Adventure at its Peak: DEA’s Successful Trek to Sandakphu

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DEA) is a prestigious program designed to help young people develop skills, confidence, and resilience. Founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956, the award offers challenges in four main areas: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Expedition. The highest level, the Gold Award, also includes a Residential Project. This program encourages participants to set goals and push their limits, promoting personal growth and leadership.

On June 11th, 2022, 20 DEA Gold Awardees from the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) celebrated a major achievement by completing an adventurous trek to Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, standing at about 12,500 feet. They hiked a total of 53 km over two days, reaching the summit on June 11th.

This trek was an important part of their Gold Award challenge and was organized by the DEA in collaboration with the ULAB Adventure Club. It provided a valuable opportunity for the students to test their endurance, teamwork, and determination, embodying the spirit of the DEA program.