Note: This event is over -check our events pages for photos and report

Young Leaders St. Patrick's Celebration 2004
All proceeds benefitting Project Children (see below)

Tuesday 2 March 2004 : G2 :: 39 Ninth Avenue/14th Street

If you would like to be added to the mailing list or have any questions
please contact Kieran McLoughlin: kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org

" For a short time, they're allowed to be children."

Since 1975 Project Children's efforts have sown many seeds for peace in Northern Ireland , as a result of bringing over 16,000 Catholic and Protestant children to live and play in the United States for six weeks in the summer months. For most of the boys and girls, ages 9-14, it is the first opportunity to interact with those of the other religion. Most of these children live in neighborhoods that are occupied by over 90% of residents of their own faith. The aim of Project Children is to have these children, who are on a well deserved vacation and are temporarily away from the strife of home, mix with the neighbors, relatives and friends of their respective host families. Because many of the aforementioned are of different religious faiths, the children as a result are able to eliminate their home-based fears and dislikes of those of the other religion, and ultimately turn prejudices into friendships. Our goal is to have these children go back home and work for a better future for all in Northern Ireland. many of these children attest to the success of the program.

Those children who have come to the United States are selected by teachers, clergy and social workers in Northern Ireland, and are selected on the basis that they would benefit the most. Host families provide room and board but the cost of transportation and insurance are paid out of monies raised by Project Children's fund-raising events including golf outings and dinner dances, private and corporate donations, foundation grants, and paid advertisements in journals handed out at many fund-raising events. Project Children pays no salaries.

In 1995 Project Children teamed up with Habitat For Humanity, the Jimmy Carter inspired voluntary organization that builds homes for those with a dream of owning their own home but do not have the financial means to do so. Both organizations work together to provide on site experience for vocational trainees of both religions from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The program helps needy Americans and, at the same time, provides the participants with new skills and teaches them teamwork. To date, 125 young adults. whose minimum age is 18, have worked together and with Habitat For Humanity personnel to build 16 houses and homeless shelters in Washington D.C., Texas, New Jersey, Florida and Montana. Over the next several months, 12 Catholic and Protestant adults will work together to refurbish four houses in nearby Newburgh, New York.

Project Children also has instituted an internship/ young leaders program for College students in Northern Ireland. Over 300 College students have come to the United States and have completed corporate and governmental internships in politics, law, science, business, forestry and computers.