Barnstaple teenager selected as Duke of Edinburgh’s Award youth ambassador

A Barnstaple teenager has been chosen as one of 35 Youth Ambassadors for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), representing a group of outstanding DofE Award holders aged 16 to 24 from across the UK.

Isabel van Santen is aged 19 and her role as a Youth Ambassador involves speaking out for young people by sharing their views on the issue that affect them.

Isabel, who successfully achieved her Gold DofE through West Buckland School, has aimed to challenge common perceptions of the DofE program. "It's more than going for a long trek in the countryside with a massive bag," she said.

As part of the Youth Ambassador team, Isabel, along with her peers, will make the voices of young people heard by speaking at events, meeting key decision-makers in Parliament, and contributing to decisions that shape the direction of the DofE charity’s work.

Before starting her DofE journey, Isabel described herself as shy and lacking in confidence. Through the program, she engaged in activities that bolstered her confidence, such as joining a Girlguiding unit and eventually running activities independently, an achievement she initially doubted she could accomplish.

Isabel has viewed her DofE Award as a catalyst that encouraged her to try new experiences and develop a stronger connection with nature. Since achieving her Gold DofE Award, she has climbed the three peaks and completed the Ten Tors challenge.

She is also passionate about sharing the impact that DofE has had on her personal growth. She plans to highlight the skills she acquired during her DofE journey, including teamwork and planning.

Without DofE, she felt she wouldn't have had the confidence to apply for a school prefect position, speak in assemblies, or secure a job that involves interacting with customers.

Funded by The Gosling Foundation, the Youth Ambassador program places young people at the forefront of future leadership, involving them in shaping the DofE’s work for the benefit of their peers.

These ambassadors have the opportunity to meet ministers and MPs, speak at high-profile events, represent the DofE at international forums and contribute to key decisions across the charity.

Ashley Williams, UK youth engagement manager at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, has emphasised the importance of connecting young people with opportunities to make a positive impact, especially considering the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic and a severe cost-of-living crisis.

Ashley said: "As they navigate the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic and a severe cost-of-living crisis, it’s more vital than ever that all young people get access to opportunities like the DofE, which let them have fun, grow their resilience and self-belief, and develop vital skills they can’t always get in the classroom."

Isabel van Santen and her fellow Youth Ambassadors are poised to contribute significantly to achieving these goals in the coming year.