Dimapur, May 7 (MExN): To capacitate the students to intervene in conflict situations in their own way in family, community and institution when it happens, Peace Channel organized programme at Trinity High School, Thahekhu Village on May 6.
Speaking on the occasion, Fr. CP Anto, Director of Peace Channel said Trinity High School has already set a new trend and stepped forward in working together to create a peaceful world. He also stressed on the importance and methods of peer mediation in schools and communities.
Peer mediation, he said, is both a process and programme, where students of the same age-group facilitate resolving disputes between two people or small groups. The process has proven effective in schools and communities, he added. “The youth have to play catalyst of change where ever they are. They have to be taught to resolve conflict in their lives, families and educational institutions and make them the messengers of peace in the conflict situations and prevent them in getting in to violent conflicts. The process of peer mediation makes the youth to improve self-esteem, listening and critical thinking skills, and enhances the school climate for learning, as well as reduce disciplinary actions and fights.”
According to a press release from Peace Channel Desk, Fr. Anto further stated that peer mediators do not "make decisions" but rather they work towards a win-win resolution for both sides in order to avoid further trouble or escalation of conflicts. “Their main duties in the process of mediation is to develop a core group of adults within school community to carry out and model the mediation program, oversee the selection of its members, training, motivation, debriefing of mediators, keep records and report regularly to all communities/stakeholders, work together to overcome attitudinal and structural resistance with their institutions, developing and maintaining support from strategic groups, including teachers, parents and community leaders,” it was added.
They are also taught where and how they can intervene, issues related to social media, domestic violence, relationship difficulties/harassment, rumours and gossip, cheating and stealing, gang fight, racial and cultural confrontations, vandalism, classroom or extracurricular disputes, bullying, minor assaults and fighting. Thus, he said, the ultimate objective of all the peer mediators of Peace Club members is to make the educational institutions, communities and families a place of peace and promote harmonious living among all.
The programme was attended by 150 students. NT Abraham, the headmaster welcomed the gathering and Arti, the Peace Club coordinator proposed vote of thanks.
