THERE IS NO DOUBT that young people have it tough. They face numerous challenges – the housing crisis, climate anxiety, cost of living pressures, social media bombardment, an AI-infused labour market and the pull to emigrate.

But what often goes unrecognised is that young people also have an immense potential to contribute solutions to those challenges.

Indeed, society has an obligation to educate our young people in a way that brings out that potential and maximises their ability to respond to the uncertain world they live in, both for their own benefit and for the benefit of the wider community.

Traditional schooling and third-level education can be a significant part of a young person’s journey, but they leave a gap. They cannot always nurture the full range of creativity, outside-the-box thinking, curiosity, and initiative that flourish when learning is tailored to the individual.

That is where non-formal education comes in. It builds key skills among young people that are critically needed to help them navigate life’s increasingly complex opportunities and challenges. Gaisce – the President’s Award – is one such initiative. It recognises efforts by people aged 14-25 to make a difference in their communities.

The President of Ireland is the patron of the Gaisce awards. As the country prepares to hear the result of the presidential election, it is worth thinking about how the role can be used to look towards the future by empowering our younger generations.

Letting young people shine

Recognition matters. When a young person’s achievements are acknowledged, they gain the confidence to see themselves as leaders, not someday, but now. Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Fionn Ferreira and countless others here in Ireland and across the world demonstrate that bravery, vision, and leadership are not limited by age.

One quality that shines through among young people seeking to better their communities in this way is empathy. “The death of human empathy is one of the earliest and most telling signs of a culture about to fall into barbarism.” This quote is often attributed to Hannah Arendt, and while its origin is uncertain, it captures the essence of the world at this moment: that when we stop seeing one another as human, society drifts towards darkness.

This is now almost unbelievably becoming a reality before our eyes as we witness a growing desensitisation towards the horrors happening around the world through multiple wars, attacks on democracy, and the erosion of common respect and decency in every realm of society.

At a time when public discourse can feel polarised and transactional, the empathy we see in our young people is a reason for hope – and a reminder of what we must protect.

It is our responsibility as a society to equip young people to do better than we have.

Young people are showing empathy in ways that are reshaping communities for the better. Many are reaching out to young people who are new to Ireland – those who have come here from different countries, bringing with them unique cultures, skills, and experiences.

Through multiple youth settings young people are creating projects that welcome these new neighbours by celebrating diversity and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. From organising cultural exchange events to teaming up on community activities like tidy towns and sports clubs, these initiatives are not only enriching Irish society but also helping new arrivals put down roots and feel at home.

Helen Keller once remarked, “It is not possible for civilisation to flow backwards while there is youth in the world.” And she was right. Ireland will be stronger when we ensure every young person has the confidence and opportunity to fulfil their potential so we do not ‘flow backwards’.

By listening to them, learning from them, and recognising them as the citizens they already are, we may realise that many of the answers to our national challenges are already within their grasp.

The role of the president

Gaisce encourages young people to discover their passions and challenge themselves to positively impact the world around them. The Award programme endeavours to empower participants to cultivate essential life skills, improves personal wellbeing, and to foster a sense of responsibility and resilience in young people as they transition to adulthood.

Throughout the forty-year history of the programme, each President of Ireland, as Award patron, has helped to inspire and celebrate our young people.

President Hillery was formative in the success of the Award as the founding patron, recognising its importance in supporting young people to develop life skills, confidence, and a sense of civic responsibility.

President Robinson, as an active advocate for youth empowerment, used the Award to encourage young people to strive for personal excellence.

President McAleese used her time as patron to highlight the importance of volunteering and social responsibility.

And our outgoing President Higgins has consistently advocated for a society that is anchored by equality and dignity valuing the insights and aspirations of young people.

As we look to the next chapter for Ireland, our hope is that the next President will carry on this proud tradition, recognising the valuable role that our young people play in society and the role that they can play in inspiring them.

May our next President continue to build on the legacy of their predecessors, championing the interests, hopes, contributions and aspirations of the young people of Ireland, which is more important now than ever, as they navigate these extraordinary times.

Avril Ryan is the CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award. Gaisce is Ireland’s national youth award and is a personal development programme for young people aged 14-25.