Ashley Teo - Page 3 - Peacemakers

Managing Employee Happiness in the Current Workforce

Striving to keep employee happiness on the up is nothing new. But do the same methods work for millennial employees?

Millennial needs differ from the generations before them and the factors to consider will help one better understand how to manage and bring out the best from your happy millennial employee.

Last week, MetroResidences held an enriching discussion on Managing Employee Happiness. The event was warmly hosted by our friends at WeWork and featured business leaders of the modern workforce; Amin Sulaiman of Wantedly, Sean Lim of Peacemakers and James Chua of MetroResidences.

This HR event saw public attendees from varying departments and businesses, interested in gaining insight into relevant perspectives on the evolving scope of today’s employees. Crowned by an engaging discussion between the speakers and attendees, the talk brought up interesting discourse and shed light onto prevailing issues within HR-department circles.

Millennial Direction

Our speakers addressed both perennial and contemporary methods of assessment. Many attendees were interested in the different styles of approach modern businesses adopt when dealing with millennials. Be it, expatriates or locals, millennials make up a large portion of the workforce.

The discussion shed light on understanding how the needs of millennials differ from the generations before them; questioning the current framework set in place by managers across the board.

Value them

Many attendees were interested in the different styles of approach modern businesses adopt when dealing with millennials. Establishing the right work culture was held to a high regard. With varying needs everpresent, specific roles in the workforce had to evolve, largely aimed at reward benchmarking.

“Care Personally, Challenge Directly…”

It is not only important to value your employee but let them know that you do. By doing so, you will be able to better connect and see significant productivity increase from the people who work with or for you.

Understand ‘why’ before thinking ‘how’

Hostility and harassment have no place in striving to achieve employee happiness. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure.

Learning about the importance of dealing with volatile situations before they get out of hand promotes an environment where employees will feel safe to collaborate and contribute with little hesitation.

“...if you can dig deep to uncover the true interests behind someone’s position…then a whole realm of possible solutions will open up for you.”

Most of the time, conflicts at the workplace stem from a difference of opinion. Managers should act as primary mediators in understanding such matters and addressing them before they get out of hand.

During the talk, subjects on man-management and conflict management were herald by points on mediation processes and employee health, addressing the ideal state of a healthy workplace.

If you would like to know more about what we do or when the next event is, be sure to check out our Facebook page!

Here is more about the speakers:

James Chua, Co-Founder of MetroResidences

James is the Co-Founder of MetroResidences, a leading booking-platform for Corporate Housing operating in Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The Company had humble beginnings as a 3-man operation out of the basement of the Singapore Management University’s (SMU) startup incubator program. It’s grown to a 50-strong team with 500-Startups and Rakuten as their main backers. The Company has served about 10% of the corporates in the Fortune 500 list, and hundreds of small and medium enterprises. James started his career as an equity analyst and portfolio manager with Phillip Capital Management. He’s received a B.A from the University of California, San Diego in Economics in 2005.

Amin Sulaiman, Business Development Lead of Wantedly

One of the main drivers behind the company’s expansion efforts, Amin heads the business development team at Wantedly Singapore. Since his time as Head of Business Development at e27, Amin has developed and improved sales processes for the business development team. His extensive knowledge and experience from lead generation, pitching to account servicing have garnered key revenue streams for the company. He continues to reach out to great companies to match them with great talents.

Sean Lim, Managing Director of Peacemakers

Sean is an accredited mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Institute, and an Associate Mediator with and coach for the Singapore Mediation Centre. He is invited regularly to serve as a conflict management coach for various corporate clients and public healthcare institutions. Sean was part of the pioneering team which established a Healthcare Mediation Unit for the government. He was also involved in international commercial mediation work at the Singapore International Mediation Centre.

The post "Managing employee happiness in the current workforce" first appeared on MetroResidences.

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Peacemakers offers the services of internationally accredited mediators with extensive experience in resolving local and international conflicts. If you are involved in a dispute, let us know your requirements via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg, and we will recommend you the mediators that best meet your needs.

