- 2024 saw record levels of participation in the national youth award, with the highest ever number of registrations (26,737) and Award completions (15,621), through a record 792 delivery partners.
- Of the Awardees, 2,015 availed of the SUAS Bursary Fund, which enables access for young people facing barriers to participation, including those from disability services, special schools, DEIS schools, youth diversion and youth probation, detention and other hard to reach youth settings.
- Young people carried out over 347,000 community volunteer hours through the Award programme
We are proud to share that a record number of young people across Ireland participated in and completed their Gaisce Award last year, as highlighted in our 2024 Impact Report, which was launched today.
In 2024, 15,621 young people across the island of Ireland received a Gaisce Award, including 73 Gold Medal Awardees. We also recorded our highest number of registrations, with participation supported by over 792 delivery partners across schools, DEIS schools, youth services, third level institutions, disability services, youth diversion and youth probation services, and detention facilities. Together, young people completed more than 347,000 hours of community volunteering.
Commenting on the Impact Report, our CEO, Avril Ryan, said:
“We’re extremely proud that 2024 saw record participation in the Gaisce Award – with the highest ever number of Award starts and completions. This increased undertaking of the Award demonstrates the Award outcomes, experiences and recognition are highly valued. Every young person who takes part is making a positive impact on their community through voluntary effort, while also building confidence and resilience that support their personal development. At a time when society needs the skills, creativity and determination of young people more than ever, the Award helps them realise their potential and explore new possibilities for their future and the world around them.
“As an organisation, we have continued to prioritise Award access and inclusion – a record 62% of DEIS schools are now offering the programme, while 2,015 young people were supported through the programme via the SUAS Bursary Fund, which was established to remove barriers to participation. Access to the programme also continued to grow across disability services, with 244 young people from disability services completing their Gaisce Award last year.
“I also want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of each of the 1,301 President Award Leaders (PALs), whose give so much of their time to guide young people on the Award journey through every stage. Their dedication and belief in the capacity and promise of young people is crucial in supporting their growth and achievements, ensuring every young person has the best chance to thrive.”
Our Council Chair, Áine Kerr, said:
“It’s fantastic to see that Gaisce – now in its 40th year – is continuing to encourage and support young people in record numbers. The continued growth in participation is a testament to the young people of Ireland’s commitment to playing a positive role in their communities and challenging themselves to reach their full potential.
“I also want to take the opportunity to thank President Michael D Higgins for inspiring so many young people during his time as President and Award patron. We are extremely grateful for his engagement and support over the past fourteen years and look forward to working with his successor to continue to motivate Ireland’s young people to become active citizens.”
Highlights from 2024 include:
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‘Breath of Fresh Éire’, a street art project that facilitated conversations between Gardaí and the youth of Oberstown Children Detention Campus through workshops, culminating in a mural now displayed at the Garda Station in Balbriggan.
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The PAL Appreciation Awards, hosted at Farmleigh House, which celebrated the commitment of PALs across Ireland. We recognised 24 PALs who have supported young people for more than five years, as well as retiring PALs and those who mentored Gold Awardees in 2023.
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A series of celebration events in Hillsborough, Armagh, and Belfast marking 25 years of the Joint Award Initiative, which gives young people in the North of Ireland the choice of receiving a Gaisce – The President’s Award Certificate, a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Certificate, or a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Certificate.