Corrymeela opens applications for International Youth Programme

The Corrymeela Community, in partnership with Auburn Seminary, New York, has recently opened the application process for an international interfaith youth leadership programme, ‘Face to Face/Faith to Faith.’

This innovative and unique programme brings together young people from Northern Ireland, South Africa, the United States and the Middle East with the common goal of working towards peaceful communities. Glenn Harvey, Regional Programme Director, said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet, to talk and become friends with other young people from all over the world, as well as engaging and becoming a positive influence in their local communities here in Northern Ireland.”

During the year- long programme, starting in April 2012, participants commit to two days per month and a two-week summer stay in New York where participants from around the world come together.  In New York, participants will have the opportunity to attend daily workshops featuring leadership skills, peace building activities and interfaith learning.  Face to Face/Faith to Faith encourages participants to build interpersonal relationships through dialogue, art, creative activities, and music programmes.  The project works to enhance participants’ knowledge and understanding of their own faith traditions, nurture an advanced understanding of other religions, cultures, and increase participants’ ability to collaborate across lines of religion, culture, class and ethnicity to make a better world.

Back in Northern Ireland, participants will have the opportunity to integrate their experiences and learning from New York and to engage in a meaningful and significant social action project within their own communities; devising and implementing activities in their home communities designed to promote social justice, interfaith understanding and reconciliation.

Since 2001 Face to Face / Faith to Faith has worked with hundreds of Jewish, Muslim and Christian teenagers from the United States, Northern Ireland, South Africa and the Middle East to engage in dialogue and programmes relating to issues of peace, violence and social responsibility. 

Former participant Naomi Lynch said, “When I came back from my first F2F camp, I was inspired to take what I had learned and apply it at home.  I used the skills and experience I had gained, and the lessons I had learned, as motivation to get involved in social action projects in my school, in my community, and beyond.”

Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 17, and should demonstrate leadership potential and interest in listening, talking and interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.  The application deadline is the 17th February 2012.  For more information, or to receive an application form, please call Glenn Harvey on 02890508080, or email [email protected].