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them – Peacemakers 2018

On 12 July 2018, our Training and Development Advisor, Professor Joel Lee, published a blog post on the Kluwer Mediation Blog entitled “And A Little Child Shall Lead Them – Peacemakers Conference 2018”. His blog post is reproduced in full below.

I have in previous entries (July 2012 and July 2013) written about a peer mediation initiative called the Peacemakers Conference. The purpose of the Peacemakers Conference is to teach 13-16 year olds how to resolve conflicts amicably in a workshop cum competition format. This year’s Peacemakers Conference was held from 20 to 22 June 2018.

As in previous years, we asked students from different schools to work together to create a visual metaphor for mediation. This started in 2015 and has become a regular feature in the Peacemakers Conference. Metaphors from previous years be found in the entries for November 2015, August 2016 and July 2017.

This year, the students came up with 8 (plus 1) visual metaphors which I would like to share with readers in this entry. For each of these, an image of the students presenting the metaphor is shared along with a description of the metaphor.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Ms. Charmaine Yap, Ms. Samantha Lek, Mr. Sean Lim and the Peacemakers Facilitation team for capturing the description and images of each of the metaphors that appear below.

MEDIATION METAPHORS

GROUP 1: Mediation is Magic

Mediation is magic, and the Patronus deer that is summoned when Harry Potter casts the Expecto Patronum spell was chosen to represent the idea of magic. The spell is a charm that drives away life-sucking beasts, but is famously difficult to cast. This is like mediation – the difficult nature of practising mediation, mediating conflict, and solving conflicts and problems. When Harry Potter casts this spell, he has to recall a happy memory. However, he had to try this a lot of times, and only succeeded when he tried very hard. Similarly, if mediators do not mediate properly, the mediation will not work well, and might even make the situation worse.

Magic is also universal among everyone. From the old to the young, everyone appreciates magic. This is similar to peacemaking and mediation – everyone there is there to appreciate and understand it.

Mediation is also magical because by merely asking questions, people can be guided together. Just as there are endless types of spells, there are endless types of solutions in mediation. It is up to the mediator to ask parties questions to guide them along.

The Patronus is a beautiful animal. Harry Potter’s Patronus is a stag. Similar to mediation, it is the unpredictable and beautiful result of parties working on a framework to resolve the problem together.

GROUP 2: Mediation is the Lighthouse that guides relationSHIPS

The lighthouse is a guide in the dark. The lighthouse symbolises the mediator, and the ships symbolise the parties. The lighthouse guides ships to land without piloting them. Similarly, the mediator guides parties to a solution without giving it to them. The darkness of the night sky symbolises how parties are unable to see each other’s perspectives, but the light from the lighthouse helps them to see each other and their common destination.

GROUP 3: Mediation is like a Camera Tripod

The tripod’s three stands represent the mediator and two parties. All three support one another for the foundation of the picture, and have to support one another in order for the camera to work. They also maintain level ground for the camera. If any one of these elements are missing, the picture will not be beautiful.

The camera has to be on a level plane in order to work. This represents the mediator’s neutrality. The camera cannot stand without the mediator or one of the parties missing, and will fall. This shows how crucial each party is to the mediation.

The height of the tripod can be adjusted. This represents the flexibility of altering perspectives throughout the mediation session.

Just like how pictures in the camera can be deleted, conflict can be deleted at mediation. All the pictures taken are stored on the memory card, and are gone from the camera when the memory card is removed. This represents confidentiality at mediation.

Everyone can exercise their autonomy to participate by being in the picture. Similarly, anyone can participate in mediation and benefit from the process.

The camera’s zoom out feature allows the mediator to move away from the narrow tunnel vision and look at the big picture, while the focus feature allows parties to focus on what others are saying and listen attentively to one another.

GROUP 4: Mediation is a Missing Puzzle Piece

Skit:
– “I have a puzzle but the two pieces won’t fit.”
– “Should I cut it up?”
– “But the puzzle won’t look nice?”
– “I found another piece.”
– “Oh wow it fits perfectly!”

