Gaisce, the self-development group that runs the President’s Award Programme in Ireland, has launched a new project that offers LGBT+ youth an exciting opportunity to receive their Gaisce award.
The initiative, entitled LikeMinded, is looking for members of the LGBT+ community aged between 14-17 to take part in a unique programme that follows the conventional format of the President’s Award, but with a specialised LGBT+ focus involving one-on-one mentoring and peer support groups.
Gaisce have also called for LGBT+ adults interested in becoming mentors to get in touch.
Unveiling the new project, Gaisce said:
“LikeMinded is a bespoke personal development project supporting LGBTI+ young people to build their confidence, resilience and positive mental health, and to have fun by achieving a Gaisce award. LikeMinded will provide an opportunity to invite LGBTI+ youth to come together with a like-minded peer group to complete their Gaisce award.”
In their statement, Gaisce invited potential participants to get in touch and apply for LikeMinded:
“We are seeking 12 young people aged 14-17 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning to take part and 12 adult mentors who are interested in supporting LGBTI+ young people on their Gaisce journey through 1-to-1 mentoring.”
The organisation cited recent research to identify the challenges young LGBT+ people face in Ireland:
“The 2016 LGBT Ireland Report showed that young LGBT+ people in Ireland are susceptible to low confidence levels, isolation and discrimination. Participating in Gaisce will also give opportunities to this group to help develop a positive identity.”
The programme has been developed with these challenges in mind, with Gaisce acknowledging the suitability of the programme to young LGBT+ people in Ireland:
“LikeMinded will follow the structure of the Gaisce Bronze or Silver Award with the added support of one-to-one mentoring. The programme will be designed to address some of the issues most relevant to LGBTI+ young people alongside the delivery of the award.”
If you are interested in learning more about the programme, or if you wish to apply to become a mentor or participant, check out the website for more information here.
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