Learn about the DofE program for young people in Vantaa
DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award) is an international program for young people ages 14-24 that helps participants learn new skills, try new things, and gain valuable experiences that benefit them throughout their lives.
Young people from Vantaa participated in a Silver-level expedition in summer 2026.
Read the summary
DofE (The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award) is an international program, aimed at young people ages 14–24, that offers the young the possibility of learning new skills, try new things, and accumulate new, useful experiences that will be useful throughout life. In Vantaa, youth workers support young people in participating in the program.
In the program, you:
- you will develop your skills, stay physically active, do volunteer work, and take part in an expedition
- choose your own goals and progress at your own pace
- receive support and guidance for planning and doing from a youth worker
- you can utilize a hobby you are already familiar with or try something new
- receive an internationally recognized DofE Award badge and certificate upon completing a level
- participation is free of charge.
Join the DofE program
Choose the goals that interest you and progress at your own pace with the support provided by a youth worker. The activities are free of charge for the participants. See below for program locations and contact information.
Watch a video about DofE activities in Vantaa
In the video, young people and youth workers explain what participants do in DofE and how to get involved. Subtitles are available in English.
What is DofE?
DofE, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, is a worldwide program for the young. The young participants set their own goals, choose meaningful activities, and track their progress. The program is not a competition, and no grades will be given. The focus is on personal growth, perseverance, and achieving goals.
During the program, you can utilize a hobby you are already familiar with or begin a totally new one. You can act independently, with a partner, or in a group. The expedition section is completed as a group activity.
What does the program entail?
DofE consists of four parts. Each participant creates a plan for completing the sections and evaluates their own progress. Youth workers provide support and encouragement throughout the program.
Three levels
The program consists of three levels. The minimum completion time depends on the level and whether you have previously completed a lower level.
| Level | Minimum duration | Expedition |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | six months | two days, one night |
| Silver | twelve months; six months for those who have already completed the bronze level | three days, two nights |
| Gold | eighteen months; twelve months for those who have already completed the silver level | four days, three nights; an additional project |
What will DofE give you?
- the courage to try new things and recognize your strengths
- experience in setting goals and working toward them consistently
- cooperation, interaction, and problem-solving skills
- new experiences, achievements, and opportunities to meet other young people
- the internationally recognized DofE Award badge and certificate.
The internationally recognized DofE certificate may benefit you, for example, when you are applying for a job or a study place. Most importantly, however, the program helps you learn more about yourself and the way you work and interact with others.
Attending the DofE program makes it possible for you to make new friends and give you a strong sense of being part of new communities. Working together with other young people to set and achieve goals fosters a feeling of being part of a community.
DofE in Vantaa
Vantaa adopted DofE as part of school-based youth work in Vantaa in fall 2024. The activities are organized in schools, youth services, and Swedish-language youth services. Youth workers help participants plan their goals and support them throughout the program.
First Vantaa youths completed the bronze level at the turn of 2025-2026. The participants' own ideas guide the activities, while youth workers help make goals realistic, achievable, and motivating.
This is how you join the program
Contact the youth worker at your school or in your district. You can join even if you are not yet sure what you would like to do. A youth worker will help you get started.
Where are the activities arranged?
Schools:
- Havukoski school, Selina Saari tel. 0503124500
- Kilteri school, Lotta Kuismanen, tel. 0404829241
- Koivukylä school, Niko Vekkeli, tel. 040 631 8685
- Lehtikuusi school, Hanna Kuisma tel. 0438250840
- Länsimäki school, Sonja Milvi tel. 040 569 8587
- Martinlaakson school, Kari Järvinen tel. 0403561210
Regional youth services:
- West Vantaa, Oona Rajala, tel. 040 352 4592
- Hakunila, Sonja Milvi, tel. 040 569 8587
- Aviapolis-Kivistö, Maki Kurttila, tel. 040 836 1988
- Tikkurila, Johanna Jääskeläinen, tel. 040 631 3811
- Korso-Koivukylä, Janina Puolakangas, tel. 040 486 9519
Swedish-language youth work:
- Maria Möller, tel. 0403528159
- Petra Bäcklund
More information
Arja Lehikoski
City of VantaaRead more about the DofE program online at: dofe.fi
