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I don't know if any of you have heard about Gaisce, but I for one was confused when I first heard about it, and only recently have learned what it's actually about. So, I thought I'd write a quick post to let you know what Gaisce is, what you have to do, and why you should do it.
What is it?
Gaise is a programme run all over the country and completed mainly in TY. It basically involves a bit of self-improvement and an over-night hike. There are three different levels, bronze gold and silver, and you can complete them all or finish at bronze. There are usually 1 or 2 teachers in each school that help with the programme. These are called PALs and they help get students signed up, as well as coming as supervisors on the hike. You can also complete Gaisce outside of school with another adult who has undergone the right training and vetting.
What do I have to do?
There are four categories you need to work on with Gaisce. Three of them involve continuous work, one hour each every week.
The first is community involvement, which is what it says on the tin really. You have to spend time weekly doing something that benefits a group in your community. Lots of people opt to train sports teams for this section, so if you're involved in a local team I'd suggest talking to your coach. Don't worry if you're not sporty though, as there are lots of other options, such as helping the elderly.
If you are unsure if something qualifies in this category or any other, you should ask the PAL that you are signing up with.
The second category involves developing a personal skill. This could be learning a new instrument, language or anything else your heart desires. If you don't fancy learning something new, you could always spend the hour improving a skill you already have.
The third thing is a physical skill. Whether that means taking up a new dance class, or trying to improve your long-distance running, it is the same principle as with the second category: get a new skill or develop your old one.
Each of these categories should be worked on for an hour every week, as mentioned above. After 13 weeks, you can stop two of them, but the third must be continued for 26 weeks.
The last thing you have to do is an adventure journey, which I've heard is good craic. It's basically a hike that takes place over at least two days and one night. You usually do it with your school, and you can stay in a self-catering hostel or a tent. I know which one I'd rather!
But WHY would I actually do it?
So maybe after my long spiel you know you definitely want to do Gaisce, or maybe you just reckon it's a lot of work. I can't make you do anything, but I would recommend anyone who's on the fence to go for it. Mainly I'm excited about the hike (not for the walking, just for the fun), but it's also a good excuse to explore new things, or improve old ones. And as an added bonus (at the risk of sounding cheesy) you get to help people :)
If self-improvement and helping people aren't appealing, I'll make a last ditch attempt to persuade all those cynics out there. A Gaisce award looks great on your CV.
So, if you have a friend you think would love Gaisce (or a friend you're going to make do it because you don't want to do it alone) don't be afraid to send them a link to this post! And if you have any questions, hit me up in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them.
Until next time,
Gemma.
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