Mediation is like a missing puzzle piece that connects two parties together that are imperfect. Having to cut a puzzle piece in order for them to fit is like parties sacrificing part of their interests in order to come to a compromise. Like a missing puzzle piece, mediation allows parties to reach a mutually acceptable solution that doesn’t require either to give up what is important to them. A beautiful picture is formed by the pieces fitting together, the way a solution is reached when parties and the mediator come together.

GROUP 5: Mediation is a Pair of Swans

Mediation is a pair of swans, because swans are gentle and peaceful. When both swans are put together, the shape their necks make is a diamond. Just like how a diamond is hard to obtain, mediation is hard to master. Both also play important roles in society. A diamond can be used as a tool to shape or carve other things, while mediation is a tool we use to sort out problems.

The spectacles on the swans show that viewing things through different lenses can help make things clearer, and help you see things from different perspectives. The bridge in the background is to commemorate the previous year’s winning metaphor.

GROUP 6: Mediation is a Compass

A maze has multiple entry points, each leading to the centre via a unique route. Similarly, parties enter mediation with a unique perspective. What they see, experience, and the obstacles they face can be very different from one another. When they reach the end point, there is conflict. Parties think they know each other’s stories since they are in the same space. They assume that they had experienced the same thing since they are in the same maze, but what they had gone through may be different. This is a form of tunnel vision – assuming what they experienced is the same. When that is not the case, it leads to conflict.

A compass needs a needle, cardinal directions, and its casing to work. Likewise, mediation cannot proceed if either party or the mediator is absent.

Confidentiality: The fact that the compass is enclosed in an opaque maze represents confidentiality since no one outside the maze can get an idea of what is happening in the maze.

Neutrality: Only when the compass is on a flat surface will it work well. Similarly, neutrality must be maintained by the mediator for the most effective outcome.

Autonomy: Parties choose whether they want to hold the compass or to be guided by it. The compass helps parties see different sides and perspectives to the issues by allowing them to learn about the stories of different parties. This avoids tunnel vision.

This is where mediation comes in. Mediation helps parties see different perspectives to the complicated issue by learning about the other parties’ stories. Because parties have different orientations, turning in the same direction might not necessarily set the other party on the same route. However, a compass will set parties on the same route (by guiding them North, South, East, or West), towards a solution that they can all agree on together.

Mediation is a compass because it can help parties see the complete picture, set common ground, and guide them through conflict.

GROUP 7: Mediation is a Tightrope

A tightrope is very thin, and you have to be very focused to not lose balance. Maintaining balance is like maintaining neutrality. If you don’t maintain neutrality, you will fall. Similarly, the mediation process will not proceed well if the mediator is not neutral.

Although the tightrope is very thin, it still connects two points together. Similarly, mediation brings two parties (represented by the mountains) together. We (the students) have written everyone’s names on the tightrope in order to convey that everyone has undertaken the challenge of mediating between two parties.

GROUP 8: Mediation is a Needle

There are different kinds of needles.

Threading Needle

A threading needle patches up holes in fabric, and binds different pieces of fabric together to make something beautiful. Likewise, the mediator enables parties to reach resolution. Just like how the needle guides the thread, the mediator guides parties. However, the needle can also cause hurt – it can pierce you and cause you to harm yourself. Similarly, mediation can also cause harm if it is used wrongly.

Syringe Needle

Mediation can help people recover from emotional wounds. A syringe draws out blood, like how mediation draws out conflict. A syringe needle must also be precise – specific mediation techniques need to be applied depending on the context.

Acupuncture Needle

Acupuncture needles are pin needles – they need to be inserted precisely and accurately, otherwise the patient will be in a lot of discomfort. Similarly, if the mediator says something that makes parties uncomfortable, then parties will be in a situation of discomfort. However, if the acupuncture is done well, blood will flow well into the areas that are stressed, relieving the patient of pain. This is similar to the relief mediation provides if it is done well.

SPECIAL MENTION: Mediation is a Toilet

The three principles of mediation are: (i) autonomy, (ii) neutrality, and (iii) confidentiality.

