A day by the sea
February saw twenty seven Newham Peer Mediators, from 5 schools, pile onto the coach heading for Essex, to celebrate and spend the day with other young students that act as mediators in their schools.
Since 1984 Conflict & Change have worked with children and young people, training them in non-violent conflict resolution and communication skills and establishing them as peer mediators in their local schools.
Since April last year we have trained 99 students in 7 Primary schools as peer mediators. Following our training the children with the support of a Learning mentor, set up Mediation schemes. They have volunteered at lunch times to mediate arguments and disagreements between their peers on the playground.
To celebrate their achievements, share their experiences and develop links between schools, we organized the away day at Bradwell- on- Sea, chosen for its historical location.
“We went for the walk because there were a lot of educational sights to see and it was a lot of fun” -
“I learned to make bread and found it useful when the other children told us about what they do in peer mediation”
– Students from Selwyn Primary
Two year 10 students from Lister Community School were also able to join us on the day, offering their real experience and advice for those who are soon moving onto secondary school. When asked if it was useful hearing from the older students they said….
“Yes, because I’ve always been anxious for someone to answer my questions…Yes it helped me worry less about secondary school”. - Year 6 students
This is the third away day of its kind and we hope that we will be able to continue.
“The Away Day helped them realize that their work is important, appreciated and valued”– Learning Mentorat St Winefrides Primary.
Mary Santos (right)- TRUCE 2020 Graduate getting to know the Peer Mediators
Bread making demonstration by Gail (Othano Staff)
