AXIS Donates $15K To Duke of Edinburgh Award
AXIS Capital has made a contribution to the island’s youth by confirming their Gold Level Donor partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Bermuda, with the AXIS Charitable Donations Committee donating $15,000 to the Award.
The Award’s National Director, Traci Burgess, stated, “We are grateful to AXIS for their investment in Bermuda’s future.
“Their financial contributions will promote programme development and expansion initiatives that serve more than 700 participants across the island, with a specific focus on enhancing the Award in Bermuda’s public senior schools.”
Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller for AXIS, James O’Shaughnessy, said “AXIS, like the Award, has a keen interest in community partnerships. AXIS is a strong supporter of special initiatives and programmes at The Berkeley Institute.
“A significant number of students from The Berkeley Institute are involved throughout all three levels of the Award programme [Bronze, Silver and Gold], and account for nearly 10% of Bermuda’s annual participation in the Award.
“Our charities committee deemed it extremely valuable to continue our support of the extracurricular and personal development opportunities being provided to Berkeley Institute students through our partnership with the Award.”
AXIS committee member Laquita Philpott added “We chose to partner with the Award because of the breadth of the programme; its ability to serve a diverse cross-section of youth from all walks of life; and the impact the Award has on enhancing the lives of young people as they mature into adulthood.
“We see the Award as developing future leaders who will make significant contributions to their families, our community and future employers.”
Traci Burgess continued by saying “Award participants are encouraged to think globally and act locally. Our unique programme is proven to help young people discover, develop and achieve their greatest potential.”
The International Award is designed for teens and young adults between the ages of 14 up to 25, while the exclusive Bermuda Bridge Award [hosted by the Bermuda Award] caters to middle school students ages 12 and 13.
Throughout all levels of the programme, participants engage in activities involving community service; developing personal skills; physical recreation; and adventurous journeys that are conducted both locally and overseas.
At the Gold level of the Award, participants are also required to complete a five day residential service project.
The organisation said, “The Bermuda Award has mentored more than 10,000 locals over the past five decades. Our tiny island presently boasts the highest penetration rate for participation in the International Award, with more than 10% of Bermuda’s eligible population between the ages of 14 to 25 being actively engaged in the programme on an annual basis.
“Last year, 622 young people from both public senior schools and most private schools across the island took up the challenge of participating in the Award. Participation is fun, exciting, challenging and rewarding, but most of all, completion of the Award in its entirety is life changing.
“The Award’s impact on participants and the community includes increased self-confidence; enhanced communication and problem solving skills; improved academic attainment and employability; improved health and well-being; social inclusion and increased participation in civic life; care for the environment; gender equality; reduction and prevention of violence; and reduced reoffending [recidivism] rates.
“2017 marks the Award’s 50th anniversary in Bermuda and a number of celebratory events are planned for early March, including high profile guests representing the International Award. Alumni and friends are encouraged to join in these celebrations. Details will be announced in the immediate future.
“Get involved and make a difference! Contact the Award Office for additional details on programmes, volunteering, Alumni events and 50th anniversary celebrations. T: 537.4868 | E: director@theaward.bm.”