Autonomy: Just like mediation, you can choose when, where, or how you use the toilet. You can use it in the day or night, and decide how long you want to use it for. You can even use what type of toilet you want to use – the squatting type, sitting type, or even a potty.
Neutrality: Long or short, big or small, the toilet will not judge.
Confidentiality: Whatever is made in the toilet, stays in the toilet. After the work is done and you use the flush, all evidence is destroyed.

The cubicle is like a mediation centre. You can go whenever you like, and leave only when you are satisfied.

The 4 stages of the mediation process is similar to going to the toilet.

Opening: You are apprehensive because you don’t know what you will find in a toilet. But when you are really urgent, you go in anyway.
Information Gathering: This is when you release the poop. Sometimes there is so much that you don’t know where to begin. But once you get comfortable, everything starts pouring out. Some get constipation, while others get diarrhoea. Everyone goes through pain, and it takes time and effort, but things will come through sooner or later. After that, you can step out and take a breath of fresh air.
Problem Solving: The flushing comes after you have been satisfied. It is only when you get everything out, that you are ready to start afresh.
Closing: Now you can step out of the smelly cubicle and start afresh, since you have gotten everything out of the way.

“Pissmakers – Helping you get your shit together”

That brings us to the end of another installment of visual metaphors for mediation! I hope readers found some of these as inspiring as we did!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

As Singapore’s leading peer mediation experts, Peacemakers has an extensive track record of managing and delivering conflict resolution training for youth at both local and international levels. If you would like to train your youth to better manage conflict, let us know how we can help via email at mediate@peacemakers.sg.

Mediation / Peacemakers Conference / Peacemakers Medtaphors - 07/20/2018

Peace Talks - Shayne Phee

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Shayne Phee from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

It was a really unique experience as I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to learn and hear from law students themselves and mediators in the workforce! It was enriching to be able to learn the proper and professional way to deal with conflict - something that I'll not be able to learn in the classroom!

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

My favourite part was during the simulations where we either got to act as totally unreasonable people in conflict or act as the mediators trying to intervene and make peace. For one, it was very fun being as unreasonable and angry as I wanted haha! On a more serious note, at the end of the day it was very fulfilling to have the chance to put what I had learnt to the test. When my friends tried to give me a hard time during the simulations, it was actually fun and enriching to be able to practice handling relationships and conflicts. It really taught me a lot about myself and about resolving conflicts, which can come in handy in life.

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

Sometimes when planning for events, stress overcomes us and that's when tension starts to build up. Two of my close friends involved in planning for our school carnival had some differences and misunderstandings. This led to them arguing over the words they said that might have hurt each other and the way that things should be run. Using the mediation skills that I had learnt from this conference, I managed to put myself in both their shoes and play the role of the mediator to encourage them to talk it out. They managed to resolve the matter peacefully, and still remain close friends now!

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

My advice to the participants would be to keep an open mind and to not be afraid to ask questions. I remember due to my curiosity, my friends and I kept asking a lot of questions. Some of our questions even stumped the speaker haha! It can be quite awkward at first, but it is only through clarifying your doubts that you can really learn and explore outside the box.

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/13/2018

Peace Talks - Sia Xinyu

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Sia Xinyu from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

I stepped into Peacemaker’s Conference 2017 expecting to learn nothing more than the basic mediation procedures, but actually stepped out with a whole new bank of knowledge about so much more! It was a fulfilling experience that I am extremely grateful to have been given, and I know the participants of this year’s Conference will enjoy it as much as I did!

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

My favourite part would definitely have to be meeting new people and learning from them. As we were split into different groups, we all had to chance to interact with students from different schools. Listening to my groupmates' opinions really helped to broaden my horizon as I heard from viewpoints I would have never even thought of. Of course, interactions include making new friends and I’m thankful to have been placed in a really friendly group (shoutout to gwy, jingyi, farzana, emily and hong jun!) right from the beginning ( ´∀｀ )♡

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

It would have to be between my team members of a project, and what made things complicated was that they were both close friends of mine. The process was not easy at all, and what one of the presenters shared during the Conference last year will always stick with me: “It’s always the hardest mediating for people you care deeply about”. It’s very true, but we also have to remember that a simple “I understand” can go a long way in detangling a conflict.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

