July 18, 2009

Car washes and garage sales aren't a terribly unusual way for your typical Kansas teen to spend a summer Saturday. But these aren't your typical Kansas teens.

They hail from Northern Ireland, a nation long divided along religious lines. Twelve have traveled to Hutchinson - six catholics and six protestants - to spend a month learning about themselves and each other.

Judge Patty Macke Dick has been involved in the project for several years.

"The idea is that people come here, they can freely discuss differences. There are no ramifications for discussing differences."

Jonny Hampton came to Kansas as an Ulster project counselor three years ago.

"Seeing the effects when we get home! Whenever we arrive home, seeing how this month here in Hutch has an effect on our community."

They spent Saturday splashing in the sun, raising money to keep the project going. It's an opportunity for the teens to make friends they otherwise might not have met back home, says Aideen Hagan.

"I go to a catholic school and some of the teens on the Ulster Project go to an all protestant school or integrated school."

Sean McConville heard about the project from a friend.

"It's brilliant. It's the best thing you can do with your summer. The people here are so friendly. They hear our Irish accent and they come up and talk away."

Rachel Hamill said there are things they've had to get used to...

"it's really hot! On the first couple days I got sunburned!"

But Chris Burns will miss certain items when he gets back home.

"Kool-Aid. Yeah. But I bought 70 packets at Wal-Mart!"

The teens head back home to Northern Ireland on the 28th.