Robert Hornyold-Strickland (left) presenting the sponsorship cheque to Charles Cilia, Chairman of the President’s Award Malta 

A donation of €500 was presented to Charles Cilia, Chairman of the President’s Award Malta, by Robert Hornyold-Strickland at his home at Villa Parisio, Lija last week.

Strickland commented that, as his own daughter Zoe (21), had taken so much inspiration from her own Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold challenge in the UK, he was keen to support the excellent initiatives being promoted in Malta as the President’s Award introduces young people to exciting, positive challenges to undertake in their free time.

“The young need to burn off energy by being active and there is no better way to do this then by setting personal goals and challenges that will give you a lifelong sense of achievement. In making this small donation I hope that anyone wondering whether to take part in the programme, will take their first step, knowing they will find encouragement and friendship all along the way,” Strickland added.

Hearing stories of Zoe’s own adventurous journey across Dartmoor with her group of school friends in the pouring rain made Strickland realise how much of a personal challenge the award was.  Strickland added: “The Gold DOE Award taught my daughter about basic survival, preparation, self reliance and working closely with your mates in orienteering yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.”

“Seeing Zoe then proudly clutching her Gold Medal made me realise how lucky she was to have taken up the challenge. I hope to follow many other children’s stories in their personal missions on the President’s Award ventures here in Malta.”