A record number of young people across Ireland participated in and completed their Gaisce Award last year, according to the organisation’s 2024 Impact Report, which was launched today.
Gaisce – The President’s Award’s 2024 Impact report highlighted record levels of participation last year, with 15,621 young people across the island of Ireland receiving a Gaisce Award, including 73 Gold Medal Awardees. There was also a record number of registrations, with participation supported by over 792 delivery partners, across schools, DEIS schools, youth services, third level, disability services, youth diversion and youth probation services, and detention facilities. Young people involved in the programme completed over 347,000 hours of combined community volunteering.
Commenting on the Impact Report, Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award said: “We’re extremely proud that 2024 saw record participation in the Gaisce Award – with the highest ever number of Award starts and completions. This increased undertaking of the Award demonstrates the Award outcomes, experiences and recognition are highly valued. Every young person who takes part is making a positive impact on their community through voluntary effort, while also building confidence and resilience that support their personal development. At a time when society needs the skills, creativity and determination of young people more than ever, the Award helps them realise their potential and explore new possibilities for their future and the world around them’
“As an organisation, we have continued to prioritise Award access and inclusion – a record 62% of DEIS schools are now offering the programme, while 2,015 young people were supported through the programme via the SUAS Bursary Fund, which was established to remove barriers to participation. Access to the programme also continued to grow across disability services, with 244 young people from disability services completing their Gaisce Award last year.
“I also want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of each of the 1,301 President Award Leaders (PALs), whose give so much of their time to guide young people on the Award journey through every stage. Their dedication and belief in the capacity and promise of young people is crucial in supporting their growth and achievements, ensuring every young person has the best chance to thrive.’
Áine Kerr, Chair of the Gaisce Council said: “It’s fantastic to see that Gaisce – now in its 40th year – is continuing to encourage and support young people in record numbers. The continued growth in participation is a testament to the young people of Ireland’s commitment to playing a positive role in their communities and challenging themselves to reach their full potential.
“I also want to take the opportunity to thank President Michael D Higgins for inspiring so many young people during his time as President and Award patron. We are extremely grateful for his engagement and support over the past fourteen years and look forward to working with his successor to continue to motivate Ireland’s young people to become active citizens.”
Some highlights from Gaisce – The President’s Award in 2024 include:
- ‘Breath of Fresh Éire’, a street art project which facilitated conversation between Gardaí and the youth of Oberstown Children Detention Campus via a series of artistic workshops, culminating in the creation of a mural, which is displayed at the Garda Station in Balbriggan. The project helped to foster a sense of understanding and connection between the young people, An Garda Síochána, and the wider Balbriggan community.
- The 2024 PAL Appreciation Awards, hosted at the historic Farmleigh House, which celebrated the unwavering commitment of PALs across Ireland. The event recognised PALs who have supported young people in achieving their Gaisce Awards for over five years, as well as retiring PALs and those who mentored Gold Awardees in 2023.
- A series of celebration events in Hillsborough, Armagh, and Belfast to mark 25 years of the Joint Award Initiative. The JAI offers young people in the North of Ireland who complete the Award programme the choice between a Gaisce –The President’s Award Certificate, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Certificate, or a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Certificate.