Interviews Archives - Peacemakers

Peace Talks - Insyirah Isham

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 Insyirah Isham from Jurong West Secondary School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

My overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 was that it was one of the best Conferences that I’ve ever attended. They taught me different methods to cope with different types of issues, and also taught me how to handle different types of people coming in for mediation sessions (some can be angry, sad or even quiet). Their way of teaching was easy to understand and fun at the same time! All of this wouldn’t have happened without the help of the amazing, engaging, and lively facilitators who guided us from the start till the end.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

One of the most unforgettable moments was when my school managed to clinch the position of Best Mediators of the Peacemaker Conference (Competition) 2018! We didn’t expect to win as other schools were better in the way they presented themselves confidently. It was definitely shocking to hear that we won as this was our first time participating in the Peacemakers Conference.

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

I’ve applied the skills that I’ve learnt in various events such as in class, amongst my batch mates, my families, and even my close friends. Without any hesitation, some even came back for more mediation as they found it very calming, effective, and convenient! With the skills that I’ve learnt, I managed to ensure that all my friends, family members, and even schoolmates were not worried about information being leaked etc. This has helped make the school environment much brighter as there is now less tension between us.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

One of the many pieces of advice that I could give to others is to always look up and never give up after every round of mediation competition round. The competition is made to be challenging after each round but other than being nerve-wrecking, it will also spark joy in your heart after the parties have resolved their issues because of your help. Always take down notes of the judges comments and use it to improve from the next round onwards. Good Luck!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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.

Peace Talks - Eunice Ho

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 Eunice Ho from Holy Innocents' High School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

My overall experience at Peacemakers was enriching. I wasn’t expecting to learn much but I was wrong. Going to Peacemakers Conference 2018 taught me what mediation is. The facilitators shared their experiences and brought us through the process of mediation. The students from other schools were very approachable too and I’m thankful to have met all these people 🙂

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part would be the mediation sessions! The sessions were very interesting because everyone was given a chance to be both a mediator and a party. It was truly an eye-opening experience and I will never forget how enthusiastic and fierce the parties were haha!

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

When my friends were faced with conflicting issues, they decided to talk it out and I became their mediator. I applied what I learnt from the Conference by asking how both parties felt and led them to talk it out on their own. There were some misunderstandings and I asked both parties to come to a conclusion that both of them could agree on. In the end, they managed to talk it out and became friends again after the "mediation session". Yay!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

It’ll be a fun and fulfilling journey! Go with a mindset of learning new things and you will leave with knowledge that can be used in the future. Remember to have fun and make new friends! It may seem boring but going to the Conference will prove you wrong, I am confident that most of you will enjoy Peacemakers Conference 2019!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 05/01/2019

Peace Talks - Sudheer Kumar Girish

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 Sudheer Kumar Girish from Commonwealth Secondary School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

It was an enjoyable and enriching experience in which I managed to learn a lot more about mediation and become a better mediator in general, also with a great company of people! Although there was this prevailing atmosphere of tension and fear that probably lurked in every other participant's minds due to competitive nature of the Conference, the hospitality offered by the facilitators managed to make a gradual transition from that to a Conference that was exciting and fun rather quickly!

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part would be the various discussions we managed to have within pockets of friends that weren’t limited to our school. The Conference was an opportunity to meet students from different schools and backgrounds, rooted with the same interest to encourage peacekeeping within our own friends. The discussions and outing within those groups itself during the Conference only served to strengthen the bonds we forged. It's an unforgettable experience, to be put in that kind of environment where we have people with a common, shared interest and really relate to one another whilst having fun and learning.

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

As a mediator, I've managed to pick up language which entails empathy. Through the various problems and situations presented, as well as the true simulation of the actual conflict as the core part of the competition, I've acclimatised myself to handling conflicts, and learnt to empathise in-depth with others, while paying close attention to their word choice. Through the conference, a major skill I've picked up was the ability to empathise with others to a deep degree. Although there was no direct conflict between two parties that I had experienced after Conference, as a friend, I've managed to empathise with my friends better and comfort them better in times of difficulty. I am deeply grateful for the Conference that managed to equip me with such pertinent skills.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Don't let Peacemakers Conference be a competition –– it’s a lovely experience that nurtures you!! Let it be an avenue to develop your passion in mediating and problem-solving 😀 Stay confident and trust yourself enough to help others with the skills that you've picked up during the Conference!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 05/03/2019

Peace Talks - Tan Jo Shin

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 Jo Shin from NUS High School of Mathematics and Science:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

All in all, I had a really good time at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 because of the extremely helpful team of people from Peacemakers! They really helped to make my Peacemakers experience a lot more fun and engaging, and I have definitely learnt a lot more behind the process of formal peacemaking.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

For me, being able to undergo the process of mediation itself was a very fresh experience, which not only helped me gain further insight on how to understand better from different perspectives in an argument. I have also learnt to step out of my personal comfort zone and interact with more people!

