Northern Ireland teenagers to visit Valley

The local, nonprofit peace program has been an ongoing effort since 1988.

STAFF REPORT

CANFIELD — A dozen teenagers from Northern Ireland will arrive in Canfield on June 29 for the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project.

Since 1988, teens from Northern Ireland have visited the area to observe a month of peaceful interaction between faiths by building the bonds of friendship, trust and understanding.

Protestant and Catholic host families are needed for the program.

The teens range in age from 14 to 16 and are equally divided — male and female, Catholic and Protestant. Each teen is paired with an American host teen of the same age, gender and religious affiliation who shares similar likes and interests.

During July, traditionally a period of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, the 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 dialogs to help to begin to understand that they share much common ground.

They complete community service projects, visit many of the local attractions and attend picnics, swim parties and dances. All of 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.

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. More than 21 years later, the Ulster project has successfully grown to more than 24 host cities across the United States.

Local teens who have participated in the project say that friendships and activities of the month make it an exceptional experience that they will never forget.

“The Ulster Project was a great experience,” said John Crowe of Lowellville. “I gained new friends from around the Youngstown area and also across the world in Northern Ireland. I learned how to get along better with different types of people and also how to get to know someone before judging them. It was easily the best experience of my life.”

American teens and their families may apply by contacting Mary Toth at (330) 757-0748 or marybt@zoominternet.net. For additional information on the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project, visit www.ulsterprojectmv.com.

The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is an incorporated, ecumenical, tax-exempt and nonprofit peace project. Contributions made to the project are tax deductible. Anyone interested in making a donation should mail the contribution to the Ulster Project Communities for Peace, P.O. Box 322, Canfield, Ohio 44406.