Young people in Dublin feel more connected to their communities through Gaisce

Gaisce – The President’s Award helps young people feel more connected to their communities (90%) while instilling them with a sense of purpose (89%). This is according to a new survey of over 1,000 Gaisce Awardees. 

The findings, which come at a time when young people report growing rates of loneliness across the EU, and as Growing Up in Ireland research continues to highlight the importance of connection, belonging and community to young people’s wellbeing.

The results reinforce the positive role Gaisce can play in supporting young people’s personal development, confidence and sense of belonging.

The research was published alongside the organisation’s 2025 annual report, which shows that a record 29,299 young people registered for the Award during the year, with 17,641 young people completing their Gaisce Award – the highest number in the organisation’s 40-year history. Participants contributed more than 423,000 hours of volunteering in communities across Ireland.

Respondents also reported that achieving their Award made them more confident (80%) and supported them in developing lifelong skills (90%), with half of respondents saying they expect to use skills developed through Gaisce to support their future careers, underlining the Award’s lasting impact beyond school and into further education and employment.

Nine in ten participants said the Award encouraged them to be more active, and 87% saying it motivated them to stay involved in sport or physical activity.

Eimear O’Daly, Gaisce Youth Ambassador from Baldoyle, Dublin, said, “Taking part in Gaisce pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best possible way. It gave me the confidence to try new things, meet new people and become more involved in my community here in Baldoyle. Looking back now, I can see how much I grew throughout the experience.

“Being a Youth Ambassador has shown me just how many young people are capable of amazing things when they’re given the opportunity and encouragement to challenge themselves. Gaisce isn’t just about achieving an Award, it’s about building confidence, developing new skills and realising your own potential.”

Avril Ryan, CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, said “Our Annual Report demonstrates the growth and diversity of engagement with Gaisce, with more young people than ever before choosing to take part. This is hugely heartening for myself and the Gaisce team. Through the Awardee Survey, participants are telling us that the Gaisce framework is more relevant than ever, providing them with the self-belief, sense of purpose and autonomy to develop the human skills and experiences they need to be world-ready.

These findings reinforce what we observe every day among our Award participants: young people value opportunities to contribute to society, connect with others and challenge themselves. At a time when many are experiencing loneliness, uncertainty and increasing pressures, Gaisce provides a supportive space for personal growth and wellbeing, enabling participants to build confidence, strengthen relationships and play an active role in their local communities.”

Áine Kerr, Chair of Gaisce – The President’s Award, added, “This year’s record participation is a huge endorsement of Gaisce and what it offers young people across Ireland, It shows that young people continue to value experiences that challenge them, help them grow and give them the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their communities

The survey findings are a powerful reminder of the difference these opportunities can make. Whether through volunteering, learning new skills, staying physically active or stepping outside their comfort zone, Gaisce helps young people discover their potential while building stronger, more connected communities. It’s particularly encouraging to see the programme helping young people stay involved in sport and physical activity, while developing the confidence and resilience that will stay with them long after they receive their Award.

The fortieth year of the President’s Award also saw record levels of participation across the board: Award programme is now available in 81% of secondary schools across Ireland.

Participation in DEIS schools increased 21% last year, while there was a 34% increase in registrations from those in youth diversion programmes.

The fortieth year of the President’s Award also saw record levels of participation across the board, with the Award programme now available in 81% of secondary schools across Ireland.

Participation in DEIS schools increased by 21% last year, while registrations among young people in youth diversion programmes rose by 34%.

A further 91% of Awardees expressed an interest in progressing to the next level of the Award.

For more information about Gaisce – The President’s Award or how to get involved please visit: https://www.gaisce.ie/