Open your eyes, ears, and most importantly, heart! Don’t be scared of the Conference because there’ll be many helpful and (really) cheerful facilitators around to guide you, so just have fun and learn as much as you can ~ All the best! ( •̀ᄇ• ́)ﻭ✧

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/10/2018

Peace Talks - Dawn Lok

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Dawn Lok (centre) from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

Peacemakers Conference was really enriching! Apart from it being a good mix of hands-on and theory, what I liked the most about Peacemaker's Conference 2017 was that whatever was taught was really applicable and useful! I was able to apply the mediation skills when a group seemed to be under a dilemma (I wouldn't call it a conflict but there were differing views!), and that helped to effectively solve the problem! It also taught me to be more observant to what others say and uncover the message (interests) they are trying to bring across, and help them with it if possible! The Conference was truly a gem!

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

I really enjoyed the mediation "trials" we had! Even though it was nerve-wracking and stressful, but it was where I really learnt to make meaning out of what I've learnt in the theory sessions. Being able to get out of my shell and "fight it out" with my peers from other schools was really memorable too!

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

As part of my role in my leadership board, I had to oversee a group for them to plan a training session. Midway through the planning, however, they faced some problems with deciding how the session should be structured. I was originally unsure of how I should tackle this situation, but I remembered what was taught in the Conference! So I got them to lay out their opinions, as well as why they hold them. From there, they were able to see how both opinions could complement each other, and in the end, they managed to integrate both ideas!

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

It would be to truly immerse yourself in the experience, and come with an open heart to learn! Even though it may seem to be a dry and unrelated Conference, trust me it's not! The skills are really transferable, and you're a lucky one to be selected/appointed to join this Conference! :))) So pay attention during the theory sessions, understand the concepts, try your best during the mediation trials, learn from your peers, and most importantly, enjoy yourself! Have fun! XD

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/05/2018

Peace Talks - Tan Hui Yun

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Tan Hui Yun from Hougang Secondary School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

I felt that the Peacemakers Conference was one of the most meaningful events I’ve ever experienced as I learnt a lot about mediation! I also managed to make new friends, and even had the opportunity to work with them. I really loved the Conference as I got to enjoy and learn at the same time!

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

I loved the competition rounds because they were really interesting. We got to practice our mediating skills, and also got a chance to role play. The judges even gave us constructive feedback for improvement, making the overall learning experience extremely meaningful.

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

As a leader, discussions are common, and I often face situations where disagreements would lead to conflicts. After the Conference, I became more aware of both parties' thoughts and facial expressions when dealing with conflicts, and I am also better equipped at resolving such arguments. I learnt that it is important to avoid being subjective and one-sided when facing such situations, and most importantly to always remain calm. I became more confident when solving conflicts between my peers, and also managed to come up with solutions for them.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

Try to step out of your comfort zone and mix around! As you'll be grouped with people from different schools, bonding with them will guarantee you a better learning experience.

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/03/2018

Peace Talks - Bhoomi

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Bhoomi from Chua Chu Kang Secondary School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

It was the first time I attended something like that. To be honest though, I was excited but superrr scared on the first day, especially when I found out that my friends and I were split into different groups. But after we got into our groups, the fun we had was immense. Peacemakers definitely taught me a lot of things every single day. I don’t think the values and skills I learnt here can be taught anywhere else. Every moment of this conference was one the best times I have had.

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

My favourite part was when we went for the competition rounds and our skills were put to the test. I think that was the best type of assessment I have ever had. The acting I got to do when I was playing a party, and the laughter that I had to hold in when I was mediator because the parties were putting up a fantastic show, were AMAZING!

