Since 1975 the project, led by retired New York bomb squad officer Denis Mulcahy, has taken some 21,000 local children to the States to spend their summer months with host families.
Speaking at the dinner, at Queen’s University, Junior Minister Newton said: “Project Children opened a door of hope and reconciliation to thousands of our children. Its volunteers, host parents and fundraisers have been determined to make a difference to the lives of our young people.
“It is so typical of the American spirit that so many families opened their doors to share their homes with young children from Northern Ireland summer after summer.
“Their commitment has been worth it and has made an enormous contribution to the lives of thousands of young people across Northern Ireland.”
Junior Minister Kelly told the 150 guests: “American involvement in the Peace Process has been of immense value to everyone in our community. That involvement didn’t stop at the White House or in the corridors of power on Capitol Hill.
"That involvement was equally important in the living rooms and kitchens of the homes of ordinary Americans who opened their hearts and homes to our young children from Belfast, Derry, Newry, Newtownards and Omagh and other towns and villages across the north.
“Over the years many of our children grew up experiencing only conflict. Project Children offered a rare opportunity to change all that and to allow them to experience different things and most importantly to make new and lasting friendships,” added Mr Kelly.
Notes to Editors
1. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1905. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
