About Us
Creating Friendships for Peace, Inc. is a volunteer grassroots organization whose mission is to promote and strengthen friendships between teens from divided communities and extend those friendships to their families and friends. The friendships are developed through home stays with American families. Each family hosts two teens – one from each side of a conflict. The teen pair shares a bedroom and learns about each other, understanding their different perspectives and realizing that friendships can develop despite significant political and cultural differences. With friendship, an atmosphere is created that allows for mutual respect and understanding – a key ingredient for peace.
CFP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the United States. Our volunteers were active in Northern Ireland from 1987 until 2007. We are currently active in Cyprus since 2009 and Israel/Palestine since 2018.
In our efforts to maintain neutrality, we do not accept government funding and rely solely on gifts from individuals, charitable foundations and businesses who wish to make a difference for peace in the world.
In Memoriam
Margaret M. Barrett
We are saddened to share the news that CFP’s founder passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, at the age of 89. Peggy is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of thousands of others. Beginning CFP in 1987 in Northern Ireland, she has witnessed our expansion into Cyprus and Israel/Palestine. We are grateful to be entrusted with her incredible legacy.
Michael Liatsos joins CFP Board
Newly elected President of Cyprus Friendship Programme association
We are pleased to announce that Michael Liatsos, Managing Director of MLA Technologies Services Ltd, has been elected President of CFP’s legally recognized association known as the Cyprus Friendship Programme and becomes an ex-officio member of the CFP Board. This association of CFP alumni, parents and friends organizes bi-communal social and project-based activities for their members. Both Greek-speaking and Turkish-speaking Cypriots are invited to join. For more information on membership, please contact info@friendships4peace.org .
2019 US Cypriot Teens
This year’s 40 US Cypriots finished their month in the US in Washington DC for a final all group learning experience before returning home.
2019 Cypriot Campers
This year’s 103 campers have begun their first year of the Cyprus Friendship Program, making them eligible next year for the second year U.S. residency.
July Camp 
August Camp
2019 Israeli & Palestinian Teens
This year 20 Israeli and Palestinians were hosted in 4 regions of the United States – Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon/SW Washington and San Francisco. Within each region, they participated in group events with Cypriot teens.
San Francisco 
Maryland 
Oregon/SW Washington 
New Hampshire
Our Programs
Testimonials
Desmond TutuThe Elders Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to 2012 CFP Graduation
“Sometimes you might feel that you are alone in this kind of work. Today, take a look around and realise that you are all part of something much bigger – bound together by a shared commitment to our common humanity. Remember that the sea is just drops of water that have come together. And together you can do extraordinary things.”
Institute of PeaceWashington, DC 2015 Peacebuilding Through Education Conference
“For peacebuilding to succeed it must take root at the community level. Communities working together to find common ground, support and communications. It must move beyond governmental action to individuals and community leaders to succeed long term.”
2019 Cypriot TeenCyprus I would like to be considered as best friends with my pair after this month, and I plan on showing my relationship with him as an example to peers of mine, as a concrete fact that peace is possible and also essential.
2019 Jerusalem TeenIsrael/Palestine My experience with my pair was super meaningful and important for both of us! Finally we got the opportunity to speak without being stopped by people and finally we got to some agreements and we understood each other.