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

There were times where I had to face friends who were in deep conflict because of things that happened in Secondary 1, which they only decided to bring up and fight about in Secondary 4. Since I am good friends with both of them, I knew what I had learnt at the Conference would come in handy then. I was able to stay neutral and hear out both of their views, then I helped them in unfolding each of their situations so that both of them could be able to see each other’s perspectives too. Although they are still not best friends today, I am glad that they now acknowledge one another with a smile when they pass by.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

To those attending this conference this year: Don’t be nervous, and be enthusiastic in whatever you do. Be open to learning things you never knew existed, and have loads and loads of fun!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 03/30/2018

Peace Talks - Chloe Lee

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Chloe Lee from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

I absolutely loved it! Ranging from the visits to the courts and NUS law school, and to the interesting lessons and mediation exercises, it was a very enriching experience learning about mediation as a whole. The instructors for each breakout group were really cool too!

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

Definitely the mediating competition and actually practising mediation. It was really fun working with students from other schools, to try our hand at mediation as amateurs, and of course roleplaying as well! 🙂

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

I use what I learnt in the Peacemakers Conference all the time. I don't panic when I am caught in the middle of an argument now, because I am clearer about what to say and the right time to say it! One example would be at home when my siblings are quarrelling - the resolution often needs someone to help both parties clear the air and talk things out!

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

Have lots of fun, ask lots of questions and don’t be shy! It’s a really rare opportunity to get to experience mediation in such a fun way, so make the most out of it!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 03/27/2018

Peace Talks - Brendan Cheong

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Brendan Cheong from Hougang Secondary School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

I felt that the Peacemakers Conference 2017 was very well organised with a suitable amount of time given to both theory and practical sessions.

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

My favourite part of the Conference are the practical sessions where students get to put their mediation knowledge into practice with real-life scenarios given to us. These sessions are very fulfilling as we get to apply what we have learnt, and they also allow us to gain experience handling different people that may be involved in a situation where mediation is required.

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

An example of me applying what I had learnt throughout the 3 days of the Conference would be a conflict that two of my best friends had. Knowing that I was in a difficult position as I could not afford to be bias in any manner, I decided to make use of my new knowledge of mediation to help me in this matter. After going through all the motions, both parties managed to reach a suitable conclusion of apologising to each other and became best friends again ever since.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

One piece of advice I would give to incoming participants would be to attend each day with an open mind. Although it might be difficult for us to focus at times, the knowledge taught is really worth the effort to stay awake for.

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 03/23/2018

Peace Talks - Jeevasree

In our interview series, entitled “Peace Talks”, we speak to peacemakers with different backgrounds and life stories, and ask them to share their thoughts and reflections.

This edition of "Peace Talks" features Jeevasree from Commonwealth Secondary School:

Q: How did you feel about the Peacemakers Conference 2017?

Peacemakers Conference 2017 was an amazing experience! I was able to meet so many new people and had so much fun while learning many new things that are useful in life. It was an enjoyable experience as well, since we were able to learn through fun activities while making new friends.

Q: What was your favourite part of the Conference?

The competition rounds were my favourite and most memorable part of the Conference. We were given the opportunity to test our mediation skills with our friends from both our schools and different schools in front of guest judges. Given a scenario, we had to either act as mediators and help solve our friends’ problems, or we had to act out as the friends in trouble. Not only were we able to get the experience of how it would feel like as a mediator, but we were also able to get feedback to improve, and also have fun in being an actor!

Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?

I was able to help many of my friends whenever they had problems by better understanding their problems, and reading their facial expressions and reactions more effectively. I was also able to apply mediation and help them to solve their own problems independently.

For example, there was once when 3 of my friends were involved in a quarrel. It was taking a while for them to solve their problems and talk things through. Thus, I brought them somewhere to talk in private. I mostly sat there quietly and asked questions instead of giving them advice, to help them understand the situation and their own feelings as well as the other party's feelings better. This helped them to find a solution together, understand each other and the situation better, and learn from their mistakes as well

Q: If you had one piece of advice for incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2018, what would it be?

The Peacemakers Conference may seem like a waste of time at first, but always have an open mind and bond with your group to make it a more enjoyable and better experience for you. I think that the lessons learnt are actually useful in life, and many of my friends think so as well!

For more pictures and videos of the Peacemakers Conference 2017, please visit the Peacemakers Facebook Page.

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 03/19/2018

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