www.gaisce.ie
Gaisce - The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people aged 14 - 25 which has been proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential.
Gaisce Awards are non-competitive and self-directed: participants choose their own activities, goals and projects with the support of their President’s Award Leader (PAL). There are more than 1,000 President’s Award Leaders working or volunteering in a variety of organisations all across Ireland, supporting and mentoring Gaisce participants.
Gaisce was established in 1985 – the UN International Year of Youth – as the national youth award and Ireland’s highest recognition of a young person’s achievement and voluntary contribution. To date, more than a quarter of a million young people have achieved their Gaisce Award. And counting …
There are three different levels of Gaisce Awards - Bronze, Silver & Gold. Today more than 20,000 young people under 26 register to pursue their own Gaisce Award journey annually.
“Gaisce is driven by a commitment to a better society, by the enthusiasm, ability and resilience of young people. Through the Gaisce programme, young people are encouraged and guided so that their innate talents and abilities, as well as their sense of citizenship and social agency, can be realised to their full potential” President Michael D. Higgins, 2021
Gaisce is focused on, and driven by, the following core values:
Empowerment
Making a difference, effecting change and enabling young people to shape their own path to self-discovery.
Inclusion & Equality
Every person has the opportunity to grow their potential through equality of access, participation and outcomes.
Respect
Valuing people equally, recognising diversity, and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity.
Excellence
Making an impact through pursuing the highest standards, operating with integrity and in a transparent manner.