Volunteer in Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland

• Other Cities in Northern Ireland: 
Belfast,  Derry

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks

Description: A group of six or more volunteers can travel to Belfast in Northern Ireland and work with the Corrymeela -- an Amizade community partner committed to the healing of social, religious, and political divisions that exist in Northern Ireland and throughout the world with their service to schools, churches, and youth & community outreach programs.

The specific aims and objectives of the Corrymeela are:
- To be a sign and symbol that Protestants and Catholics can share together in a common witness and ministry of reconciliation
- To provide opportunities for meeting, dialogue, and learning in communities to dispel ignorance, prejudice and fear and to promote mutual respect, trust and co-operation
- To support victims of violence and injustice; to enable the healing of personal and social wounds and to promote new initiatives for social and political change
- To address contemporary issues of faith and ethics and develop new expressions of Christian community, life and worship.

Volunteers will work alongside the Corrymeela in programs such as YouthWork and Treetops. Youthwork addresses the unique struggles faced by young people growing up in the shadow of the political and social conflicts by facilitating a dialogue to share common experiences. Treetops, an extension of the Childrens Bereavement Group, provides a support program for children who have experienced the sudden death of a family member. Corrymeela also partners with schools and churches to develop a greater number of opportunities for ecumenical education so that people can explore the connections between Christian faith and contemporary issues. As a volunteer, you will serve one or more of these organizations to help the communities in and around Belfast reach a place of peace, understanding, and cooperation.

Your volunteer experience will be deeply enhanced by the connection between Corrymeela and the Belfast communities. This organization is comprised of concerned community members who are able give you a unique, firsthand glimpse into the rich and complex history in Northern Ireland through their connections to the neighborhoods in conflict and their sponsorship of workshops and talks by leaders directly involved with the peace process.

Highlights: The backdrop to this program is Northern Ireland's stunning and fascinating beauty. In addition to your meaningful service work, a typical day in your volunteer experience might include visits with local community members, a visit to Derry City to see the political walls, a tour of the Northern Ireland Parliament, a trip to Linenhall Library, or unstructured exploration of Belfast. As a volunteer, you will experience the richness of both rural and urban settings, visit the neighborhoods in conflict, and discover Belfast -- a city like no city in the world.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: 1,550 - 2,928 USD

Salary / Pay: none

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Someone who is willing to learn about a new culture and serve in a needy community.

Age Range: High School - Senior Citizens

This Program is open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Northern Ireland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-15

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Amizade Global Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs's Mission Statement: Amizade inspires individuals and communities through worldwide service and learning.

Year Founded: 1994