A group from Northern Ireland says goodbye to the Tristate today, ending a two-week mission to learn from area leaders ways to strengthen ties in a community.
The six are involved in conflict resolution and meditation in their homeland. They live in County Tyrone in central Ulster, a place rife with conflict involving Protestants and Catholics.
"Below the surface politeness, there is no real trust and very little understanding between Protestants and Catholics," said Libby Keys, one of the six visitors.
The group stayed with families in Oxford and met with educators, church leaders, social service experts and law enforcement authorities in several Tristate cities, including Cincinnati. They also discussed social issues with judges, lawyers and family-crisis experts.
"Our time here is a time to reflect and to learn new techniques," Ms. Keys said. "It is easy to despair in our work, but the people we have met here have given us encouragement. Hopefully, we'll face difficult times ahead with renewed energy and sense of mission."
"In Ulster, 97 percent of residents live in segregated neighborhoods," said Diana Farrelly, another visitor. "In order to bring people together to talk, we have to find neutral locations."
The group had few breaks during their Tristate visit. But they did make it to Cinergy Field for the Reds Opening Day game and festivities. The exchange was the brainchild of Jennifer Batton, acting director of Conflict Resolution Services in Oxford, and Marty Stevens, senior instructor of communications at Miami University's regional campus in Middletown. Both have visited Northern Ireland.
Latest news on Northern Ireland peace talks from Associated Press
