President’s Award honours Cameron with tribute on Instagram
The President’s Award has honoured Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a Bronze Award holder and Gold participant remembered for her kindness.
Following her death in Sabie, Mpumalanga, the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment also paid tribute to the 17-year-old St Stithians Girls’ College pupil.
When a young person commits to a programme built around service, personal growth and challenge, the journey can become part of who they are. For Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, that journey included the President’s Award.
The organisation published a tribute and extended its condolences to Cameron’s family, friends and school community. It remembered her as a dedicated Bronze Award holder and Gold participant whose warmth, kindness and determination touched those around her.
Cameron’s involvement gives particular meaning to the tribute. She was not simply enrolled in the programme. She was actively working towards its highest level.
WHY DID THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD HONOUR CAMERON?
Cameron had completed her Bronze Award and was participating at Gold level when she died.
Her father previously explained that she was preparing for a multi-day adventurous journey as part of her Gold Award requirements. She had accepted an invitation to join two families on a hiking trip in Sabie and saw it as an opportunity to progress towards that goal.
The President’s Award recognised both her commitment to the programme and the qualities she demonstrated while pursuing it.
Its tribute described Cameron as warm, kind and determined. It also offered its condolences to those mourning her death.
WHAT IS THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR YOUTH?
The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment is South Africa’s implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. It is aimed at young people aged 14 to 24.
The programme encourages participants to develop through four areas: voluntary service, skills, physical recreation and an adventurous journey. Gold participants also complete a residential project.
The International Award operates in more than 120 countries and territories. More than 13 million young people have taken part since its establishment.
Rather than competing against one another, participants set their own goals and work towards meeting them.
The emphasis falls on personal development, commitment and achievement.
HOW DOES PARTICIPATION WORK?
The programme has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Participants choose activities within each section and complete them for specified periods.
Bronze can begin at 14, Silver at 15 and Gold at 16. The minimum completion period depends on the level and the participant’s previous Award.
Participants record their progress and have their activities assessed. Volunteers and Award Leaders provide guidance throughout the process.
The South African programme has more than 700 adult volunteers supporting participants.
HOW DO YOU EARN THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD?
There is no examination or competition to win. Young people enrol, select activities and commit to completing the required sections.
They must maintain their participation over the required period and provide evidence of their progress. Assessors then confirm that the requirements have been met.
There is also no fixed annual number of recipients. Anyone who meets the requirements can earn an Award.
Cameron had already achieved Bronze and was working towards Gold. Her journey was unfinished, but the programme has now honoured the commitment she had already shown.