#JAI25 Events

On 2-3 October we were absolutely delighted to be joined by DofE Patron; HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Gaisce and special guests to celebrate with Award participants and their leaders to mark 25 years of the Joint Award Initiative in Northern Ireland.

The Joint Award Initiative was set up in 1999, following the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and is a partnership between the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Northern Ireland and Gaisce: The President’s Award, offering Award participants a choice of certification on completion of their Award programme.

Over the course of the 2 days, events included a visit to St Catherine’s College in Armagh, a reception at Hillsborough Castle and an Award Challenge day at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. We had an incredible few days and would like to thank everyone who supported us and joined the celebrations – we can’t wait to see what happens in the next 25 years in Northern Ireland!

At St Catherine’s College in Armagh, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met young people taking part in the Award at the school and their incredible team of leaders. The participants demonstrated some of the activities they do as part of their Award, including baking, Gaelic sports, design and traditional Irish music. HRH was presented with a hurl and an engraved bowl with the JAI 25th Anniversary logo, created by the pupils doing technology and design as part of their Skills section.

It was also amazing to have representatives from Ulster GAA at St Catherine’s College, including Armagh All Ireland defender, Paddy Barns and Ulster Wheelchair Hurler Paul Hannon. They showcased their wheelchair games and HRH was presented with an Ulster GAA jersey.

In the evening, a Reception was held at Hillsborough Castle, gathering together to celebrate #JAI25 with Award leaders, participants and special guests. We were delighted to have music provided by Campbell College and St Malachy’s College and to hear from our Youth Ambassadors, as they shared some of their highlights from their Award journey!

And to conclude our 2 days of event celebrations for #JAI25 we welcomed young people from across Northern Ireland to join us for an Award Challenge day at Crawfordsburn Scout Centre. Participants got to take part in many outdoor activities and team challenges and it was truly a day to remember!