‘We made a conscious effort to demonstrate how peer mediation fits into the broader context of peace.’
Peer review: Jane Harries attends some Quakerly teacher training in Cardiff
‘We are at the beginning of an exciting journey.’
During Meeting for Worship at Bridgend Meeting one Sunday, Friends shared feelings of incredulity and despair at the content and tone of recent news bulletins. Escalating conflict in the Middle East, stalemate in Russia’s war against Ukraine, a rhetoric of fear and retaliation – these all leave us with the distinct impression that we are on a slippery slope to global conflict, and that we can do little about it. How do we speak truth to power and live out our Peace Testimony in such a bellicose environment?
One answer to this is to promote and disseminate peace wherever we are, from the grassroots up. The role of peace education in building a more peaceful world is something Friends have long believed in. UNESCO has also now updated its recommendation for education for peace, human rights and sustainable development, positioning education as a key driver for international understanding.
A good example of this grassroots approach took place in the Temple of Peace and Health in Cardiff earlier this year. Nineteen teachers from eleven schools across South Wales participated in a three-day training course, enabling them to implement successful peer mediation schemes (conflict resolution for young people, by young people). This training was the result of a collaboration between the Welsh Centre for International Affairs (WCIA), based in the Temple of Peace, and Quakers in Britain. It was made possible by funding from South Wales Area Meeting. It is part of a broader Quakers in Britain project to promote and extend peer mediation in schools across the UK.
One thing that’s different about this project is that it aims to create a sustainable model. The three-day training was just the start of the process, and attendees are now committed to, in turn, train a whole year group in their schools in empathic and conflict-resolution skills. They will then select a group of peer mediators who will be trained and supported to operate in those schools. Another part of the schools’ commitment is to train all their staff, including lunchtime supervisors, so that there’s an understanding of, and respect for, the peer mediators’ role in supporting fellow pupils to resolve conflict. Schools have received a pack of resources to help them, drawn from the Alternatives to Violence Project, and will receive ongoing support from both the WCIA and Quakers in Britain. A second cohort of schools will be trained in the summer, and a conference is planned for January 2025, where staff and pupils will come together to share positive outcomes and good practice – hopefully in the presence of interested politicians!
In terms of content and methodology, the training took participants through the activities they will deliver with their pupils in an interactive and participatory way. On day one we concentrated on developing the skills that young people need to express themselves and respond to others nonviolently, including: how to express feelings and needs; how to distinguish between blaming and non-blaming language; how to listen effectively; and how to de-escalate conflict. Days two and three took participants through the peer mediation process and issues such as the importance and limits of confidentiality, impartiality, and the use of open and closed questions. There was also time to discuss what pupils can and can’t mediate, when they may just need to listen, and practicalities such as when and where the mediation sessions will take place.
Importantly, the training was delivered in a way that aimed to model the content. It took place in a circle and was peppered with games and fun activities, as well as role play, pair- and group-work, and time for individual reflection. This was particularly appreciated by participants. Some of the teachers said they’d initially felt daunted by the prospect of such an interactive course, but by the end expressed gratitude for so much laughter and sharing. Several commented that they intend to play more games with their children! Of course everyone loved the free resources, too!
We are fortunate in Wales that this kind of training fits well with the curriculum. Two of the four core purposes of the Welsh curriculum are to develop ‘healthy, confident individuals’ and ‘ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world’. We made a conscious effort during the training to demonstrate how peer mediation fits into the broader context of peace and peace education by offering optional lunchtime activities. On the first day we offered a brief tour of the Temple of Peace and Health, exploring its significance and its long association with a tradition of peacebuilding in Wales, including conscientious objectors, the 1923 Women’s Peace Petition, the young people’s Message of Peace and Goodwill, and support for refugees and asylum seekers. On day two they were given information about the WCIA’s Peace Schools Scheme, which supports schools to develop a holistic approach to peace education.
Underlying the provision of courses such as this is a wider vision of the knowledge, skills and behaviours that young people need if we are to build a peaceful and sustainable future for humanity. These include critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and lateral thinking. Perhaps most importantly of all, young people need to develop the confidence and skills to solve problems themselves, instead of expecting some authority figure to sort things out for them. In the words of Sue Bowers and Tom Leimdorfer: ‘The way in which young people learn to respond to conflict will have a pervasive effect both on the quality of their personal lives and on the prospects for society as a whole. Affirming the personal value of each individual, encouraging mutual respect and consciously developing the skills and attitudes involved in creative conflict resolution must be regarded as an important educational priority’ (Quaker faith & practice 24.54).
We are at the beginning of an exciting journey in Wales, and we look forward to being able to share positive outcomes in a year’s time. To get this training in your own area, contact Britain Yearly Meeting’s peace education team!
