Offaly youths represent the county at President's Award launch

Two Offaly teenagers represented the county as Gaisce Youth Ambassadors at the recent launch of a new Strategic Plan (2026 to 2030) for the Gaisce – President's Award.

Kilcormac's Eoin Moylan and Caitlin Curley from Banagher were among a large attendance at the event held at Ratra House, Phoenix Park, Dublin, joining the Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton, members of Gaisce's council and numerous other Gaisce youth ambbassadors from around the country.

The new Strategic Plan, titled 'Youth Ready To Dream, Dare, Do', is designed to highlight Gaisce's commitment to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential and make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others through the Gaisce Award.

According to Gaisce, for over 40 years it has given young people the chance to shine by challenging them to discover and develop their potential through a structured and progressive non-formal learning programme.

“Following a period of increased awareness and greater participation, we are proud to set out our vision and ambition for Gaisce over the next five years that will continue to emphasise the relevancy and value of the award experience where, more than ever, young people need the skills, resilience, leadership and confidence to navigate a world responding to so much change, both positive and negative,” said Gaisce chairperson Aine Kerr.

“The award serves as a beacon for young people to structure their own journey towards finding positive pathways, building lifelong skills, friendships and knowledge and making their mark as changemakers through their award achievements and contributions,” she added.

According to Gaisce, the new strategy echoes the ambition of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting a commitment to leave no young person behind who wishes to take on the President of Ireland’s challenge.

We are committed to ensuring that every young person can see themselves in the award, that every young person in Ireland can be part of the Gaisce story, and that every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential and make a positive difference in their own lives and the lives of others through their award,” said Ms Kerr.

Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s national youth award and a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, to encourage young people to realise their potential through a proven Positive Youth Development Programme that provides structure, support, and certification for non-formal learning experiences for young people aged 14 to 25.

The Gaisce programme has three progressive award levels - bronze, silver, and Ggld. For each award, participants must undertake challenging activities including personal skill, community involvement, physical recreation, and an adventure journey, with each award level requiring a greater level of time and commitment. The award is non-competitive and led by each participant’s own choices and initiative