Conclusion of the "Peer Mediation" Training Program in Gaza to Promote Dialogue and Peaceful Solutions Among Students
ACT Conflict Resolution, in partnership with Aisha Association for the Protection of Women and Children and the Culture and Free Thought Society, concluded the "Peer Mediation" training program, which targeted a group of students in Gaza. The program aimed to prepare and empower peer mediators capable of managing conflicts among their classmates peacefully, while promoting a culture of dialogue and cooperation within the school environment.
The program was implemented over 20 training hours distributed across nine sessions, using a blended approach that combined remote learning with in‑person training at the partner institutions in Gaza. This allowed the program to continue despite ongoing challenges. The training focused on building participants’ knowledge and skills in peer mediation concepts and its core principles: neutrality, confidentiality, voluntariness, and self‑determination. It also developed practical skills such as active listening, asking open‑ended questions, summarizing, rephrasing, body language, negotiation, and conflict analysis, through interactive methods including role‑playing, case studies, simulations, and teamwork.
Students showed remarkable engagement, with clear progress in their understanding of mediation principles and growing confidence in their ability to handle conflicts constructively. Some even began applying the skills they learned in real situations within their families and communities.
One student shared: "There was a problem at the water queue in the camp between some young people, so we intervened as mediators and solved it peacefully and safely without anyone getting hurt."
Another student said: "I gained confidence in myself. I can now solve any problem at home between my siblings or at school between my classmates, and I have a clear idea about mediation."
A third student added: "I explained to my parents the concept of mediation and its goals, and how a mediator can deal with conflicts with neutrality and integrity to reach solutions that satisfy everyone."
Beyond skill acquisition, the training also instilled fundamental concepts of conflict understanding. One of the most repeated messages during the sessions was: "The wolf is innocent in the story of Little Red Riding Hood!" — highlighting the importance of listening to all sides before making judgments, and the need to understand different perspectives to reach fair and sustainable solutions.
Despite humanitarian challenges in Gaza, including power outages, weak internet service, and high temperatures, the program continued successfully thanks to the commitment of participants, coordination among partner organizations, and flexible training methods.
This program is part of ACT and its partners’ efforts to promote dialogue, establish fair and alternative mechanisms for conflict resolution, and empower students to play an active role in spreading values of respect, cooperation, and tolerance within their schools and communities.