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

The skill of learning to think from multiple perspectives is an extremely useful expertise that can help in many aspects of real life. In daily encounters, you will easily be able to help people who are in conflict and help out in relationships. Also, when doing projects or research, you will be able to think from multiple perspectives and find the best possible solution or method to solve the problem. Most importantly, conflict-resolution is the best skill to take away from the Conference. However good some relationships may be, it is important to note that being able to guide those in conflict to see a resolution is like helping them see the light at the end of a tunnel, but without the mediator would be for them to wander around aimlessly in the dark. As such, being able to resolve conflicts is the most important real-life application to take away from the Conference!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Be yourself and make as many friends as possible! Do not be afraid to ask questions when you have doubts, and support other students too!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/29/2019

Peace Talks - Jayden Heng

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 Jayden Heng from Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road):

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

My overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 was a very positive one. I came in unfamiliar to the concept of Mediation and honestly did not expect to learn much from the Conference. On the contrary, I have gained much invaluable insight and knowledge on conflict management and resolution, and I am immensely grateful to have had such an opportunity to be a part of the Peacemakers Conference 2018. As testament to the success of the Peacemakers Conference, my team and I were greatly inspired and excited to share our newly acquired skills to train the student leaders of ACS (Barker) in the area of Conflict Management and Resolution. I would highly recommend everyone to go for a Peacemakers Conference should they ever get the opportunity to participate.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

For me, the most memorable part of the Conference would definitely be the mock mediation sessions, where participants would roleplay the position of either a Mediator or a disputing party. The practical hands-on exposure to mediation helped make the learning very engaging and enjoyable yet meaningful and authentic.

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

One personal example was my endeavour to mediate a very fiery dispute between two of my very close friends. I learned that resolution cannot be forced and that it takes a lot of time, communication and willingness to understand one another for a successful mediation session. Given the sometimes raw uncontrolled emotions, unfiltered trash talk, endless accusations and persistent personal attacks exchanged between disputing parties, mediation can be a very treacherous journey yet rewarding one. One of the many valuable lessons I learned from PMC is that conflict resolution is not about pointing fingers or finding fault with the opposing parties’ actions, but more about everyone coming and working together to solve the conflict at hand. I’ll never forget this key takeaway from the conference - Mediation is not about “You Vs. Me” but rather “Us Vs. the Problem”.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Be Open, be Eager and have Fun. I truly believe that everyone should come in with an open heart, mind and a teachable spirit. Strive for eagar participation in every activity as it will not only benefit the individual but also contribute to the learning experience of everyone else. Most importantly, have fun and don’t be afraid to make mistakes because it’s all part of the learning. Happy Mediating! 😀

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/26/2019

Peace Talks - Xu Meiting

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 Xu Meiting from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

It was an enriching and fulfilling experience. I have gained knowledge and skills that would otherwise be impossible if it were in a classroom setting. The trainers were amiable and understanding during the training sessions and were extremely patient with us when we were unsure of certain protocols. Their enthusiasm and passion greatly influenced me as I spent the few days with them.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part of the Conference would be during the mock mediation rounds. All the participants took turns to role-play mediators and parties who were in conflict. This was when we applied what we have learned beforehand and observe the running of a complete mock mediation session. During these rounds, I had the opportunity to interact with other participants from different schools who shared their own opinions and experiences which greatly helped me broaden my perspectives.

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

It would be between my team members regarding a project. While it was essential to solve the conflict as soon as possible to ensure a smooth progression of the project, we had to keep in mind that an all-out argument between us might not be the best possible way to settle the problem since it could easily escalate into a more complicated situation. The process was definitely not easily, however, when we began to understand another’s difficulties, we became more forgiving and understanding. Sometimes, two simple words can go a long way.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Enter with open minds and hearts and be willing to learn from others! Don’t be afraid to approach the trainers for clarifications (or if you just want to have a quick chat with them) because they are always friendly and helpful! And of course, enjoy yourself and learn as much as possible.

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/24/2019

Peace Talks - Kelly Wu

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 Kelly Wu from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

My experience was very enriching and enjoyable! Mediation is something that we come across very often, but most of us are not aware of the proper techniques to make the process smoother and more meaningful. The Conference was definitely an eye-opener as I got to learn so much more about how to mediate an issue effectively. I also got to make new friends from my school and other schools 😀

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part would be acting as a party during the mediation rounds. It was very memorable as all of us had to immerse ourselves in the role, and the conversations often became extremely interesting and exciting!

