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Carole Mikita ReportingSince 1975, American teenagers in 28 cities have welcomed teens from Northern Ireland, all of them participating in the Ulster Project. Dozens of young people are gathering for a month's worth of events here in Salt Lake City.
Americans who participate in the Ulster Project hope to break down the religious and political barriers that young people in Northern Ireland are exposed to. The teens from Northern Ireland say they're here because they want to learn, grow and also have fun.
Creating comedy routines becomes part of the program -- the fun part, for these teenagers from Northern Ireland. Ultimately, though, coming here for a month and meeting Americans leads them to a much more serious goal of understanding the political and religious divides that exist in their home country.
Ciaran McElhinney, Ulster Project, Northern Ireland: "I live in a mainly Catholic area and there's not very much talk about Protestants. At least now I know they're the same as us. They do the same things."
Caroline Hill, Ulster Project, Northern Ireland: "We had a discovery the other night and you just ask questions about other religions and they answer them for you, and you find out more stuff and it's cool."
Since 1975, more than 6,000 teens, both Catholics and Protestants, from Northern Ireland have participated in an Ulster Project in some America. One young man returned as a counselor, crediting the program and bringing some hope.
Bryan Hussey, Ulster Project counselor: "The younger generation seems to be more open-minded than the older generation in our country, because the younger generation wants to get over it and get on with their life."
Their hosts hope they provide a haven, a place where their guests can enjoy themselves and reflect on their future.
Sean Cushing, Ulster Project, Utah: "This is a bonding experience, so I think it's going to help them out a bit. And then they're going to pass it on to other people there."
The motto of the Utah Ulster Project is: I've learned that I can start from right now and make a brand new ending.
The teenagers from Northern Ireland will stay in the Salt Lake area doing service projects and just having fun through July 25th.
