About Gaisce
Gaisce or ‘great achievement’ is a self-development programme for young people between the ages of 15-25 and has been in existence since 1985. The Awards initially flourished under the patronage of former President Patrick. J Hillery and to date and have been carried by incoming President’s. To date over 300,000 young people have participated in the Gaisce programme. At Gaisce our main aim is to ensure we have a programme which fits the needs of every young person who wishes to participate in the Gaisce programme and to give each participant the best possible opportunity to do so. We believe in the ability and resilience of young people and through the Gaisce programme we want them to nurture that ability and to realise their full potential.
Gaisce is driven and motivated to follow and adhere to core values set out by its staff and council members. We are committed to ensuring these core values are embedded across all areas of our work, and in our practice and processes.
Gaisce is focused on, and driven by, the following core values:
Empowerment
Making a difference, effecting change and enabling young people to shape their own path to self-discovery.
Inclusion & Equality
Every person has the opportunity to grow their potential through equality of access, participation and outcomes.
Respect
Valuing people equally, recognising diversity, and ensuring everyone is treated with dignity.
Excellence
Making an impact through pursuing the highest standards, operating with integrity and in a transparent manner.
Gaisce is committed to a planned and systematic approach to living our core values. This will be achieved by applying our values to the various operations and engagements of our programme, both within the organisation and with outside stakeholders and partners. To find out more about Gaisce and to start your journey to self-discovery click HERE.
BRONZE AWARD
Four Key Challenge Areas
1. Community Involvement
Community Involvement is all about making a difference to other people’s lives. Everyone is unique and has something they can contribute to make their community a better place. It feels good to help, its fun, and you often make new friends too!
2. Personal Skill
Personal Skill gives you the change to develop a new skill or interests. Working on a particular skill helps to boost your self esteem, develop other practical and social skills, and learn how to set and rise to a challenge.
3. Physical Recreation
Physical Recreation is about becoming physically stronger and improving fitness. Getting moving is a sure way to make you feel healthier, think better, and live longer. You don’t need to be super fit or have participated in any physical activity before — just try it out!
4. Adventure Journey
Plan, prepare and undertake an Adventure Journey over a number of days and nights in a group as part of an expedition or exploration journey. Not only is the trip incredibly fun, it’s a great way of spending time with friends!
The application fee for the Bronze Award is €15
GAISCE FACT
With exception to the Adventure Journey, each challenge area requires a minimum participation of 1 hour per week for 13 weeks. The Adventure Journey takes place over a minimum of 2 days and 1 night.
An additional 13 weeks must be completed in one challenge area of your choice. This could be an activity you really enjoyed, or an activity in which you feel you still have room for improvement. As a result, it will take at least 26 weeks to complete your Bronze Award, however everyone is free to complete the award at their own pace.