Under the sponsorship of the various American Ulster Projects, a group of teenagers,
(1/2 Catholic & 1/2 Protestant; 1/2 male & 1/2 female) from their paired Northern Irish community,
come to the United States for four weeks from the end of June to the end of July.
The Northern Irish teens live with host families with a teen who are of the same gender.
Teens and thier hosts are matched by looking at common interests & hobbies.
(1/2 Catholic & 1/2 Protestant; 1/2 male & 1/2 female) from their paired Northern Irish community,
come to the United States for four weeks from the end of June to the end of July.
The Northern Irish teens live with host families with a teen who are of the same gender.
Teens and thier hosts are matched by looking at common interests & hobbies.
Accompanied by adult counselors, the Northern Irish participants range in age from fourteen to sixteen years, having been interviewed, assessed and ultimately selected for their leadership potential. The process can be very competitive with some centres receiving more than five or six times the number of applications for the places available.
During the month, the entire group of Northern Irish and American teens meet almost daily for social activities, community service projects, and worship services in different Churches. The various projects across the United States. have different methods they use to teach peace-building tools to the teens, but central to all projects is a program called "Discovery", "Time of Discovery" or "Adventure Sharing". These gatherings involve activities and discussion of issues facing the teens in their homes, schools and communities. Helping to teach an understanding, and new ways around the prejudices and stereotypes that contribute to inequality in society.
A team of counselors, teachers and other facilitators organises the activities and ensure participation from all the teens, both American and Northern Irish, in order to foster, encourage and develop a sense of empathy, respect and mutual understanding. These sessions are confidential, giving the teens the opportunity to speak honestly with their peers and approach what are often painful subjects for the Northern Irish teens regarding the ongoing conflict and historical slights viewed by both sides.
A team of counselors, teachers and other facilitators organises the activities and ensure participation from all the teens, both American and Northern Irish, in order to foster, encourage and develop a sense of empathy, respect and mutual understanding. These sessions are confidential, giving the teens the opportunity to speak honestly with their peers and approach what are often painful subjects for the Northern Irish teens regarding the ongoing conflict and historical slights viewed by both sides.
