Frequently asked questions
What is the Joint Award Initiative?
The Award is the world’s leading youth achievement Award which gives 14-24 year olds the opportunity to be the best they can be.
There are three progressive levels of programmes, which when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.
Gaisce – The President’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award work in partnership through the Joint Award Initiative (JAI) to offer Award participants in Northern Ireland a choice of recognition for their achievements. They can choose a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a Gaisce – The President’s Award or a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Certificate.
I live in Northern Ireland. Can I do The President's Award?
In Northern Ireland the programme is administered by the The DofE/JAI office. Gaisce – The President’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award work in partnership through the Joint Award Initiative (JAI) to offer Award participants in Northern Ireland a choice of recognition for their achievements. They can choose a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a Gaisce – The President’s Award or a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Certificate.
When you have completed all sections of your programme just let your Leader know which certificate you would like to receive.
I live in Dublin. Can I do The Duke of Edinburgh's Award?
In the Republic of Ireland the programme available is Gaisce – The President’s Award and only Gaisce – The President’s Award certification is available.
Can I have both a President's Award and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Certificate?
This is not permitted by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. However, you do not need to select which certificate you want to receive until you have completed all sections of your programme.
If I opt to have a Gaisce - The President's Award Certificate can I have it presented?
Gold Gaisce – The President’s Award Certificates are usually presented in Dublin Castle by The President of Ireland, Uachtarán na hÉireann. At Bronze and Silver levels you can opt to attend a Joint Award Initiative presentation. The venues for these move on each occasion.
Does The President, Uachtarán na hÉireann, present Award Certificates?
The President of Ireland, Uachtarán na hÉireann, usually presents Gold Gaisce – The President’s Award Certificates in Dublin.
Where are Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award Certificates presented?
HRH The Earl of Wessex attends every Gold Award Presentation. Once you have completed all sections of your programme you can select where you would like your presentation to take place. The choice is Northern Ireland, usually Hillsborough Castle, Scotland, usually the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or London – usually St James’s Palace.
Where are Gold Gaisce - The President's Award Certificates presented?
Gold Gaisce – The President’s Award Certificates are usually presented in Dublin Castle by The President of Ireland, Uachtarán na hÉireann.
