Edward's African tour

Oct 12, 2006, 14:56 GMT

Britain's Prince Edward is touring Africa to promote an award for young people.

The prince will spend twelve days in the continent to show his support for the International Award for Young People - a branch of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

The award is a self-development programme which teaches teenagers vital life skills to help them make a difference to their communities.

To date, more than six million young people from 110 countries have undertaken a variety of voluntary and challenging activities.

Current projects include helping street children in India and rehabilitating young offenders in South Africa.

The prince has spent the last two days in the Seychelles and Mauritius attending youth events.

Edward's wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, will today (12.10.06) join him for a five-day tour of South Africa. Tonight the royal couple will attend a dinner given by the British High Commissioner in Johannesburg.

During his stay in South Africa, Edward will visit the Red Cross Children's Hospital and the Aids project in Cape Town.

(C) BANG Media International