Saturday, April 28, 2007
The project is dedicated to promoting peace in Northern Ireland.
CANFIELD -- The Mahoning Valley Ulster Project is looking for families to host students from Northern Ireland.
Since 1988, Northern Irish teens have visited the local area to observe a month of peaceful interaction among faiths by building the bonds of friendship, trust and understanding.
Protestant and Catholic families are needed for the July project. On June 29, 12 Northern Irish teenagers will be arriving in Canfield to meet their host families. 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 likes and interests.
The program still needs two American teenage boys and two American teenage girls to serve as host teens.
All the expenses for the host teen and Northern Irish teen will be covered by Ulster Project funds except room, board, local transportation and family outings.
Promotes peace
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 later, the Ulster project has successfully grown to more than 24 host cities across the United States.
Teens who have participated in the project agree that friendships and activities of the month make it an exceptional experience they will never forget.
"I enjoyed meeting another teen from Northern Ireland, learning about Irish customs and attending all of the summer activities," said Patrick Shelton of Liberty. "I hope to visit Northern Ireland next summer."
American teens may apply by contacting Char McKenna at (330) 533-1876.
During July, traditionally a period of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, 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 cleaning up at Jubilee Gardens and offering assistance to inner-city day-care centers.
They visit many of the local attractions such as Mill Creek Park and the Butler Institute of American Art and also attend picnics, swim parties and dances.
Donations
The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is an incorporated, ecumenical, tax-exempt, and nonprofit peace project. Contributions made to the Ulster project are tax-deductible.
If you are interested in making a donation, contact Joe McKenna at (330) 533-1876 or mail your contribution to the Ulster Project Communities for Peace, P.O. Box 322, Canfield, OH 44406.