The Ulster Project of East Tennessee is dedicated to the unification of the teens of Northern Ireland. Separated by eight centuries of hate and distrust, the Catholic and Protestant populations perpetuate a struggle for political, religious and personal freedom.
Four male and four female teens and two trained counselors are brought to East Tennessee from the Derry/Londonderry area of Northern Ireland. As guests in American homes with teens of similar ages and religious beliefs, bonds of trust are formed.
For the month of July, daily activities designed to nurture group dynamics are scheduled. By focusing on the similarities of members and stressing the commonalties of their Christian beliefs, close friendships develop. The benefits to the American and Irish teens are quickly evident. Tennessee neighborhoods of Catholic and Protestant homes living in easy harmony are a model most Irish teens have never seen in their homeland. Realizing that prejudice is a choice, the Irish teens embrace their similarities while respecting their differences. The American participants come to understand the extreme difficulties of living under such repressive social/political pressure and offer support and encouragement to their new Irish friends. As the Irish teens grow to adulthood the lessons learned are applied to their areas of influence diminishing differences and establishing a basis for peace and harmony.
Special points of interest:
- 1974 – Ulster Project started by Rev. Kerry Waterstone
- Manchester Connecticut was the first American host city
- Over 25 American communities host more than 250 Irish students/counselors each year
- Habitat for Humanity has an ongoing program in Northern Ireland
Download the Host Family Application form here.
Current Board of Directors
| Regina Halford | Barbara O’Brien | May Slawson |
| Jerry Martin | Tom Crawford | Lindsey Martin |
| Sharon Peterson | Sherry Storms | Parri Thurman |
| Debbie Frost | Corey de Rohan (teen rep) |
The Ulster Project is a Volunteer, Non-Profit 501©(3) Organization Dedicated to
Peace and Understanding in Northern Ireland
For more information you may contact us in writing at:
Ulster Project
P.O. Box 22386
Knoxville, TN 37933
Or by e-mail:
hoopsob@chartertn.net (Barbara O’Brien, Vice Chair)
