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 Baranikumar Saritha Padmanaban from Montfort Secondary School:
Q: How was your overall experience at the Peacemakers Conference 2018?
To put it simply, I had a blast! I thought I knew what I signed up for, but the unexpected happened. I thought we were going to have the typical boring lectures but instead, we had a lot of fun activities and interesting ways of learning mediation! I felt like I was brought to another world where learning seemed…interesting! I feel very fortunate to have participated in this Conference and I wish I had the chance to participate once again (pretty sure all of us who went last year would feel the same!).
Q: What was the most unforgettable part of the Conference for you?
It is quite common to stumble upon a conflict or an issue between your friends, peers or even family members. In my case, my mother and my father had an argument over an issue and I was really concerned about it. I was thinking about what to do about their issue and then I remembered that I could use mediation. Mediation has taught me how exactly to handle these types of situations and so, I conducted mediation…with my parents. I really value this skill of “mediating” as it really helped me in other situations and incidents when it comes to parties that have an issue with each other.
Q: What is an example of you applying what you learned in the Conference in real life?
I remember an occasion when my friends had a miscommunication but neither of them took action to resolve it. I felt like I had to do something about the situation, and luckily the training from the mentors about mediation at last year’s conference really helped. In the end, both of them had a better understanding of each other perspectives and learnt to be more flexible and open-minded.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to the incoming participants of the Peacemakers Conference 2019, what would you tell them?
DEFINITELY sign up for this Conference, I HIGHLY recommend you taking part in this. It may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I guarantee you that you will NOT regret this. These skills you learn today will benefit you greatly tomorrow! The facilitators are really kind, helpful and funny XD Gain as much as knowledge and information as you can, be yourself and have a blast! (づ。◕‿‿◕。)づ
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.