MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
The Hutchinson Ulster Project is preparing to welcome a new group of teenagers from Northern Ireland next month as the organization continues its mission of promoting understanding and friendship among young people from different religious backgrounds.
The group of 10 teens from Portadown, Northern Ireland, will arrive in Hutchinson on July 1 and remain through July 26. They will be paired with 10 local Hutchinson-area teenagers for a month of activities, community service projects and cultural exchange.
Jennifer Weathers, president of the Hutchinson Ulster Project, said the organization carefully matches students based on shared interests, rather than religious affiliation.
"We're more interested in their interests if they are both into sports, music or video games," Weathers said. "We really want them to be the best of friends."
The Ulster Project was created to build relationships between Catholic and Protestant youth, helping bridge divisions that have historically existed in Northern Ireland. Both Catholic and Protestant teens participate in the program and work together on community activities throughout the month.
Participants are high school-aged students, typically ranging from incoming freshmen through the summer before their senior year. Weathers said the experience provides valuable leadership opportunities that can benefit students as they prepare for college and future careers.
This year's group consists of six girls and four boys from Portadown plus the host teens from here in Hutchinson. Four counselors — two from the United States and two from Northern Ireland — will help supervise activities throughout the month.
The busy schedule includes participation in the Fourth of July Parade, a popular Tech Day with TECH clients, projects at ClayWorks, community events and family activities. Sundays are reserved primarily for host families, and participants also enjoy a designated family weekend during the program.
Weathers, who previously served as a host parent, said many participants develop lasting friendships that continue long after the program ends. One former participant from Northern Ireland returned to attend her son's wedding several years after staying with her family.
Host families remain a critical component of the program. Families provide housing, transportation and daily support while welcoming the visiting teens into their homes as temporary family members.
The organization is currently seeking corporate sponsors and encourages community members to support the program. More information is available through the Hutch Ulster Project's Facebook page and website at HutchUlster.com.
Weathers encouraged residents to greet the visiting students when they see them around town in July.
"If you see this group of kids out and about during the month of July, please greet them and say hello," she said. "They love to talk to people and will be at a lot of events around the community."