I'm Kathryn Teeney, I'm 16 years old, and I took part in the Children For Peace programme in 2010, it's 11th year. Back then, I was almost completely oblivious to any kind of action to gain peace in Northern Ireland. When I first heard of the programme, my initial reaction was, of course I want to go, I get to go to America, but after reading up about the work, and previous years, I soon realised that the programme was much more than that, in fact, the trip to America was the least important part of the programme that I and 12 other teenagers were about to embark on. The lead up to the trip was one of most exciting experiences of my life, I got to meet and socialise with people who I wouldn't have met otherwise. They have become lifelong friends of mine. That includes the American kids too, I know everyone was very anxious about the first time we all met our American kids, even still when I think of it, I get butterflies! The programme has made a huge difference in my life since I was a part of it, now for instance, when I hear of a story involving conflict in Northern Ireland, I genuinely feel saddened by the effects of it. It's one thing to hear about things that happened during the troubles, before I was born, but it's another thing to study it and hear first hand stories on how rough the country was, and I for one, along with so many others, do not want the peace process to start going backwards, which is sometimes what it seems like.

Now though, I'm more than half way through studying for my GCSEs, which I'll sit in May and June of 2012. I've been able to keep in contact with my host family, emails and skype, and even when the group of American CFP Participants came to Belfast for two weeks in June of this year. I feel like I've made so many good friends during this once in a lifetime experience, and i wouldn't change it for the world.

I would highly recommend the programme to anyone, Irish or American, even if you have no interest in the peace process, because I assure you after two weeks with the rest of your group, you'll not be able to wait to get back to see them and talk about the controversial issues in fun, non-intimidating way. You'll gain a whole bunch of confidence during the programme, which lasts much longer than the two week trip to Kansas City. For instance, no one in the world had heard me sing, or play guitar, and the day before the talent show in my year, I made the decision to play in the show. A decision that was not easily made, or backed out of, as Tom Quinn will tell you, I was outside half an hour before my time to go on, in tears, convinced I wouldn't be able to do it, but I did it, and I'm still so proud of that decision.

--Kathryn Teeney

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Hey Tom the CFP program was the best thing to ever happen to me.

Before the program I was quite sectarian and didn't have the best manners. 
I was always getting in trouble with the police.

Im not in any relationships and haven't got any kids. 

The program has changed my life a lot. People have seen that I have changed in a good way. 
Even the police as they  always ask how I'm doing.

This program is a brilliant way for young teenage Protestants and Catholics to interact with each other. 

--Anonymous

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My name is Courtney McDonough. I participated in CFP in 2010 and it was one of the best trips of my life, shortly after the trip to KC we had a residential to Ballycastle which was a great weekend but when the weekend came to an end i got the devastating news that my older brother Gary had died through suicide, he was only 18 and he was close to my age and next to me in the family line, after he died it knocked me back completely with anything i was doing at the time, and i appreciate the support from Raymond, Majella, Dominic and Beth for coming to my house to see me and for coming to his funeral, it meant a lot to see them there and i was grateful for the big hug Majella gave me outside the Church that day. After Gary died bad news just kept coming... 2 weeks after him my cousins Baby had died a still born his name was Noah and it was heartbreaking to see him in so much pain and just recently my baby cousin Scarlett who was just 2 passed after a 7 month battle to cancer. Death has plagued my family in the past year but i am trying my best to get on with things and start to plan my future starting with my career as a youth worker, never know i could be back in KC someday (hint hint) haha. after the new year i got to work with my youth workers in planning a group i had wished to start up, i arranged a group of youths from the Falls Road where i come from and the Shankill Road just at the other side of the divide to come together and talk about their points of view about the wall that divides our two communities. I planned for them to travel to see where the boarder would have been in Ireland, for them to do work around the peace wall here in Belfast and for them to travel to Berlin to see the remains of the Berlin wall and to talk to some people there to tell them a bit about what it was like growing up with their divide. CFP has opened so many doors for me, before the trip i don't think i would have signed up for any program of its kind but i am very glad that i did, it helped me to experience so much with other cultures, meets so many new people that i will call my friends for the rest of my life, i will never forget the trip and all the people along the way people like Tom, Raymond, Dominic Etc who were so nice and encouraged us to take part and make new friends, i will never forget my host family the McDonald's who treated me like their own daughter and Claire and Erin who treated me like they're sister, it has encouraged me to go for things in life. Just recently i was accepted on to a course called LIDS (Leadership in a diverse society) and with them i will be going to Malaysia and Cambodia with a group from all over Belfast in April 2012, i am really looking forward to that and will fill you in and send pictures when i come back :) Thanks for everything it means so much to me :) xx

--Courtney McDonough

My names Kirsty Murray i have been part of cfp ireland since 2004 that was the year i visited the good old kansas city i am still living in belfast and am still in contact with a few of the people who shared the wonderful experience with me and who made it all possible...at the minute im a full time mummy to my beautiful 5 year old daughter morgan and am expecting another little miracle april 15th 2012 cannot wait. when my daughter is old enough i would love to get her involved and maybe one day she will be as lucky as me and will get to visit kc. all the best to everyone xx

--Kristin Murray

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I am in my last year at Loyola University Chicago where I will be graduating with a BBA in Finance and Economics in the spring.  Following graduation I will be pursuing a career in economic research primarily focusing on agricultural economics. Thus far, I have worked on research projects pertaining to urban economic development planning, the pricing of natural resources primarily coral reefs and decreasing volatility for farmers through the use of the futures market.

