S.A.V.E.R./N.A.V.E.R. to host Project Common Bond, August 2010

To lose a parent or a family member in any circumstances is truly tragic. For young people who have lost a family member in a terrorist act, the violent, sudden and public nature of their loss becomes an overwhelming and defining characteristic of their lives. This programme, which has been run in the USA by the group 'Tuesdays Children' www.tuesdayschildren.org for a number of years, is now brought to Northern Ireland by S.A.V.E.R./N.A.V.E.R., and will provide young people with the opportunity to create an ongoing healing community for both themselves and other young people who have been personally impacted by acts of terrorism

This project is a unique international youth project that engages teenagers in instructional and enjoyable activities that foster teamwork, cooperation and communication. It consists of opportunities for personal and collective healing, acknowledging and respecting differences through dialogue, promoting friendship, understanding and tolerance, building upon the "Common Bond" through interactive activities, fostering resilience and strength in the participants and illuminating the steps toward a united and brighter worldwide future.

Young people from all over the world (Israel, Palestine, Spain, Russia, various African countries, the US, europe..) will join other youth from Northern Ireland and across the border and participate in a full programme of peace building and leadership development led by Harvard Law School and local specialists as well as enjoy recreation and enrichment activities including music, sports and art.

This is truly a long-term initiative that will build community over time as the connection established during the summer camp will continue beyond the initial camp experience.

Currently, there is no international mechanism to bring young people who have experienced similar tragedies together to build their resilience and strength. These young people, in many cases, remain isolated.

Creating community with peers who share common experiences is a powerful tool for healing and positive growth, especially for young people. The lack of youth community building forums inspired SAVER/NAVER to seize this opportunity to develop programs which improve their young people's attitudes, awareness, and coping ability; and we believe that this project will be a great enhancement to our current local youth programme.