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Valley families host Northern Ireland teens for peace initiative
YOUNGSTOWN
Although Northern Ireland’s “Troubles” officially ended nearly 20 years ago, divisions remain in the country.
That’s why the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project, now in its 30th year, remains important, said Greg Hartz, who helps lead the program.
Each year, Mahoning Valley families host 12 teenagers from Northern Ireland for a one-month stay. This year’s group arrived Monday and will be in the Youngstown area until July 26.
“At the end of the month, the teens will have bonded together,” said Hartz. “During the month we talk to them about tolerance, eliminating prejudice and becoming a peacemaker in their community. The hope is that they take that home with them, whether here or in Northern Ireland, and use it to spread the peace initiative wherever they live.”
The Ulster Project was started in 1975 by religious leaders in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, and there now are chapters around the country. At that time, Northern Ireland was in the midst of a violent conflict over the country’s constitutional status – unionists, who were mainly Protestants, wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, while nationalists, who were primarily Catholics, wanted the country to be part of a united Ireland.
Although the country is now at peace, Hartz said the project is relevant because “the currents are there. The old feelings don’t just disappear.”
The Ulster Project pairs the Northern Irish teens – half of whom are Catholic, and the other half Protestant – with families who have kids of a similar age.
Throughout the month, the group will participate in a number of community service projects.
“It gives us an opportunity to give back to the community,” said Hartz. “And it’s also an eye opener for the teens.”
They’ll volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, food distributions at local churches, and more. They’ll also visit numerous area churches, and do fun activities such as going to Cedar Point. On Friday, the project will host its largest fundraiser, an auction/dinner at St. Christine Parish Hall.
For the Jenkins family of Poland, this is the second time they have hosted.
“The first time I did it I didn’t know anything about it, but it just seemed like an amazing opportunity for our family,” said Jill Jenkins, whose son previously participated and whose 15-year-old daughter is now part of it. “It was a great experience to learn about Northern Ireland.”
Peter Camlin and Katie Mooney, both 15 and from the Belfast area, are part of this year’s group.
Peter, who is in the U.S. for the first time, said he decided to participate to make new friends and have new experiences.
He said he likes the U.S. so far, especially how friendly people have been.
Katie has been to other parts of the U.S. before, and said she likes Ohio because it reminds her of home.
“It’s really similar to Ireland. It’s homey and comforting,” she said.
On the American side, Erik Vargo, 14, of Boardman is playing host for the first time – but the experience has been a long time in the works.
His mother, Michele, has been involved with the Ulster Project since 1991.
“I was waiting until I was old enough to do it,” said Erik.
Caoimhe Gatt, of Belfast, encourages others to get involved with the Ulster Project. She participated in the project as a teenager, and now helps coordinate it.
“It opens up totally new doors for them,” she said. “The lessons they learn are lifelong.”