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
31 CFP teens accepted the invitation of the Mayor of Lefke to participate in a day long municipal Peace Festival on Sept. 1. The teens, both Greek and Turkish speaking, were warmly welcomed by the village. The teens planted pine and olive trees in an area which was named the Peace Forest of Lefke. The afternoon was filled with speeches, folk dancing and music with CFP teens involved in all activities.
The Cyprus Friendship Programme Parents and Friends Association held its annual dinner dance on September 13, 2019. 166 parents, teens and alumni gathered at Bibliotheque for dinner, conversation and music.
Have you joined the Association yet?
The Cyprus Friendship Programme’s largest graduating class of 140 members with an audience of 400 enjoyed their ceremony on October 12 at The Senior School in Latsia, Nicosia. Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to CFP Alumni who volunteered as camp helpers.
24 members of the CFP Class of 2019 were selected to attend the Euroscola program sponsored by the European Union in Strasbourg, France on November 7. CFP enjoys the privilege of sending a full delegation.
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?
Our Programs
Jerusalem Friendship Program
2020 Program details available Jan. 1, 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.