The Final Chapter

A vision was born in 1981 to launch a grass roots effort to reach out to the children of a very troubled Northern Ireland. The Irish Children's Fund was born and its mission has been to promote peace in Northern Ireland by building cross-community trust, tolerance and friendship between Catholic and Protestant young people

After working for 30 years with more than 3,000 young people the dramatic progress made towards creating a stable society and lasting peace in Northern Ireland was acknowledged. Our mission had been accomplished. It was time to phase out our program. The last group of young people came to the U.S the summer of 2011.

If you are a past host family please believe you and many others have surely made a huge contribution towards the normality and peace seen in N.I today.

Sincerely,

Rob O'Connor
President and Founder, The Irish Children's Fund, Inc.

Program Outline

If you are interested in hosting a child in 2007, please click here to learn what is involved.

Meet the Children of the ICF

Amy Gilmore

"I think my experience in America was brilliant. I would like to thank my host family for taking me in and making me part of their family. I still keep in touch by email, phone and the odd letter. I hope to get the chance to return again."

Michaela Delaney

" I really enjoyed America. My host family was so loving and welcoming. They made a big effort to make me part of the family. My Photo Album gives me many happy memories of when I was in America. No matter when I look at it I get a feeling of happiness."

Conor Scott

"I'm enjoying myself and having fun at the weekly meetings in Belfast. ICF has made me stronger and more comfortable to talk to and make friends with people from different religions."

Jack Millar

"I look forward to going to the weekly meetings as it means I can catch up with my new friends. I will always remember my time in America and hope I return again in three years time."