WEST BANK YOUNGSTERS TO VISIT BOMB VICTIMS' FAMILIES
West Bank youngsters to visit bomb victims' families
PALESTINIAN youngsters from the war-torn West Bank will meet with families of the Omagh Bomb victims this week as the anniversary of the atrocity approaches.
16 teenagers from the Palestinian village of Zebabdeh are taking part in the Youth Connections for Peace project in conjunction with a Dublin school. The young people will meet privately with many of those bereaved in the Omagh blast of August 15, 1998, the single greatest atrocity of the troubles.
The Ireland/Palestine exchange project is the work of Dublin based school teacher, Lucinda Packham who recently visited Zebabdeh.
Speaking this week she said of the project, "It aims to connect young Irish and Palestinian people, explore their sense of identity and build confidence."
The initiative is funded by the Leargas education service with additional support from aid agencies, Irish churches and the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation.
"Its activities will focus on peace-building skills and learning how to make a scrapbook about their faith in action in their communities," she said.
Palestinian group leader Rev Fadi Diab said most of the teenagers have never travelled outside the West Bank before. "We are excited by this opportunity to make new friends in Ireland."
The Palestinian group is due to visit St Patrick's Cathedral tomorrow to participate in an educational project which focuses on the story of St Patrick.
PALESTINIAN youngsters from the war-torn West Bank will meet with families of the Omagh Bomb victims this week as the anniversary of the atrocity approaches.
16 teenagers from the Palestinian village of Zebabdeh are taking part in the Youth Connections for Peace project in conjunction with a Dublin school. The young people will meet privately with many of those bereaved in the Omagh blast of August 15, 1998, the single greatest atrocity of the troubles.
The Ireland/Palestine exchange project is the work of Dublin based school teacher, Lucinda Packham who recently visited Zebabdeh.
Speaking this week she said of the project, "It aims to connect young Irish and Palestinian people, explore their sense of identity and build confidence."
The initiative is funded by the Leargas education service with additional support from aid agencies, Irish churches and the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation.
"Its activities will focus on peace-building skills and learning how to make a scrapbook about their faith in action in their communities," she said.
Palestinian group leader Rev Fadi Diab said most of the teenagers have never travelled outside the West Bank before. "We are excited by this opportunity to make new friends in Ireland."
The Palestinian group is due to visit St Patrick's Cathedral tomorrow to participate in an educational project which focuses on the story of St Patrick.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1906
Published Date: 02-Aug-07
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