03/09/2026
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S INTERNATIONAL AWARD - GIBRALTAR
Award Operator Licence
The Board of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Gibraltar is pleased to announce that it has issued an Operating Licence to the Gibraltar Youth Service (GYS).
The Operating Licence is granted to organisations wishing to deliver the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and helps ensure the continuity and sustainability of the Award, as well as ensuring a common set of delivery and quality standards across the globe; encompassing the Fundamental and Operational Principles of the Award, to be adhered to by any organisation wishing to deliver the Award to young people.
Over the course of the last few months, the National Director Michael Pizzarello has been working with the senior management team of the Gibraltar Youth Service in order for them to undergo the validation process. This involved reviewing their documented policies and procedures to ensure they meet the Award’s requirements which then led to the issue of the formal licence.
National Director of the Award, Michael Pizzarello, said: “This is an exciting time for the Award in Gibraltar as we develop more opportunities for participants to undertake their activities. Having GYS take on the role of Award Operator increases the access by young people to the Award.”
In the coming weeks adults engaged by GYS will undergo training on the Award to then facilitate their delivery of the Award to young people.
Dale Cruz, Chairman of the Award in Gibraltar, said “I am delighted to welcome the Gibraltar Youth Service as a licensed Award Operator. This marks an important step in the continued growth and development of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Gibraltar and reflects our commitment to making the Award accessible to as many young people as possible. By working in partnership with the Gibraltar Youth Service, we can further expand opportunities for young people to participate in this internationally recognised programme and benefit from the life-changing experiences it offers.
I would like to thank the Gibraltar Youth Service, its management team, and our National Director, Michael Pizzarello, for their dedication and collaboration throughout the licensing process. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on future generations of young people in Gibraltar.”
Minister for Youth, the Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, said: “I am delighted that the Gibraltar Youth Service has become a licensed operator of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. This partnership will make the Award more accessible, giving young people further opportunities to challenge themselves, develop new skills and build confidence. I look forward to seeing our young people embrace everything the Award has to offer.”
For over sixty years, millions of young people across the globe have participated and received Awards, with millions more benefiting from its impact on communities around the world. Through non-formal education, the Award can play a critical role in a young person’s personal development and is achievable by any young person who wants to accept the challenge.
The Award gives young people, aged 14 to 24, the opportunity to experience challenges and adventures, acquire new skills and make new friends. Young people who do the Award become more confident and resilient, and develop skills in areas such as communication, problem solving and leadership. This in turn impacts on their communities, who see improvements in areas including employability, health and well-being, and educational attainment. The Award aims to help young people become via non-formal education.
For more information about how an organisation might become an Award Operator, or for more information about the Award in Gibraltar, please contact the National Director, Michael Pizzarello on 20051971 or email [email protected] The Award is an exciting youth development programme open to young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Check us out on www.thedukes.gi
