Project History
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In Northern Ireland
An evaluation of the Ulster Project from all the participating towns and cities reveals success far surpassing the original expectations.
Positive changes:
Parents of the Project youth have crossed sectarian lines in safety to work cooperatively on behalf of the Project.
The youth themselves have been able to maintain their friendships with the support of the churches and neighborhood communities. Their influence extends to a large peer group, as well as their extended families.
Over 6,100 youth from Northern Ireland have participated overall through the end of the 2002 Project, and, to our knowledge, none has ever become paramilitary on either side. Moreover, the number of graduates from Northern Ireland is increasing by about 400 each year. There have been visits by American participants to the “paired” Northern Irish community of their city, confirming the continuing cross community association there, which the clergy, civic leaders and citizens have found so helpful in reducing violence.
In the United States
American teens and adults experience the joy of “hands-on” peacemaking, and lasting friendships that are made with the Northern Irish visitors and with other Americans. The Project has strengthened the ecumenical ties of cooperation among the churches of the various city Project locations. Most American host families have been enthusiastic about the Project, so much so that they wish to continue to be involved, even when the original teen member is too old to be a host again. Many American teens visit their Northern Irish family the following summer. Our parents are amazed at their teen's development during the Project.
Comments from a Northern Irish Methodist Minister: "...when a young person is selected for the project they are lifted out of their segregated educational system and begin to meet and have fun with young people from across the divide to prepare for the journey. Second, their multicultural experience in the US broadens their outlook on life and the world. Third, and perhaps the best benefit of all, is that after their return to Ireland, the friendship across the ethnic lines and political divide continue naturally for many years....many for life, thus further developing goodwill of lasting quality."
Comments from an US participating teen: "In my life I've had many life changing experiences, but I believe that one of the most memorable would have to be the Ulster Project. I learned so much about myself and others through this program. ...The Ulster Project showed me how people can really get along if they put their differences aside and work together. The project is helping solve a serious problem in a fun and interesting way. The people you meet will become friends and will stay friends forever."
Comments from a Northern Irish mother: "Words cannot express our thanks and gratitude for all the care, kindness, generosity, hospitality, and love given to our son. ... It was a real joy for the parents to watch the kids getting to know one another and then to see them work and play together as a team. We here back in Ulster realize that all this would not be possible with out the hard work and commitment of many Americans. For that we are truly grateful. We as a family have been truly enriched by the whole Ulster Project experience."
Comments from a Northern Irish teen: "I would like to thank everyone in America and Northern Ireland for keeping the Ulster Project going all these years...for giving me this brilliant opportunity to spend the past year with people of different cultures and religions. I hope that in my adult life it will help me to understand and live with my neighbors irrespective of their color, creed or different ways of life."
An evaluation of the Ulster Project from all the participating towns and cities reveals success far surpassing the original expectations.
Positive changes:
Parents of the Project youth have crossed sectarian lines in safety to work cooperatively on behalf of the Project.
The youth themselves have been able to maintain their friendships with the support of the churches and neighborhood communities. Their influence extends to a large peer group, as well as their extended families.
Over 6,100 youth from Northern Ireland have participated overall through the end of the 2002 Project, and, to our knowledge, none has ever become paramilitary on either side. Moreover, the number of graduates from Northern Ireland is increasing by about 400 each year. There have been visits by American participants to the “paired” Northern Irish community of their city, confirming the continuing cross community association there, which the clergy, civic leaders and citizens have found so helpful in reducing violence.
In the United States
American teens and adults experience the joy of “hands-on” peacemaking, and lasting friendships that are made with the Northern Irish visitors and with other Americans. The Project has strengthened the ecumenical ties of cooperation among the churches of the various city Project locations. Most American host families have been enthusiastic about the Project, so much so that they wish to continue to be involved, even when the original teen member is too old to be a host again. Many American teens visit their Northern Irish family the following summer. Our parents are amazed at their teen's development during the Project.
Comments from a Northern Irish Methodist Minister: "...when a young person is selected for the project they are lifted out of their segregated educational system and begin to meet and have fun with young people from across the divide to prepare for the journey. Second, their multicultural experience in the US broadens their outlook on life and the world. Third, and perhaps the best benefit of all, is that after their return to Ireland, the friendship across the ethnic lines and political divide continue naturally for many years....many for life, thus further developing goodwill of lasting quality."
Comments from an US participating teen: "In my life I've had many life changing experiences, but I believe that one of the most memorable would have to be the Ulster Project. I learned so much about myself and others through this program. ...The Ulster Project showed me how people can really get along if they put their differences aside and work together. The project is helping solve a serious problem in a fun and interesting way. The people you meet will become friends and will stay friends forever."
Comments from a Northern Irish mother: "Words cannot express our thanks and gratitude for all the care, kindness, generosity, hospitality, and love given to our son. ... It was a real joy for the parents to watch the kids getting to know one another and then to see them work and play together as a team. We here back in Ulster realize that all this would not be possible with out the hard work and commitment of many Americans. For that we are truly grateful. We as a family have been truly enriched by the whole Ulster Project experience."
Comments from a Northern Irish teen: "I would like to thank everyone in America and Northern Ireland for keeping the Ulster Project going all these years...for giving me this brilliant opportunity to spend the past year with people of different cultures and religions. I hope that in my adult life it will help me to understand and live with my neighbors irrespective of their color, creed or different ways of life."
