and Fitness. Hahn’s ideas were considered progressive at the time, but today they remain as relevant as ever to young people living in a complex modern society. His theories were based on his belief in the British school system, his research on the teaching methods of the Greek philosopher Plato, and later, on his personal experience as a school principal. Specifically, his reading of Plato taught Hahn that education should bring about the balanced development of all human elements, in terms of body, mind, and soul. Thus, his vision was to provide a programme for personal development that would complete and broaden education. This end is achieved through the four Sections of the Programme: Service, Adventurous Journey, Physical Recreation and Skills. Hahn believed that the Award Programme would offer its participants a chance to realize their personality and their abilities - something that he considered to be a necessary step in the self-development of youth. He saw the Award Programme as a tool through which young people are encouraged to explore new areas and to discover new talents within and by themselves. A Programme for everyone The founder of the Programme, the Duke of Edinburgh, believed that every young person, anywhere around the world, at the right age, has the potential to participate in the Award and to complete the Levels successfully. A mental or physical ability or social circumstances should not be an obstacle. That is why the Programme is equally open to all. The criteria of Award receipt, after successful completion of one of the Levels, are individual effort and self-improvement. Progress is measured only against one's personal capabilities and objectives; meaning, this is a non-competitive program of individual challenge. The Award Programme can be adjusted so it would match individual discrepancies in abilities, focus of interests and life circumstances. As a result, the Programme provides a special opportunity for young people with special needs to be equal in rights and mandates, next to their healthy peers. Perhaps this principle of universality is the most important factor in the immense success of the International Award Programme all across the world. One should note that the basic structure and the philosophy of the Award Programme has not changed since its inception in 1956. Only specific details within the frame were modified, naturally due to the accumulated experience and for the purpose of maintaining the relevance of the Programme, in