In Irish universities, the Award (Gaisce) is making a big difference to students and to institutions themselves.
“Gaisce – The President’s Award - is the most prestigious Award for young people in Ireland and is well respected internationally, says Student Development Co-ordinator Aidan Healy.
“We looked at how we could encourage learning outside the classroom and how we could engage with the community around us,” he explains.
“I had done the Award myself and thought it would be a great way to get students interested in activities outside the classroom. The fact that the Award is already set up nationwide was also a benefit to us, as with limited resources starting from scratch could have taken us a long time. It made sense for us to link up with a programme that is already well established and geared up to supporting those who wish to run it. Anyone at the university can oversee the process, from academics to support staff."
Students completing the Award at the University are also attracting publicity.
“The Award is generating positive publicity for the University and its students. There are times when the media can only focus on negative stories about student behaviour. Having positive coverage about students who are involved in good causes helps to change people’s attitudes and, therefore, build better relations in the community.”
In India, the Award is being used to engage students more with society, and to help build their skills for life. An Open Award Centre has been set up specifically for university students to focus on skills development and vocational training. The Centre offers students a programme for mass media, communication, visual arts and other skills. This Centre will bring together 10,000 students from independent colleges in New Delhi to complete the Award, individuals who would have previously been disengaged with society.
The International Award: A positive learning experience
At Egerton University, located in Njoro 200 km from Nairobi, the Award is helping young people make a difference in their communities. Award participants are teaching in primary and secondary schools, providing information on HIV/AIDS and taking part in outreach work to support parents. They are also fundraising to help send three children from primary schools they’ve visited on to secondary education.
“Participating in the Award Programme has been a powerful experience. Since joining the Programme, campus life has been fun and organized. It has instilled discipline and motivation to studies and other activities. There is the joy of participating in an activity and achieving what you set,” explains John Paul Kibet, Award holder and Unit Leader at Egerton University.
“Though some things are not fun, the spirit of perseverance developed after attending expeditions and physical recreation comes in handy. More still, becoming an Award Leader and seeing participants through the programme feels comforting. It gives one the opportunity to pass on the knowledge to someone else. I cannot tell how I would be if I did not join the Award, but I bet it would not have been as good as now”
Good citizens
In Australia, institutions can see the value the Award brings to their students, their institution and to their community.
“The activities that Deakin students undertake to obtain their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, will enhance, enrich and supplement the graduate attributes that students gain during their course of study,” explain Andrew Giles, Executive Officer to the Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University and David Essex, Director of Student Life, Deakin University.
“Deakin University is keen to ensure that all Deakin students maximise their opportunities to participate in programs of activities that will enrich their educational experience and enhance their graduate attributes – the Gold Award is such a programme.”
To find out more about the Award and how you can take part as a student or an institution, contact
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