President Türk presents MEPI Gold Awards

Ljubljana, 22.11.2010  |  press release

The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Danilo Türk, today attended the MEPI (International Award for Young People) Gold Awards presentation ceremony. In his address, Dr Türk stressed that the International Award for Young People is one of the most comprehensive programmes, which enables young people to develop various skills and abilities in sport, culture, research and, in particular, the humanitarian field. According to President Türk, it successfully combines intellectual and practical daily activities in a non-competitive way and encourages linking and networking between different organisations.

President Türk said that growing up is a period that plays one of the most important roles in shaping a personality. As he explained, this is a period in which we form our personality and self-esteem and embrace essential values that guide our lives. President Türk emphasised that the MEPI programme has won recognition in many countries as a programme offering young people the opportunity to participate and get involved in charitable and social initiatives.

Young people who participate in the MEPI programme acquire significant experience – they test their management abilities, learn about the benefits of teamwork, develop their self-initiative, persistence and determination. On behalf of young people, President Türk thanked the initiator of the programme, the Duke of Edinburgh, for this excellent idea and the programme, which is followed by a constantly increasing number of the young. He also thanked the teachers, parents and supporters of the programme, whose contributions help young people become responsible, successful and fulfilled adults.

President Türk presented the MEPI Golden Awards to 45 students, who this year came from ©kofja Loka Grammar School, Dom¾ale Grammar School, Kranj School Centre for Technical Sciences, Kranj Grammar School and the Diocesan Classical Gymnasium in Ljubljana. He congratulated all the Gold Award recipients and stressed that they could be proud of themselves and the achievements, knowledge and skills acquired through this programme.