Ambitious students across Donegal celebrated Lá Gaisce this week as they continue to pursue the President’s awards throughout the pandemic.
More than 600 young people in Donegal are completing tasks this year to gain the Gaisce – The President’s Award at Bronze, Silver and Gold level.
Local schools marked ‘Lá Gaisce’ on Wednesday by running local award ceremonies for those who have completed their Bronze and Silver medals.
This year’s theme for the President’s Award is calling on adults to ‘stand with young people’ as society responds to lockdown Level 5.
Royal and Prior Secondary School celebrated Lá Gaisce this week.
The President’s Award leader in Royal and Prior Secondary School, teacher Kathy-Ann Gibson said of the importance of Gaisce: “The President’s Award is undertaken by our TY students. Through this award students are encouraged to become independent learners, develop an altruistic approach and demonstrate commitment. Not only are skills developed but students report feeling more confident and site a tremendous sense of pride upon completion- A must for TY students!
“Lá Gaisce is an opportunity to celebrate the effort and achievement of all Gaisce participants, past and present, and to acknowledge the social impact of their active citizenship. It is a non-competitive Awards programme – young people can take their own time to proceed with challenges and show commitment and resilience in order to receive their Award.”
Celebrating Gaisce – The President’s Award’s 35th year, Yvonne McKenna CEO says: “Established 35 years ago as Ireland’s national youth award and the nation’s highest recognition of a young person’s initiative, achievement and voluntary contribution, Gaisce – The President’s Award is a treasured and celebrated rite of passage for young people in Ireland. Through Gaisce, young people explore what interests them about the world and how to play an active role in shaping it. While many things have been interrupted for young people during the pandemic, their Gaisce journey has remained.”