SNIPPET: Of the" Northern Ireland Children's Project," Mary McALEESE, President of Ireland, states: "I commend the vital work of Children's Project at this critical time in our history and I hope that they can continue to work towards a healthy and prosperous society where diversity of tradition and culture are embraced." NICP, an American-based not-for-profit organization is concerned about the future of the young people who have long been victims of civil strife. Dedicated staff bring Protestant and Catholic children together through weekend visits and a summer camp at Fellowship House, a beautiful eight-bedroom home in the coastal town of Ballycastle. They also transport the young people to weeknight activities at the community center in Belfast for swimming, volleyball, soccer and just socializing. With the help of trained facilitators, they conduct a series of conflict resolution sessions where the children learn to better understand one another and gain trust.! A study on the long-term effect of the program by Belfast's Queens University concluded the children who had completed the project were clearly more tolerant, more self-confident and successful in their work career and personal lives. Irish Children's Fund, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization that fosters understanding between Protestant and Catholic youngsters in the troubled areas of Belfast. Both non-political and interdenominational, ICF has enriched the lives of over 3,000 children since its founding in 1982. As part of the ICF's reconcilitation program, 150 twelve-year-olds from Belfast's segregated neighborhoods are selected each year to spend a five-week summer holiday in the United States. Represented in equal numbers, many of these Protestant and Catholic children bear the scars of deep historical hatred. Hosted by American families, the youngsters participate in ao wide range of recreational activities, including a summer camp that uses team games to build trust and encourage cooperation. When they return to Belfast, the reconciliation progress continues with get-togethers and a summer camp. Years later, the children return to the United States to take part in a voluntary work program! and renew the relationships they have developed.