On the 13th November, the Garda National Youth Awards 2021 was held in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise to celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 years who have actively and positively contributed to their communities.
In 2019, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris launched the first ever An Garda Síochána National Youth Awards saying, "The inaugural Garda National Youth Awards will be a showcase for the positive contribution young people are making in their communities.”
Following on from 24 Divisional Youth Awards Schemes which were held over the course of the year, over 70 young people from across the country have received national level awards at today’s ceremony.
Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said "An Garda Síochána acknowledges the significant amount of good work being done by young people in every community across the country. These awards, both divisional and national, provide an opportunity for those young people to be given the recognition they deserve whilst helping to build positive relationships with An Garda Síochána.”
Awards are considered for nominated young people who by their presence make their communities a better place to live in. Nominations are sought by Gardaí through their community engagement including with local schools, youth groups and other connections in communities.
The nomination process is open to everyone, and every nominee receives a certificate, even if they do not win an award. This way, all nominees are recognised for their efforts, and the certificate is a very valuable item to have on a young person’s CV into the future. The winners of Divisional Awards are then submitted to a national judging panel who select winners in each category.
The Divisional and National Awards are given in the following categories:
Individual Award - Making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Group Award - Group of two or more, making a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live.
Special Achievement Award - Overcome difficult circumstances, defied all the odds and whose commitment deserves recognition.
Community Safety Award - Through a crime prevention or safety initiative/innovation, have made their community a safer place to live.
Images of the event are available below.
