Earlier this week, Tom Powell, CEO of One Earth Academy International, had the honour of attending the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award Ceremony at the British Embassy Dubai.
The ceremony was hosted by the UK Consul General to the UAE and attended by Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, alongside senior education leaders from across the UAE. Young people from schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi were recognised for completing the Gold Award – the highest level of the internationally respected youth development programme.
More than a formal ceremony, the event served as a powerful reminder of the long-term value of experiential learning, outdoor challenge and service-based education in shaping confident, resilient and socially responsible young people.
The Lasting Impact of Outdoor and Experiential Education
One of the most compelling aspects of the evening was hearing directly from award recipients. Many spoke openly about how time spent outdoors, sustained commitment to physical challenges, volunteering and skills development had shaped their confidence, wellbeing and leadership capabilities.
These reflections echo a growing body of evidence showing that learning beyond the classroom plays a critical role in:
- Supporting mental health and wellbeing
- Developing independence and resilience
- Strengthening leadership and teamwork
- Fostering a deeper connection to the natural environment
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has long demonstrated that education rooted in experience, responsibility and reflection can have a transformational impact on young people’s lives.
Shared Values with One Earth Academy International
At One Earth Academy International, these principles are deeply aligned with how we approach education.
Through our flagship schools programme, Climate Kids Academy, we create structured opportunities for students to engage in nature-based learning, real-world sustainability projects and experiential activities that build both knowledge and character.
Our programmes are designed to help young people:
- Develop a meaningful connection with nature
- Take responsibility through action-based learning
- Build confidence, agency and leadership
- Understand sustainability not as theory, but as lived experience
Hearing from young people at the ceremony reinforced our belief that education must move beyond awareness and into participation if it is to prepare learners for the challenges of the future.
Integrating into the Region with Purpose
The region places strong emphasis on:
- Youth empowerment and leadership
- Wellbeing and character development
- Outdoor and experiential learning
- Education aligned with long-term national priorities
We are proud to be working alongside schools, educators and partners who share this vision, contributing programmes that support both inspection readiness and meaningful student development.
Education That Builds Capability, Not Just Knowledge
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award continues to set a global benchmark for how structured challenge and experiential learning can empower young people.
Witnessing its impact firsthand was a timely reminder that some of the most important learning outcomes cannot be measured by exams alone. Confidence, resilience, responsibility and purpose are developed through experience — especially when young people are trusted to step beyond their comfort zones.
At One Earth Academy International, we remain committed to supporting schools in delivering education that develops the whole learner — academically, socially and environmentally.
It was a privilege to attend this event, and we look forward to continuing our work across the region to help young people grow into confident, capable and engaged global citizens.