Recently the VEVAM Fonds told me that my funding application for a research trip to Northern Ireland has been granted! This will allow me to work out a new idea for a documentary.
In the 1970s I was involved in volunteer work in Northern Ireland, bringing together children and teenagers from different religious backgrounds in order to promote tolerance and reconciliation. In 1976 I coordinated a work camp in the Netherlands for Dutch and Northern Irish teenagers. Brexit has again made me concerned about the situation in Northern Ireland. I am curious to know – 45 years on – how the participants are doing, what they think about Brexit, and whether the work camp has had an impact on their lives.
Since last summer I have managed to trace many of them, and now it’s time to visit them personally. At the moment, of course, it isn’t clear when I’ll be able to go to Northern Ireland, but I’m very much looking forward to it once we’re allowed to travel again and it’s safe to meet people.
NB. If you have any information about the people involved or would like to know more about this project, please contact me at info{at}angewieberdink{dot}nl