Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people between the ages of 15-25, which is proven to enhance confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical, community and team challenges. It is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to all young people to dream big and realise their potential.
Here in UCT we offer students the opportunity to participate in the President’s Award in Transition Year, Fifth Year and Sixth Year. We guide students along their Bronze and/or Silver journey in choosing their personal skill, physical recreation and community involvement activities. We also organise an Adventure Journey – which we usually undertake with an overnight visit to Birr Outdoor Education Centre and an exciting hike in the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
We have one of the biggest groups participating in the Award in Irish Schools. We are deeply committed to award and believe it forms mutually beneficial relationships between the participants and members of the wider community. It fosters within the students a sense of commitment and it instils within them valuable life lessons.