The CFP program was one of the greatest organizations I could have joined as a teenager.  I was able to meet some of the most interesting people and learn about the lives of individuals thousands of miles away from me.  It provided me with life experience that not many other 16 year old kids are exposed to.  I have made life long friends through this program that I cherish everyday and find myself, to this day, telling stories about them to new friends.  My experience with CFP was great and I hope it continues to succeed and prosper in years to come; it has a lot to give to the world.

--Erin Hardin

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hello,
my name is Thomas McKeaveney i took part in C.F.P in 2010 i was sixteen at the time i am from west belfast i am almost eighteen years old now i am currently studying health and social care and i am  also a part time singer song writer working on my first single , C.F.P changed my life in so many ways it changed my view on others and changed how i treat people who come from different background this programme really open my eyes and because of C.F.P  i have made strong and lasting friendships with people from both side of my community this program gave me a chance to meet people who i would have never dream of even speaking to or even think of going into there area, i can hole heartedly say that thanks to C.F.P my country is one step closer to being at peace we aren't there yet but C.F.P have help my generation tech the next generation ,that it doesn't matter where you come from or what god you believe in we are all in this life together and for everything i have learned i am truly grateful
thank you 

--Thomas McKeaveney

Hello. My name is Katie Hart. Right now I am a sophomore in college at Clemson University in South Carolina. I am currently studying civil engineering but I think I want to change my major (I don't know that engineering is for me--good thing I waited this long to decide that). I participated in children for peace when I was 15, so summer 2007 I believe. I definitely think children for peace made a difference in my life. First of all, for most of us it was probably our first cultural experience and really brought us out of our comfort zone. 4 years later, I can really see the benefit of interacting with people who I didn't know before, and who I didn't think I would find so much in common with. But that's what college and finding a job have been all about. Meeting people and connecting with them on some level, even if you are from opposite parts of the country, social status, background, etc. Aside from being one of the most fun, exciting, and busy two weeks of high school overall, children for peace holds a deeper meaning. It was about getting to know people from a different country but making friendships that will last a lifetime, and learning that all people are similar no matter where they are from and how they were brought up. I know that Stephanie Cooke and I still keep in touch over facebook, and it's fun to be able to see where others are now who participated in the program.

--Katie Hart

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I'm Nicole Campbell, from Belfast. I was part of the CFP group in 2010 i had so much fun doing the programme it benefited me alot.
I grew as a person an gained confidence , I met new people an  made long term friendships.
I learned so much and had such experiences and memories ill never forget.
It is such a good programme, it changed me as a person but in a good way .  I
am currently in university studying youth and community its very interesting ,
and helping me gain qualifications to beocme a youth worker . 
i think the prgommame is an amazing opportunity for young people and should keep going for the coming years .

--Nicole Campbell

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Having taken part in the Children for Peace in Ireland Program, the lessons which were learnt that summer have stayed with me always.  Prior to participating, I had been ignorant of the fact that there were good people of other religions and that what you believe in does not define who you are as a person.
I would like to thank all those who were involved in the Program during my summer in Kansas City, and am glad to say that the friendships I made during that time still exist to this day.

I truly believe that my experiences from the Program have inspired me to follow my career path as an Early Childhood Studies Practitioner, and am hoping to fully graduate in order to become a teacher.  I hope to bring the same level of understanding, knowledge and inspiration to the children I teach in the future, as I was given during my summer in Kansas City.

I would like to stay involved in the Program and provide any help needed.  I apreciate every kind word and gesture given by those involved in the Program.  You truly make a positive impact upon the areas of the North which require it the most."

--Claire Lawlor  (2002); Belfast

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We are still trying to comprehend how people so far away can be so kind and caring about people most of you have never met. There are many people in Derry who have now heard of your Program and seem to be very excited about it. We don't know if you really understand the impact you have had on touching the hearts of the people of Derry. God Bless all of you."

--Kathleen and Manus McDaid (2006); Derry, N. Ireland

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"Congratulations on all you've accomplished for the Children for Peace Program.  Can't believe that already 10 years has gone by since we spent that 1st summer with you!  So you know what an impact you have on the "American" kids - our daughter Kelly is now getting her Master's Degree at Denver University in Human Rights/International Relations, and will do a internship in Jerusalem this summer.  Her experiences with Children for Peace helped her develop an awareness for the injustices of our world.  God Bless You for your goods works!"
--Kim & Nola Bienhoff (2000); Shawnee, Kansas

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"I shall never forget Kansas City for a long as Kansas City has Tom Quinn.  You have made such a difference to bothh mine and Ashleigh's lives.  You have given us something nobody else ever could...The foundation for an everlasting friendship!  You really are making a big difference to Ireland.  Keep up the good work."

--Caroline Adams (2002); Belfast

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"If you need anyone to help or just anything from the smallest wee thing or biggest thing, ask me because I would really, really love to contribute to the CFP Programme, because it gave me such worderful memories and I will do anything to keep in touch with you all.  As Morgan (my daughter) is getting bigger I will have more time to help.  I swear what I would give for it to be 2005 and for me to be with you all again.  I would do so much more.  I never told you how much the Programme affected me and my way of life.  Before I went I was bvery prejudice against other religion's, but since then I have opened my eyes and accepted everyone for who they are, not what they are or where they come from, and realised we are the same"

--Kirsty Murray (2005); Belfast

 

 

 

© Copyright 2011 CFP | Children for Peace in Ireland

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