DIMAPUR — The Peace Channel, in collaboration with the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), conducted a comprehensive peer mediation training programme on September 5.
The mediation training programme signifies a bold step toward empowering youth in colleges and universities as peer mediators, uniquely equipped to address a diverse spectrum of issues within their academic communities, the Peace Channel stated in a press release.
Addressing the trainees Dr. Fr. CP Anto stressed on the urgent need to empower youth as peer mediators and peacebuilders for the betterment of society.
Anto emphasised that through peer mediation, the youth will be able to find solutions to all issues faced by them including relationship issues, social media-related issues, groupism, drug and substance, classroom and even career issues.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He also informed that peer mediation stands at the forefront of the Peace Channel's mission, concentrating on the youth in colleges, universities and localities across the region to capacitate them to be peer mediators.
“This innovative approach, now integrated into NEISSR's best practices, entails empowering each and every student with an arsenal of essential peace-building and conflict transformation skills. These encompass effective communication, empathy, mediation techniques, problem analysis, and active listening,” the release stated.
Trainer Livino capacitated the youth with the concept of peer mediation guided by a structured process comprising seven pivotal steps —introduction, discussion, clarification, rectification, resolution, transformation and evaluation - using SWOC analysis to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the group.
“NEISSR's peer mediation forum is uniquely positioned to address a wide range of issues that can impact the college community.
“Beyond resolving conflicts, the peer mediation forum at NEISSR champions a holistic approach to fostering peace and understanding. Activities such as mental health awareness campaigns, cultural sensitivity workshops, and community-building events exemplify the commitment to unity and cooperation among students,” it stated.
The training program culminated with practical demonstrations from each student group, showcasing their newfound mediation skills and dedication to creating a more inclusive and harmonious academic environment, it stated.
The Peace Channel went on to state that NEISSR's adoption of peer mediation as a cornerstone practice signifies a transformative leap toward empowering its students and building a resilient, conflict-ready academic community.
By endowing youth with these indispensable conflict resolution skills, NEISSR is nurturing a generation of leaders dedicated to propagating peace and understanding in colleges and universities nationwide, it added.