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

Since the Conference, I have not been a mediator of an issue, but there were many instances when I had to apply the skills of understanding various perspectives and being a good listener. For example, when participating in group discussions, I try to maintain an open mind and consider everyone’s opinions, even if I feel otherwise. I also try to practise more body language like leaning forward to show the person that I am listening to them. This is a small example, but these skills that I’ve learnt through the Conference really helped me in group settings!

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Don’t be afraid to try! It is perfectly fine to make mistakes, always try to step out of your comfort zone to make the most out of your experience 🙂

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/17/2019

Peace Talks - Samantha Ha

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 Samantha Ha from Kent Ridge Secondary School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

To be honest, when my teacher first asked us to go for the Conference, I was very intrigued but at the same time very confused as to what it was about, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the Conference. However, as the three days passed, I learned quite a fair bit that has helped expand my knowledge on peaceful solutions, not to mention I also made a couple of new friends. It was an enriching experience, and I’m glad that I was able to attend this Conference. I hope the next batch of attendees will enjoy themselves as much as I did!

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

Throughout the Conference, there were many unforgettable moments. However, what really pulled me in was getting to role play as the mediators and then the people who had conflicts with one another during the competition. I found it really useful as I got to put what I learned about tone, posture and choice of words to use. I enjoyed being able to get the feedback from the judges, and improving on them the next round. Aside from that, I also enjoyed going into the different rooms to see how others mediated and see how I could learn from them.

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

Although I haven’t had the chance to really put the skills I’ve learnt from the Conference into action, I can say that I’ve become a much more patient and calm person after the Conference as compared to before. Now, when people get frustrated and vent or rant their emotions to me, I feel that I have the tendency to be less annoyed and really more patient and concerned about what they have to say.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

I think it’s really important to come into the Conference with an open mind to learn new skills as well as learn from others. Don’t be afraid to try new things, have lots of fun and at the same time, take away some valuable new lessons!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/22/2019

Peace Talks - Schifra Na’lya Bte Roni

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 Schifra Na’lya Bte Roni from Peicai Secondary School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

My overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018 was fulfilling as I learnt the basics of mediation. At first, I wasn’t looking forward to the Conference, but after the first day, I found it so interesting to the point that I wanted to continue attending it and not miss any part of the Conference! The facils are friendly and I wasn’t afraid to approach any of them. I also got to meet people from other schools and forged bonds with them.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

The most unforgettable part of the Conference to me was visiting the Supreme Court as we don’t really get a chance to go there as students!

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

I managed to solve conflicts like friendship problems amongst my peers with whatever that was taught in the Conference. Before taking part in this Conference, I didn’t even know how to approach a conflict properly, but after the Conference, I have really improved my skills.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

To the incoming participants, trust me, this Conference is very useful and yes, although I agree that the first part of the day may be boring, but no matter what, sit up straight, open your ears and eyes. Don’t forget to jot down whatever the facils say. This Conference has helped me a lot in school by teaching me how solving problems. So do give your fullest attention!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/15/2019

Peace Talks - Liu Yunting

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 Liu Yunting from Raffles Girls' School:

Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?

Before Peacemakers Conference 2018 I wasn’t really sure about what I should expect out of this 3-day long programme because I didn’t have an idea of what “mediation” was so I went into it being rather clueless, but at the end I think it really opened some new doors and I gained new knowledge and experience in those 3 days. Overall, I feel very very thankful to have had such an opportunity to attend the most memorable and unique “workshop” to me by far.

Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?

Getting to meet participants from other schools and working with them was really interesting! As we come from many different schools, our working styles and thought processes can be very different, but through our interactions during the Conference, we were able to share and learn from one another. This was one of the experiences provided by the Conference that we don’t usually get in a normal classroom setting, so I treasured that a lot (:

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

I found it useful to apply what I’ve learned in the Conference, especially when we often have group work to do and our team members can’t seem to agree on the different ideas. I realised that we didn’t need a full-scale mediation session, but just by adapting from what was taught during the Conference, I got the members to take turns to present and explain their points within the group, then facilitating the discussion after everyone had a common understanding of the various ideas (which turned out to be much more efficient and effective!)

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?

Come with an open mind and be eager and ready to learn as much as you can! Enjoy yourself to the fullest and be present while it lasts because at the end of 3 days you’ll miss it (“: Most importantly have fun and don’t be afraid to make friends with your fellow participants and (super friendly and encouraging) FACILS!! 😀 All the best for PMConference 2019!

Like what you see here? Sign up for the Peacemakers Conference 2019 today!

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

Interviews / Peacemakers Conference - 04/12/2019

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