The President’s Award is a three-tiered personal development programme for young people aged 15 – 25.
The Award programme was established in 1985, International Youth Year, and launched in Áras an Uachtaráin by the President, Dr. Patrick J. Hillery who was the Award’s founding patron.Initially the Award was piloted in five areas; Monaghan, Galway, Kilkenny, Cork City and North Dublin with 300 participants. In 1988 the Award was extended to the 26 counties with almost 3,000 participants. Currently there are over 20,000 new applicants to the Award programme each year.
Participation in the Award provides an opportunity to grow and develop with the assistance and support of a President’s Award Leader (PAL) during that vital transition period from young person to young adult. In embarking on the Award, the PAL works with the participant to select their activities and their goals for each. As the participant progresses with the activities, the PAL supports and mentors the participants and helps them overcome any obstacles.
Students are given the opportunity to challenge for the Bronze Medal Gaisce Award in Transition Year. The Bronze Medal takes a minimum of 26 weeks. If all requirements of the challenge are completed by pupils they will receive a medal and certificate from the Gaisce Award Scheme and are then entitled to pursue the Silver or gold medals in the future.
Contact Miss Lynch if you require further information on Gaisce.