What is Gaisce?
Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Youth Award. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, to encourage young people to realise their potential through a proven Positive Youth Development Programme that provides structure, support, and certification for non-formal learning experiences for young people aged 14 to 25. The Award inspires young people to flourish through challenge, engage with their communities, build self-belief and skills, embrace adventure and wellbeing, and be recognised for their achievements.
The Gaisce programme has three progressive Award Levels -Bronze, Silver, and Gold. For each Award, participants must undertake Challenge Area activities including Personal Skill, Community Involvement, Physical Recreation, and an Adventure Journey, with each Award level requiring a greater level of time and commitment. The Award is non-competitive and is led by each participant’s own choices and initiative.
Where does Gaisce take place?
The Gaisce programme is delivered nationally by President’s Award Leaders (PALs) in Gaisce Award Partner (GAP) organisations including secondary schools, third level institutions, second-chance and further education services, youth services, disability organisations, sporting organisations, uniformed organisations, youth justice, prison and probation services, organisations working with young refugees and asylum seekers, and more.
Our History
Gaisce – The President’s Award was established in 1985 to mark the UN’s International Year of Youth and was launched in Áras an Uachtaráin by President, Dr. Patrick J. Hillery, Gaisce’s founding patron. Since then, the patronage has passed from President to President, reflecting a shared and enduring commitment to recognising and supporting young people.
In 1999, aligned with the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement, the Joint Award Initiative (JAI) was established. The JAI is a unique partnership between Gaisce – The President’s Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which offers young people in Northern Ireland a choice of certification for their Award achievement – they can choose to receive a Gaisce – The President’s Award, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or an International Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold Award levels.
Our Vision
Empower all young people to answer the President’s call to realise their potential.
Our Purpose
Deliver a positive and flexible youth development programme accessible to every young person aged 14-25.
Our Mission
Deliver Ireland’s National Youth Award by inspiring young people to flourish through challenge, engage with their communities, build self-belief and skills, embrace adventure and wellbeing, and be recognised for their achievements.
