Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme that encourages you to find your passion, get active and make a difference in your community! Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The more time and energy you give, the greater the reward! By taking part in Gaisce, you will take on exciting personal, physical and community challenges and develop new skills and new friendships. Here you’ll find everything you need to to get started, find inspiration from past participants and their adventures and keep up to date with Gaisce news! 

Here at Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown, all Transition year students have an opportunity to take part in the Bronze award. As part of this they meet with their Presidents award Leader (PAL) Ms. O’Sullivan every week. Students have to take part in activities in their own time for 13 weeks and keep one activity on for 26 weeks. The three key areas include community involvement, physical recreation, and personal skill and to complete the award students must plan and undertake a one night/2 day adventure journey at the end of the school year. Last year our students hiked in Glendalough for their overnight stay where they hiked 25km over two days. Some of these students (5th years) are now taking part in their silver award where they meet Ms. O’Sullivan weekly and take part in activities for 26weeks each.