The Peace Foundation trained 108 enthusiastic new Mediators this week, which involved learning about the important skills of how to resolve everyday conflict in a constructive way. A big part of this training involves reflecting on themselves and becoming more self aware. The more we know and understand ourselves, the more we are able to help others. It is hard to ‘extend kindness’ to others if we don’t extend kindness to ourselves and look after ourselves. These life skills of open communication, relationship building and ‘listening to understand’ are part of MRGS’ s culture and values of manaakitanga and whanaungtanga….. respect, kindness, equality, inclusion and aroha for everyone.
Earlier this year, 60 Advanced Mediators attended further mediation training from Human Rights activist Julie Watson on “Developing positive Race Relations” and SHINE on the effects of violence and how to be an upstander, not a bystander against prejudice and harassment.
Also, for the first time, a NETSAFE training on how to protect yourself from online harassment was facilitated by our very own Advanced Mediators and YAS Leaders Ihsanullah PA and Rishi Shukla.
Mediators are ‘Ambassadors of Social Justice’, standing up against harassment, bullying, inequality and exclusion, supporting students to get the help they need. They provide confidential help to their peers informally in the school environment, or formally in the mediation room at Student Services.
Mediation is …
A structured PROCESS that uses a neutral person/s (the mediator/s) to HELP the people in a conflict (the disputants) to come up with their OWN solution/s for a WIN/WIN outcome. Mediation is both voluntary and confidential. Mediation is a constructive way of dealing with conflict.
If you are experiencing conflict or being harassed, and would rather speak with an older student, please contact us at Student Services. Confidentiality assured.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
International Peace Week: August 3rd-7th.
Peace Symposium: Friday 14th August
Te rangimarie me te aroha.
