A young man whose family was deeply affected by the Troubles, has returned from the USA after attending the Project Common Bond.
Mark Crawford, whose grandfather, Ivan Crawford, an RUC officer, was murdered in an IRA bomb in Enniskillen, was one of a number of young people attending the event.
Project Common Bond is a programme that brings together young adults, ages 15-20, from around the world who share a ‘common bond’ - the loss of a family member due to an act of terrorism, violent extremism, or war.
Mark was a representative of the South East Fermanagh Foundation at this year’s event. Mark’s grandfather Ivan Crawford was killed as a result of an IRA bomb in Enniskillen.
Mark said: “I feel the Project Common Bond (PCB) is where you learn from one another and see each other as human beings with dignity, rather than being defined, by religious, cultural and political beliefs.”
“PCB has given me friends that feel like family, memories that will last a lifetime and a totally new perspective on life and society, all which I am eternally grateful for.  
“Amidst the pain, suffering and hardships endured by many I witnessed a collectively reflect a yearning for peace”.
“Overall a unique personal development, a truly life changing, and amazing experience that teaches you more about yourself, other people and other cultures and I have established lifelong friendships based on trust and respect rather than being separated by their beliefs”.
SEFF’s Director of Services Kenny Donaldson added: “Mark was a wonderful ambassador for his family, for SEFF and for Northern Ireland. 
“We are delighted to have been able to facilitate him in his journey of development”.
“Our hope is in our young people who are not alone our future but also our present. A fundamental to instil within their DNA is that terrorism and criminal violence in the pursuance or defence of a political objective is wrong, with that solid foundation and respect for humanity in place then so much more is possible,” added Mr Donaldson.