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.
Cyprus Friendship Program
The Cyprus Friendship Programme and the Famagusta Cultural Association organized a Treasure Hunt Game in the walled city of Famagusta for Greek Cypriot students and Turkish Cypriot students wishing to discover the medieval history of their country.
The game took place on the 8th of December 2019 from 10:00 to 12:00 and students from both sides of the divide met in Famagusta to explore the walled city while discovering its medieval secrets through an exciting experience filled with fun.
This educational activity has also been an opportunity to break social barriers between the young GCs and TCs and enable embarking the power world of unity and progress.
It was an initiative which was not politically bound while it was largely supported by the UN and which targeted social betterment for the youth of Cyprus.
The walled town of Famagusta is a prominent medieval historical site with some special importance within the whole historical landscape of Cyprus.
In Cyprus and other East European countries a delicious orange flavored Vasilopita cake, iced with a thick and glossy vanilla scented sugar glaze, is traditionally served at midnight on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the welcome of the New Year. A coin is hidden in the cake before baking. The one who receives the coin is considered a lucky person for the New Year.
The CFP Parents and Friends Association held a New Year’s gathering on January 4th with 70 in attendance. President, Michael Liatsos, addressed the meeting and emphasized the importance of getting together more often thus strengthening friendship and cooperation. He expressed his wishes for a Happy New Year hoping that this year will bring a solution and unite the people on the island. Michael cut the first slice of Vasilopita. A mother of our young teens was the lucky one who found the hidden coin.
Two Alumni members also addressed the meeting. The event ended exchanging wishes and having refreshments.
CFP is grateful to the United Nations for providing the reception room at the Ledra Pallas free of charge.
Have you joined the Association yet?
Jerusalem Friendship Program
SAVE THE DATE
FEBRUARY 12, 2020 – 5 pm
Haifa University has graciously agreed to host the Graduation for the Class of 2019. After the program and presentation of certificates, we will all share a meal together. More specific information will be sent when all the details are confirmed.
We look forward to seeing all the teens and their families.
Northern Ireland Alumni
Cornerstone Bar, Enniskillen,
Northern Ireland
November 8, 2019
CFPNI Alumni, parents, Coordinators, and Board members gather to celebrate friendships, share memories and listen to traditional Irish music.
Have you signed up for Reunion communications?
“Be a bush, if you can’t be a tree.
If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail.
If you can’t be a sun, be a star.
For it isn’t by size that you win or fail.
Be the best of whatever you are.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Our Programs
Jerusalem Friendship Program
2020 Program details available Mar. 15, 2020.
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.