Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
The idea of bringing Catholic and Protestant teenagers from Northern Ireland together in America got its start in 1975. It's called the Ulster Project.
Utahns joined the project in the early ‘80s, and teens from Northern Ireland have been coming here every summer since.
The goals of the Ulster Project remain the same today: If the young people from Northern Ireland can become friends during a month's stay in America, maybe they'll take that friendship home with them.
Teenagers from Northern Ireland are spending a month with other 15-year-olds in Utah. They are all either Protestant or Catholic, but for four weeks they put religion and politics aside to get to know one another.
"I'm really sad that it's almost over, but I'm really, really glad I've done it. It's been absolutely amazing," said Alex McKinney, who participated in the project.
The Northern Irish young people wanted to come to America and mix with people of other faiths. It's something they can't do at home in Omagh, where schools, neighborhoods and sports teams are segregated.
Hearing their stories is eye-opening for Utah teens. "It's a bit more complicated over there, and there's different things that they have to deal with," said Stockton Cleverly, who also participated in the project.
In these games, they are learning to trust one another, and the discussions are not about religion. The teens are free to discuss their faith if they choose, but the focus is on friendship. They say this program does help.
"Where I live, I go to an integrated school. So, it's with all different religions. My best friends are Protestant, and I'm Catholic. So, I like being for people as well," said project participant Luke McVeigh.
Many who participated in their early teens have now returned as counselors in the program. They say there is hope.
"We've a long way to go, but I think the Ulster Project gives the chance for baby steps towards a brighter future. So yeah, very hopeful," counselor Grainne Gallagher said.
If you would like more information on the Ulster Project or would like to participate, click the related link to the right of the story.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
