St Xavier’s students form Peer Mediation Forum

The Peer Mediation Forum which was formed at St Xavier's College, Jalukie Town. 

Dimapur, November 17 (MExN): St Xavier College, Jalukie Town formed Peer Mediation Forum under the aegis of Peace Channel, Dimapur on November 14.

Rosa Angami, Peren District Coordinator had a session with the first year students of the college to introduce the concept of peer mediation and its importance. 

Angami introduced Peace Channel and shared its objectives, activities and its goal. She said it is an indigenous and inter-religious movement which aims at creating peace by transforming the culture of violence into the culture of peace. 

Peer Mediation is a communication process in which individuals with problems come together assisted by a neutral third party to solve the problem. It is also a method of conflict solving by the youth with their intervention in a dispute with the assistance of a trained mediator. 

Angami also added that peer mediation gives the peers an opportunity to be more independent and resolve conflicts in a mature responsible manner. 

Stating that it was the best way to transform conflict in educational institutions like colleges and universities, she added that peer mediation is a service that the peers can use to resolve conflicts with their colleagues.

Some of the objectives to have peer mediation in the educational institutions are to create more peer educators, to enhance self confidence of the peers, to prevent high risk-behaviour, peers are able to resolve their own conflict collaboratively and increase self-esteem of an individual.

Angami further mentioned that peer educators are trained volunteers who educate his/her friend individually or in groups to develop greater understanding to certain issues and to bring positive change.

Its concept is giving correct information, capacity building of individuals to understand issues, building team spirit, providing equal opportunities for participation and by creating more peer educators. 

The students felt the need and its importance of peer mediation especially in the colleges and universities. A Peer Mediation Forum was formed with a total number of 30 members.