Gaisce – The President’s Award
Gaisce – The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award for young people, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual Award programme. It is a challenge from the President of Ireland to the young people of Ireland. The Award is recognised both nationally and internationally as an indicator of motivation and hard work. By taking on the Gaisce challenge students develop new skills and friendships and a better understanding of themselves.
On completion of the Award, the participant will receive a certificate signed by the President of Ireland, a commemorative medal, and a pin badge. In Transition Year, students get the opportunity to complete the Bronze Award, with many students proceeding to do the Silver Award in 5th year. Sixty students received the Bronze Gaisce Award in May 2015.
Gaisce works on the basis of a personal challenge set by the young person. Each student sets their own challenges and agrees them with a President’s Award Leader (PAL). They won’t be competing with other participants, as each challenge is completely individual. In order for the students to qualify for these awards they must complete a minimum number of weeks in the following activities:
– Community involvement
– Personal Skill
– Physical Recreation
– Adventure Journey
Students carry out these tasks in a number of different organisations including local nursing homes, Meitheal leader programmes, sports coaching by learning first aid, taking up a musical instrument, hockey, athletics, badminton, basketball, rowing etc. The adventure journey is organised by the PAL and the students are required to complete all tasks on this trip. In the past, students have completed sections of the Comeragh Mountains whilst staying at the Rathgormack Community and Hiking Centre. The Silver participants usually cycle the Waterford Greenway on the 1st day, hike from the Nire to Rathgormack over the Gap on the 2nd day and climb in the Comeraghs over Clonmel on the 3rd day. The PALS at Scoil Mhuire are Ms Finola Foley, Ms Mary Greene and Mr Pat Tobin.
For more information click here: www.gaisce.ie
Scoil Mhuire Carrick on Suir
Scoil Mhuire is a Christian, caring community which encourages the integrated development of every individual concerned
Greenhill, Carrick on Suir, Co. Tipperary, Ireland
Phone: 051-640383 l Email: greenhill@scoilmhuirecos.ie