1980 • Bringing Children from Northern Ireland to Syracuse for 32 years • 2012
Project Children is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit project of the Greenwood Lake Gaelic Cultural Society, Inc.,
P.O. Box 933, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
P.O. Box 933, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
Central New York Chapter, Kathleen Kelly, Coordinator • (315) 474-2296 - e-mail us
Site design ©2011 Digital Desktop Designs, Clay NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a need for Irish children to come to America?
For many years, childhood in Northern Ireland did not come easily. Children grew up in neighborhoods that served as battlegrounds for a deadly conflict, pitting the Protestant family on one block against the Catholic family around the corner.
Armored tanks, barbed wire, and patrolling soldiers were familiar sights outside schoolyards and playgrounds. Violence and death were everyday facts of life.
Now there is a cease fire and a fragile agreement to seek peace. But the legacy of hate that has for centuries divided Northern Ireland into "us" and "them" lingers on.
Reconciliation remains a critical need. By bringing Protestant and Catholic youngsters to the U.S. for four weeks of summertime fun with American host families, Project Children is helping to break down the blinding prejudice that fueled the Irish struggle.
By exposing its visitors to people from the opposite religious tradition — an eye opening experience for almost everyone — Project Children is laying a foundation on which permanent peace can be built.
Who can apply to become a host family?
Anyone. Of course, your references will be checked, but all families wishing to share their homes with Irish children will be considered.
How much does it cost to host a child?
The only costs to the host families are for room, meals and activities. Travel costs are covered by the program and the children are insured if medical expenses are incurred. Usually, the children will come with a small amount of spending money to allow them to purchase gifts for their relatives back home.
Where do the children come from and how are they selected?
Project Children works closely with teachers, clergy and social workers in Northern Ireland to identify youngsters who would benefit most from a summer in America. The children come from both Protestant and Catholic families in Northern Ireland. Some are from middle-class working neighborhoods, while others are from what we might consider deprived environments. Many of our visitors live in the roughest neighborhoods in Belfast, Armagh, Derry and Strabane. They are children who, until recently, have not known the freedom of playing outside without fear of violence. Many of their parents are unemployed. Some of the children have relatives who have participated in acts of sectarian violence or other activities related to their membership in extremist political groups, both Protestant and Catholic. Others have friends or relatives who have been injured or killed as a result of "the Troubles." The Irish children and their families do not have to pay anything to participate in the program.
Can we choose the specific child who stays with us? Can we host more than one?
To help insure that the "fit" is a good one between host family and guest, host parents can specify the age, sex, and religion of their visitor. Some families choose to take more than one child and, in that circumstance, often request the pairing of a Protestant and a Catholic child.
When do we find out who will be staying with us?
You will get the information about your visiting child when you attend the meeting for host families in May, including his or her name, a photo, and their address/phone. You may want to write to your child and enclose a photo of your family to let them know who they’ll be staying with.
Where do we pickup our visiting child?
The children fly into JFK airport, and then get on a bus to Syracuse. Host families will meet at Blessed Sacrament Church on James Street in Eastwood. You will get a call on the day of their arrival to let you know what time to be at the church to meet the bus.
What should we do with our visiting child?
Whatever you would normally do as a family. Project Children will host some events like our family picnic and the Irish Night at the Chiefs, but the rest of the time, you should feel free to incorporate them into your regular family routine. Family trips are fine, but you don’t have to go far to show them a good time.
Are there any rules to follow?
You’ll be given some helpful advice when you attend the host families meeting in May. For example, the kids are not used to our summer sun, and they must wear sunscreen when outdoors. Also, you should test them before allowing them to swim or ride bikes.
Who can I talk to if I have additional questions about hosting a child?
Area Coordinator Kathleen Kelly will be happy to answer all questions about the program. She can be reached at (315) 474-2296.
For many years, childhood in Northern Ireland did not come easily. Children grew up in neighborhoods that served as battlegrounds for a deadly conflict, pitting the Protestant family on one block against the Catholic family around the corner.
Armored tanks, barbed wire, and patrolling soldiers were familiar sights outside schoolyards and playgrounds. Violence and death were everyday facts of life.
Now there is a cease fire and a fragile agreement to seek peace. But the legacy of hate that has for centuries divided Northern Ireland into "us" and "them" lingers on.
Reconciliation remains a critical need. By bringing Protestant and Catholic youngsters to the U.S. for four weeks of summertime fun with American host families, Project Children is helping to break down the blinding prejudice that fueled the Irish struggle.
By exposing its visitors to people from the opposite religious tradition — an eye opening experience for almost everyone — Project Children is laying a foundation on which permanent peace can be built.
Who can apply to become a host family?
Anyone. Of course, your references will be checked, but all families wishing to share their homes with Irish children will be considered.
How much does it cost to host a child?
The only costs to the host families are for room, meals and activities. Travel costs are covered by the program and the children are insured if medical expenses are incurred. Usually, the children will come with a small amount of spending money to allow them to purchase gifts for their relatives back home.
Where do the children come from and how are they selected?
Project Children works closely with teachers, clergy and social workers in Northern Ireland to identify youngsters who would benefit most from a summer in America. The children come from both Protestant and Catholic families in Northern Ireland. Some are from middle-class working neighborhoods, while others are from what we might consider deprived environments. Many of our visitors live in the roughest neighborhoods in Belfast, Armagh, Derry and Strabane. They are children who, until recently, have not known the freedom of playing outside without fear of violence. Many of their parents are unemployed. Some of the children have relatives who have participated in acts of sectarian violence or other activities related to their membership in extremist political groups, both Protestant and Catholic. Others have friends or relatives who have been injured or killed as a result of "the Troubles." The Irish children and their families do not have to pay anything to participate in the program.
Can we choose the specific child who stays with us? Can we host more than one?
To help insure that the "fit" is a good one between host family and guest, host parents can specify the age, sex, and religion of their visitor. Some families choose to take more than one child and, in that circumstance, often request the pairing of a Protestant and a Catholic child.
When do we find out who will be staying with us?
You will get the information about your visiting child when you attend the meeting for host families in May, including his or her name, a photo, and their address/phone. You may want to write to your child and enclose a photo of your family to let them know who they’ll be staying with.
Where do we pickup our visiting child?
The children fly into JFK airport, and then get on a bus to Syracuse. Host families will meet at Blessed Sacrament Church on James Street in Eastwood. You will get a call on the day of their arrival to let you know what time to be at the church to meet the bus.
What should we do with our visiting child?
Whatever you would normally do as a family. Project Children will host some events like our family picnic and the Irish Night at the Chiefs, but the rest of the time, you should feel free to incorporate them into your regular family routine. Family trips are fine, but you don’t have to go far to show them a good time.
Are there any rules to follow?
You’ll be given some helpful advice when you attend the host families meeting in May. For example, the kids are not used to our summer sun, and they must wear sunscreen when outdoors. Also, you should test them before allowing them to swim or ride bikes.
Who can I talk to if I have additional questions about hosting a child?
Area Coordinator Kathleen Kelly will be happy to answer all questions about the program. She can be reached at (315) 474-2296.