143 students from El Limonar International School in Villamartín (San Miguel de Salinas) and Murcia have accepted the challenge of developing their leadership and personal skills as part of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE), which is still having an impact in the Vega Baja and Murcia region.

This programme, which was started in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has revolutionised youth education by providing participants with a special chance for development and success through challenges that extend beyond the classroom.

The DofE is divided into four primary sections: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills, and Expedition. At the Gold level, there is also a residency portion. It is intended for young people from all over the world who are between the ages of 14 and 24.

Fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and teamwork—all essential for the academic setting and the workplace of the future—is the aim.

A life-changing event

While the majority choose extracurricular activities, some students actively participate in the volunteer programme at school by serving on the student council, helping out in the classroom, and creating other community projects.

There are countless choices available, such as students volunteering to walk dogs and even horses on a local farm or to care for the elderly.

Thankfully for their neighbours, some people are dedicated to maintaining the neighbourhood where they live, whether it’s by collecting trash and separating it for recycling or helping to water and prune plants.

Some students have chosen to learn how to play chess, write for the school newspaper, cook, or even learn a new language under the Skills area. One noteworthy instance is when a student learnt the fundamentals of Greek in just one year.

Participants engaged in activities including football, windsurfing, cycling, athletics and skiing as part of the physical activity category. The “Jump off the couch and run 5 km” challenge offered a healthy and inspiring substitute for individuals who are less motivated to exercise.

One of the programme’s biggest problems has been expeditions. Some students have even finished four journeys despite their difficulty, citing the collaboration and camping experience as their most beneficial features.

Recognition on a global scale

Employers and universities place a high value on the DofE International Programme, which is available in more than 130 countries and offers both academic and personal challenges.

In reality, obtaining a Gold Award is regarded by certain UK institutions as being on par with an academic degree, which makes it easier to access prospects for further study and employment.

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which offers much more than just a certificate—a strong foundation for their future—has made a name for itself as a life-changing educational experience for young people in the Vega Baja and Murcia regions because to its high standards and dedication.

“This award represents an exceptional opportunity for our students to develop resilience, leadership, and a spirit of adventure beyond the classroom,” said Jon Wayth, Director of ELIS Villamartín. We are honoured to accompany them on this trip because we know it will make them more self-assured, competent, and compassionate people.

As part of their investigation into the sexual assault of a child alleged during the recent Fallas festival, the National Police have taken two minors into custody in the town of Gandia.

The Valencian Community Police Headquarters reports that the arrests were made last Friday, 21st March, and that the attack happened early on March 16th.

According to the same sources, the police investigation is still ongoing, so more arrests are not out of the question.

The Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office was presented with the accused sexual assaulters.

Five Spanish and Swiss males, ages 25 to 47, were apprehended illegally working on a marijuana farm in a San Vicente del Raspeig neighbourhood and were subsequently placed under remand in custody.

Following the detection of odours in late 2024, the Civil Guard said that an operation made possible by public cooperation resulted in the seizure of 6.5 kilogrammes of hashish, 1.5 kilogrammes of marijuana buds, 482 marijuana plants, four vehicles, €2,000, two fake handguns, and technological equipment.

Operation ‘Alrrebo25’ has taken down a criminal organisation that specialises in the production and sale of drugs on a global scale.

The grid had put in place a complex scheduling system to shift high use to nighttime hours because it was wasting electricity at a rate equal to 20 residences operating at full capacity.