PEER MEDIATION LAUNCHED

A peer mediation programme has been launched by the education Ministry at the El Dorado West Secondary School on Friday.

Transcript

00:00The Peer Mediation Program launched today by the Education Ministry is described as

00:06a significant step in equipping students with skills to navigate conflicts constructively.

00:12This initiative is designed to provide targeted intervention for schools in need of enhanced

00:21student support services and specialised strategies aimed at improving educational

00:29outcomes.

00:30Schools of focus will benefit from increased collaboration with our Student Support Services

00:37Division, which plays an instrumental role in student welfare, behavioural intervention

00:45and psychosocial support.

00:48The Manager of the Student Support Services Division says this represents the second phase

00:54of the introduction of restorative practices to the education system.

00:58Extensive research has shown that restorative practices significantly reduces suspensions,

01:06expulsion and disciplinary referrals, while simultaneously fostering a more respectful

01:15and supportive learning environment, as well as improving students' perception of school

01:22climate.

01:23Our preliminary local data already indicates a notable decline in suspension rates.

01:30And the Education Minister herself says this program will give students the help they need.

01:35So we're going to try to do something this morning.

01:40I am going to say something on the mic, and then I'm going to ask them, one each time,

01:48to say it to you in their own way.

01:52Every day, you may not feel to come to school and work hard, but discipline means that you

01:57push past those feelings and always try to do your best.

02:03I feel this was targeted.

02:06Every day, come to school for me, please.

02:11Because I come from Sampo, and I did not need to stay here.

02:15I did not need to come to school, and yet I am here today, on a Friday, which I normally skip.

02:22And that's as the Minister demonstrated why peer mediation is important.

02:27Young people say things differently, in a different language, from those of us who are

02:34just a little bit older, just a little bit, not much.

02:38Young people speak the language of young people.

02:43And it is important when there's conflict, that young people can help their peers, their

02:52friends, to de-escalate the conflict.

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