MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
For a quarter-century, Hutchinson has welcomed teenagers from Northern Ireland each summer through the Ulster Project — a faith-based peace and leadership program that continues to change lives on both sides of the Atlantic.
This summer, nine Northern Irish teens, both Catholic and Protestant, will arrive in Hutchinson on Tuesday evening after a grueling 24-hour journey. The goal: reconciliation and leadership development in a country still dealing with deep-rooted sectarian divides.
“The whole idea is to let young people see that they can have a voice and make a difference,” said Keith Neill, one of the project’s local organizers. “Over the years, we've seen that happen. Some of the teens who came to Hutchinson are now in government in Ireland, making the world a better place.”
Founded 50 years ago in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, the Ulster Project seeks to bring together young leaders who might never otherwise meet due to the historical tension between Catholic and Protestant communities. Hutchinson has been a proud host city since 2000, with only brief pauses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The visiting teens are matched with local host families, each with a teen of similar age. The experience is immersive: the Northern Irish youth live, work, and play side-by-side with their Kansas counterparts for 24 days, participating in a tightly scheduled mix of service projects, cultural outings, and community events.
Activities this summer include pool parties, rope courses in Newton, visits to Wichita’s Cowtown, paintball, and even a stop at Chicken N Pickle. There’s also a strong community service component — the group will partner with TECH, Reins of Hope, and Boys and Girls Club, and will host a dinner and dance at the Anchor Inn for local clients of TECH.
“It's a life-changing experience,” Keith Neill said. “You're doing something every day with these kids, and in three weeks, they become family.”
One of the project’s most public events will be their participation in the Patriots Parade on July 4, where the group will march under a banner representing both Hutchinson and their home city of Portadown.
The Ulster Project relies on a network of volunteers, donations, and host families to succeed. Neill notes that while it’s getting harder to find host families, the impact makes it worth it. “We’re already looking for host families for 2026,” he said, encouraging anyone interested — especially those with church involvement and teens entering 10th or 11th grade — to learn more at www.hutchulster.com or call Neill 620-899-8412.
“It’s intense, but it’s only three weeks,” Neill said. “You’re not just opening your home — you’re helping create a more peaceful world.”