SEVENTY TEENAGERS from around the world who have lost a close relative to violence and conflict today complete a unique programme in Belfast aimed at peace building and dealing with personal trauma.
The teenagers from the North and South of Ireland, the US, Spain, Israel, Palestine and Argentina have taken part in a week-long series of events at Queen’s University designed to contribute to international dialogue about violence, peace and a range of issues that affect their lives.
The teenagers participating in the community-building and educational programme have formed an international community called Project Common Bond. This is under the auspices of Tuesday’s Children, a prominent US non-profit organisation that deals with those bereaved by the September 11th attacks in the US.
It is the third year Common Bond has been run but the first time it has been hosted outside the US. The programme is being delivered in partnership with the Harvard Law School Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program, and support has also been forthcoming from business and political leaders across Belfast.
The teenagers have taken part in a series of events throughout Northern Ireland including workshops facilitated by psychologists, educators, social workers and healthcare professionals who are trained in leadership, peace-building, traumatic loss and resilience.
Terry Spears, president of Tuesday's Children, told The Irish Timesthat Belfast was a "compelling location" because "the island of Ireland has overcome a lot of differences and shown the world that better days are possible".
She said the teenagers benefited significantly. “It’s fantastic. When we first arrived with the kids many were shy and hesitant. Many had not been outside their own country, they had never met anyone else who had been impacted by terrorism.”
Their experiences help them overcome the sense of isolation they feel as a result of violence.
“The power of the community of the common bond of loss is really profound,” she said. “These kids all of a sudden know that they are shoulder to shoulder with people who understand exactly what they have been through.”