Completion of Basic Peer Mediation Training in Four Jerusalem Schools within the “Mediators of Tomorrow” Project

ACT Conflict Resolution Organization successfully completed four peer mediation training programs for school students as part of the project “Mediators of Tomorrow: Combating Violence through Peer Mediation”. The trainings were conducted in several Jerusalem schools: Al-Shabat Al-Muslimat Secondary School, Al-Nahda Girls’ School, Islamic Orphanage School, and Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed Boys’ School.

Each training spanned 17 hours per school and focused on equipping students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in conflict resolution and peer mediation, thereby contributing to safer and more cooperative school environments.

The program provided an in-depth exploration of the concept of conflict—its definition, types, levels, causes, development, and analysis—alongside discussions of both positive and negative outcomes of conflicts, escalation patterns, and manifestations within the school environment. It also addressed methods of managing and resolving conflicts. Students were introduced to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including litigation, arbitration, tribal reconciliation, mediation, and violence. These methods were compared in terms of advantages, disadvantages, and suitability to the Palestinian context, with emphasis on mediation as one of the most appropriate approaches for resolving student disputes.

The training program covered the practical stages of mediation, beginning with the preparatory phase, moving through individual and joint sessions, and culminating in a mediation agreement. It also developed core mediator skills such as active listening, questioning, rephrasing, summarizing, reading body language, and negotiation. The training concluded with practical applications and simulation sessions that enabled students to practice mediation skills in realistic scenarios reflecting school conflicts.

This achievement is part of a series of training interventions implemented by the project in Jerusalem schools. Work is currently underway to complete training at Nabi Samuel School, within a plan aimed at reaching more students and strengthening their capacities in peaceful conflict management.

It is noteworthy that ACT Conflict Resolution Organization continues its efforts to enhance students’ skills in dialogue, conflict transformation, and nonviolent communication, contributing to the creation of more peaceful and inclusive school communities through the “Mediators of Tomorrow” project, funded by the French Development Agency and managed by the NGO Development Center.