N. Ireland teenagers to arrive

American host families are still needed for this year's Ulster Project.
CANFIELD -- On June 27, 12 Northern Irish teenagers will arrive to meet their host families for the 2006 Mahoning Valley Ulster Project.
Since 1988 Northern Irish teens have visited the local area to observe a month of peaceful interaction between faiths by building the bonds of friendship, trust and understanding.
Host families are still needed for one girl and three boys for the July 2006 project. The teens range in age from 14 to 16 and are equally divided: male and female, Catholic and Protestant. Each Northern Irish teen is paired with an American Host teen of the same age, gender and religious affiliation who shares similar interests. American teens can apply by contacting Char McKenna at (330) 533-1876.
Activities
During July, the Northern Irish teens and American Host teens are provided with a variety of spiritual, social and service opportunities. The teens gather to engage in group discussions and dialogues to help to begin to understand that they share much common ground.
They complete community service projects such as clean up at Jubilee Gardens, offer assistance to inner-city day care centers and hold car washes. The teens visit attractions such as Cedar Point, Mill Creek Park and the Butler Museum of American Art and attend picnics, swim parties and dances. All expenses for the host teen and Northern Irish teen will be covered by Ulster Project. The host family will provide room and board.
The Ulster project is dedicated to promoting a peaceful parity of esteem between Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, by building tolerance, trust and ongoing positive relationships among potential leaders from these Christian traditions. Now, more than 20 years since its beginning, the Ulster project has grown to more than 24 host cities across the United States.
The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is ecumenical, tax-exempt and nonprofit. Contributions are tax deductible. To donate, contact Greg Hartz at (330) 799-6781 or mail contributions to: Ulster Project Communities for Peace, P.O. Box 322, Canfield, Ohio 44406.