in Meyerton recently hosted the President’s Award, a 60th Celebratory Event and Gold Award Ceremony.
HRH Prince Edward, the chairperson of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, presented gold certificates to King David High School Linksfield Grade 11 pupils Daniel Abrams, Shane Bassin and Rachel Dave.
The award is the culmination of an exciting personal challenge for the trio. The pupils undertook tasks encompassing physical recreation, service to others in the community, skills development, an adventurous hike and a residential project which aims to broaden one’s experience away from home.
Fundamental to the programme is the encouragement of self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and personal growth – traits clearly demonstrated by the group.
Bassin taught English to Tibetan monks in India, Dave worked with owls at a bird sanctuary in the Magaliesburg and Abrams explored leadership roles via Habonim in Cape Town.
In addition, Bassin was voted as chairman of the Gauteng Presidents Award Youth Committee for this year and was selected to usher Prince Edward in the ceremony, and was one of the three speakers at the event.
