Hostelling International Northern Ireland (HINI) and An Óige – The Irish Youth Hostel Association were delighted to deliver an innovative Good Neighbour cross border partnership project based at the Bushmills Youth Hostel, Co Antrim last week.
Young people from North Coast Integrated College in Coleraine and Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Donegal came together for an adventure learning and cross cultural residential. A second residential will take place at Errigal Youth Hostel, Co Donegal next month.
Both HINI and An Óige are National Association members of the worldwide Hostelling International network, which provides safe and affordable Youth Hostels at 4,000 locations around the world for young (and young at heart!) people to stay at on their travels.
This Good Neighbour project is part of Hostelling International’s global “Sleep For Peace” initiative, which takes place in September every year to coincide with the UN’s International Day For Peace. Sleep For Peace aims to promote peaceful relationships between communities and across borders.
Dermot O’Lynn, HINI CEO said:
“Bringing groups of young people together for adventure and exploration is what the hostelling movement is all about. We are sure that this partnership with An Óige will continue long into the future and we thank our funders Provident Financial and the Irish DFAT for making this long planned project a reality.”
Roy Murray, An Óige Marketing Manager said:
“Youth travel and hostelling helps create adults who are comfortable sharing places and experiences with others. Sometimes we think we have to jet off around the world to find these adventures, but our own landscapes and cultures can be just as thrilling for young people.”
If you are interested in finding out more about Youth Hostel residentials, please contact office@hini.org.uk / 028 9032 4733 for NI hostels or info@anoige.ie / 01 830 4555 for ROI hostels.
