Something amazing happened at AHS in October–we got the luck of the Irish! Fifteen young people from a youth program in Belfast, Northern Ireland spent multiple days visiting our campus and interacting with students. “YWIC (Youth Working in their Communities) is a youth program to bring different communities together and to make new friends,” said Rachel Gilmore, a member of the Northern Irish youth group. They have the goal of connecting with American students, making lifetime friends, gaining insight into America, and participating in joyful experiences.
There are a few things many AHS students have no idea about Northern Ireland. One main thing is that there is a division between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union. Northern Ireland, where our visitors live, has a lot of history of political and religious separation. This has resulted into different factions (mainly Protestants–separated from the traditional Roman Catholic Church, but still Christian–and Catholics) being territorial and fighting each other. From 1968 to 1998, Northern Ireland was mired in a civil war known as The Troubles. Although the civil war is over, there are still conflicts between the two groups. Presently in Northern Ireland, some areas are Protestant, some areas are Catholic, and some places are becoming more mixed. Rachel mentioned how she was Protestant and Catholic, although not fully connected to either religion. She explained that “it used to be okay to disown family if a Catholic married a Protestant or vice versa.” The government of Northern Ireland started funding youth programs to bring Protestant and Catholic youth together, hoping that forming friendships at a young age would help them lessen the conflicts over time. The youth work together to fundraise so that they can travel to the U.S. together as part of the program.
The Northern Irish had some stories to share about the civil war that took place. Rachel shared some stories her grandma told her about how you’d have to get your bag searched for weapons when going shopping, and there were always stones and bottles being thrown from the Catholic to the Protestant side. Rioting in the streets was a normal thing at that time, and a lot of bombs would go off with some people losing limbs or their lives. The tragedy of what happened shows the importance of the program.
The North Belfast Area Project YWIC first visited Apopka in 2014. At that time, Mr. Houvouras developed a really good connection with the counselors and the Northern Irish students who came. These are his thoughts on the program: “The Northern Irish government put a lot of money and resources into helping youth so that there wouldn’t be a repeat of the civil war down the road… Some people are going to slide back into old habits and old hatreds, but you have to just keep trying to fight it as best you can.” The effect the program is having is something Mr. Houvouras has actively seen: “You see a lot of more inter-religious marriages in Northern Ireland between Protestants and Catholics…they’re willing to give others the benefit of the doubt instead of proceeding with old prejudices they may hold.” Not only is this program effective for the Northern Irish, but it also affects American students and teachers who make connections with these people. It has made people more aware of the world around them and helped them look past differences in order to build strong relationships.
The YWIC students engaged in several events while they were here. There was a barbecue at Rock Springs where everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves swimming in the cold water and eating the delicious food Mr. Houvouras cooked. Several Apopka students got to talk with the Northern Irish about how their lives are similar and different. Bones Walfish, a student at Apopka, said, “It was fun, and I got to get to know some people.” Several others mentioned how enjoyable the experience was. Anna Eskamani, a member of the Florida House of Representatives, came to AHS and talked about Florida politics and how her experience has been as an Iranian female in politics. Another fun event was the celebration of Halloween. The Northern Irish students met up with AHS students to trick-or-treat and go through a haunted house in Rock Springs Ridge. The youth said they have thoroughly enjoyed their trip and believe they have made some great connections with some American students.
The person in charge of the youth group, Scott Boyd, has been a part of the program for 25 years and has seen a positive effect in the youths’ lives, whether it’s making those lifelong friends after only meeting for a brief time or by getting aspirations for the future and careers. Our school had the pleasure and the honor of creating an impact, making us a part of history.
