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Dr Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today announced the appointment of Mr. John Cunningham as the new Chair of the Council of Gaisce – The President’s Award for a three-year term.

Making the announcement, Minister Zappone said,

I am delighted to appoint such an eminently qualified person as Mr. Cunningham to this important position.  Mr Cunningham is currently the Chair of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, and a Director of the Irish Youth Foundation, which supports projects for children and young people in disadvantaged communities.  He also has a strong professional background in coaching, mentoring and entrepreneurship. He embodies all of the qualities that the President and I believe are essential to the role of Chair of the Council of Gaisce.

Dr Zappone also pointed to Mr Cunningham’s particular focus on inclusivity, a demonstrated commitment to social justice, and a commitment to supporting and developing opportunities within Gaisce’s work for vulnerable and hard-to-reach young people.

Gaisce is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive: participants are encouraged to choose their own activities and goals with the support of a trained, adult President’s Award Leader (or PAL).