Quakers offer schools peer meditation funds
‘This project will give a secondary school the opportunity to truly embed mediation into their school community and we hope the work done there will inspire other secondary schools across the country to introduce peer mediation schemes.’
Secondary schools in England are being offered a funded opportunity to develop peer-led conflict resolution by Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM). Schools with a sixth form are invited to bid to host the project, which includes around £3,000 in funding for staff costs alongside training for staff and students in peer mediation. BYM will ‘work closely with the successful school to help them become a centre of excellence in peer mediation’, it said.
Ben Harper, peer mediation national coordinator for BYM, said: ‘Peer Mediation schemes have been proven to make a tangible difference to how whole school communities manage the inevitable conflict that occurs in communities. It can shift the whole school culture towards having greater empathy, understanding and respect for difference.’
He added: ‘This project will give a secondary school the opportunity to truly embed mediation into their school community and we hope the work done there will inspire other secondary schools across the country to introduce peer mediation schemes.’
According to the Quakers in Britain website, conflict resolution for young people, by young people, makes schools safer and more peaceful. ‘Mediators learn how professionals help people find win:win solutions, whether in families, the workplace or even international relations,’ it says. ‘The training helps students develop their understanding of conflict and conflict resolution. It develops listening, empathy and mediation skills as well as confidence, leadership and self-efficacy.’
The project is funded by the charity Talking Works.
Comments
Could I ask why this appears to be an England only project ?
Does it therefore exclude Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland ?
Maybe I am mistaken.
By w.patricia@icloud.com on 27th April 2024 - 17:59
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