Be The Arrow Now Open for Registrations
This May, we’re inviting the entire nation to take on a challenge with purpose.
For 40 years as Ireland’s National Youth Award, Gaisce has had a transformative impact on the personal development of young people in Ireland, instilling a sense of purpose, recognising achievement, fostering confidence and encouraging young people to reach their full potential. Since 1985, 520,000 young people have participated in the Award, and now you have the chance to get involved too with our special anniversary challenge.
Why ‘Be The Arrow’?
The 40th anniversary challenge theme takes inspiration from President Michael D. Higgins, who in his inaugural speech in 2011 encouraged young people to “be the arrow, not the target.” Now, we’re inviting everyone young and old, past and present Gaisce recipients to live that message.
Whether you did Gaisce in the past, always meant to, or are hearing about it for the first time, the Be The Arrow challenge is for you. It’s completely free to take part.
Choose Your Challenge
Volunteering Challenge: Support a cause you care about. Join a community clean-up. Offer your time or skills to a local charity.
Physical Challenge: Walk, increase your number of workouts, take a sea swim, cycle a new distance, or set yourself a fitness goal that pushes your limits.
Skills Challenge: Learn something new: from painting to public speaking, Irish Sign Language to a foreign language, or increase your cúpla focal during May. The choice is yours.
Complete your challenge and you’ll receive a special 40th Anniversary digital Gaisce Challenge Certificate from President Michael D. Higgins.
Fundraising Option
Take your Gaisce challenge to the next level by fundraising for the Gaisce SUAS Bursary Fund, which helps young people facing marginalisation or disadvantage to access the Gaisce Award. Every €100 raised helps one young person to participate in the Gaisce Award.
Raise €100 or more, and you’ll receive an exclusive Gaisce Be The Arrow t-shirt as a thank-you for your support!
Please share this post on your socials and help us motivate the nation to answer the President’s call.
A Call to Gaisce Alumni – We Want to Hear From You
Maybe you’ve still got your Gaisce medal tucked away in a drawer. Maybe your certificate is framed in your home. This is the moment to bring them out.
We’re hearing incredible stories from alumni already. Like Susie, who earned her Gaisce Award in Donegal, and now lives in Australia. She’s taking on the Be The Arrow Challenge with her children passing the torch to the next generation. And yes, her Gaisce certificates made the move across the world with her.
Where has your Gaisce journey taken you? Share your story using #BeTheArrow and inspire others to join in.