Gaisce - The President's Award

Gaisce - The President's Award Gaisce is Ireland’s national self-development programme for young people between 14-25. Dream big! There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive, participants are encouraged to choose their own activit

ies and goals with the support of a trained, adult President’s Award Leader (or PAL). The Gaisce programme is delivered by over 1,500 PALs working and volunteering in a variety of organisations across Ireland. The more time and energy participants give, the greater their reward.

16/06/2026

What happens when someone believes in you? 💭
 
For the young people at , taking part in Gaisce has been about much more than completing an Award.
 
It’s been about discovering strengths, stepping outside comfort zones, giving back to their community and realising what’s possible when the right support is in place.
 
Listen to their stories and hear, in their own words, what the journey has meant to them 📝👏💭
 

12/06/2026

🎨✨ This month, we visited our Gold Gaisce Participants as they completed their Residential Project at the !
 
We also caught up with Gaisce PAL Kate Drinane to chat about accessibility, community, and the special partnership between Gaisce and the National Gallery.
 
A huge thank you to Kate and the NGI team for helping create meaningful experiences for young people, and best of luck to our Gold Participants as they continue their Gaisce journey. 💛
 

10/06/2026

What happens when young people are given the opportunity to grow, challenge themselves and succeed?

For the young people involved with , Gaisce has been more than an Award.

It’s been an opportunity to challenge themselves, discover new strengths, develop skills, and take pride in what they can achieve.
 
At the heart of every Gaisce journey is support, and Poppintree Youth Project creates a safe, inclusive space where young people can grow in confidence, find their voice and realise their potential. Poppintree Youth Project works with young people aged 10–25, supporting their personal, social and leadership development through community youth work.
 
In this video, staff from Poppintree Youth Project reflect on the impact of Gaisce and share what they have witnessed young people gain from the experience.
 
Their stories remind us that achievement looks different for everyone, but every young person deserves the opportunity to be recognised for it.
 

Míle Buíochas to Business Support! May has been the month of success, achievement, and completion for Gaisce participant...
08/06/2026

Míle Buíochas to Business Support!
 
May has been the month of success, achievement, and completion for Gaisce participants and staff alike! 
 
It has been a particularly busy month for our Business Support Team. They have been hard at work here in Gaisce HQ, processing and dispatching to Gaisce participants across the country during this record completion period, ensuring recipients received their Awards in time for their Award ceremonies. 
 
Their dedication and commitment help ensure that young people across Ireland are recognised for their accomplishments is commendable. 👏 
 
Sincerest thanks to thank our Business Support team for all their hard work and contributions during this busy period. None of it would have been possible without them!

🌍 World Environment Day is about the environment.. But it’s also about the future of our communities, our wellbeing, and...
05/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day is about the environment..
 
But it’s also about the future of our communities, our wellbeing, and the places we love!
 
The beaches we return to, the trails we explore, the parks where we gather, and the green spaces that help us connect, recharge and grow 🌳
 
Through volunteering, personal challenges, outdoor adventure and community action, Gaisce participants are helping to shape a positive future for themselves and those around them.
 
Creating a better future starts with taking action today! 💭
 

In celebration of World Environment Day, we’d like to give a special shout-out to one of our amazing challenge partners,...
05/06/2026

In celebration of World Environment Day, we’d like to give a special shout-out to one of our amazing challenge partners, H2O Heroes! 🌍💧

H2O Heroes is an award-winning, research-led environmental STEM initiative based at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) within the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES). It calls on young people to explore science through the lens of water quality, biodiversity, and sustainability, with volunteering as a central part of this programme.  

Excitingly, this programme is open to all Gaisce participants! Whether you’re just beginning your Gaisce Bronze journey or you are planning to undertake your Silver or Gold Award, participants can achieve their goals at all levels with the H2O Heroes initiative!

Why Join H2O Heroes?

This programme allows participants to:

❤️Engage in meaningful community action
👏Build important, transferable skills
💡Gain valuable work experience
🌊Play an active role in environmental education

Through this partnership, Gaisce Participants can make a real difference and help take care of our planet. Click the link in our bio to learn more! 🌏

🎉 Welcome to Team Gaisce! 🎉We're delighted to officially welcome two new additions to the Gaisce Communications Team – S...
03/06/2026

🎉 Welcome to Team Gaisce! 🎉

We're delighted to officially welcome two new additions to the Gaisce Communications Team – Sophie Bell, Content Creator, and Nicole Kelly, Communications Coordinator.

Both Nicole and Sophie bring a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion for youth development, communications, and storytelling. Even more special, they're both Gaisce alumni who know first-hand the impact the Award can have on young people's lives.

🌟 Nicole achieved her Gaisce Silver Award in 2017 and is currently working towards her Gold Award. With extensive experience in communications, marketing, events, and digital engagement, she brings a strong passion for youth empowerment, global citizenship, and lifelong learning.

🌟 Sophie achieved her Gaisce Gold Award in 2024 and joins us with a background spanning agriculture, media, communications, and public engagement. A proud Cavan native, she's passionate about sharing stories that inspire, connect, and empower.

As we continue to deliver on our new strategy, Youth Ready: Dream, Dare, Do (2026–2030), Sophie and Nicole will play a key role in helping us amplify the voices, achievements, and experiences of young people across Ireland.

Please join us in giving them a very warm Gaisce welcome! 👏💙

With the State Exams starting today, we’d like to wish all Gaisce participants the very best of luck. 📖This can be a ver...
03/06/2026

With the State Exams starting today, we’d like to wish all Gaisce participants the very best of luck. 📖

This can be a very stressful time for many people, so it’s important to take care of yourself. During this busy time, be sure to:

🕒Take regular breaks – Making time for breaks and relaxation is vital. Taking time for things you enjoy will help you clear your head and focus

🍌Fuel your body – Eating healthy and nourishing meals throughout exam season is important for concentration, energy, and mood. Also try to limit caffeine intake during this time, as too much can affect your mood and make you nauseous

❤️Manage expectations – Be kind to yourself. Your exams and results do not define you or your future

💤Try to get a good night’s sleep every night – Sleeping helps improve mood, energy, and concentration!

🫂Lean on others – It can be easy to feel alone at times like this. Talking with someone you trust about how you’re feeling can help ease your worries and feel seen

🎖️Reward yourself – Exams are hard and stressful. Be sure to reward yourself once you’re done. You’ve earned it!

The very best of luck, everyone. We are so proud of all the hard work and dedication it has taken to get to this moment. You are amazing! ⭐

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Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park
Dublin
8

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