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. Second, their multicultural experience in the US broadens their outlook on life and the world. 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.