President launches youth citizenship award

President Mary McAleese today launched a youth citizenship award which aims to reward young people for their contribution to society.

The Young Citizen Award, which was unveiled by the President at Aras an Uachtarain, is part of 2005 European Year of Citizenship through Education.

The scheme is aimed at young people aged 12 to 25 who are involved in active citizenship projects, such as environmental work, caring for people with special needs or affirming diversity in their local communities.

Youngsters can also apply for the award if they are involved in cross-border or community peace work, activities which support developing countries or in student councils or youth councils.

Launching the scheme Mrs McAleese said she wanted to give recognition to the work young people were doing to make Ireland a thriving civic society.

“We should be under no illusion about the extent to which Ireland’s young citizens are assuming responsibility, showing leadership, giving their time as volunteers, making the best of the opportunities around them.

“Many of them have already been sorely tested by life and others have tested themselves by moving well outside their comfort zone to act courageously and generously.

“Their stories are well known in their schools, youth clubs, communities and families but it is a rare thing for them to gain national prominence and national encouragement.

“Their generation usually hits the headlines for the silly shenanigans a few indulge in after Junior and Leaving Cert, or for individual lives needlessly and futilely wasted through drink, drugs or suicide.

“Yet all of these deal with the tragic few and not the many who transcend the difficulties and challenges they encounter in life, who develop sound coping skills, who embrace life and try to live it to the very best of their ability.

“This year offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate and honour the young people who are today in so many different ways making their communities and this country a better place to live in for all of us,” the President said.

The Young Citizen Award is designed to reward youngsters for their contribution to society and encourage people to reflect on what they have gained from active citizenship.

The scheme is being organised in conjunction with Citizenship2005.ie, the Department of Education and Science and Development Co-operation Ireland and will be supported by county and city development boards.

Local awards ceremonies will be held in February 2006, with the national awards ceremony in March.

:: The closing date for applications for the award is December 19, 2005 and young people who are interested in applying can find more information on www.citizenship2005.ie.