VPHS
GM Foundation “Seeds of Peace” school project
Back Row: Amber Drahota; Jade Minnie; Bradley Sangani;
Middle Row: Shakeera Kafaar; Lutholwethu Tshume; Carmen Thurnher; Bianca Leer
Front Row: Sarah Fibiger; Samantha Sosora; Mrs Truter; Sarah-Lee Adams; Mrs Jennings; Husna Sampson;
Melissa Samuels
be comfortable discussing with an adult, can be addressed through peers.
VP has been part of the GM Foundation Seeds of
Peace project. We participated in two areas this year:
Peer Mediation and School Safety and Security.
Learners have shown a willingness and openness to
learn and try new things. During 2013 and 2014, 20
learners have participated in the peer mediation programme. Ten Grade 10 and 11 learners have been
committed for a period of one year.The training was
facilitated by Mrs Linda Truter and the Peer Mediators met once a week for this training.
Peer Mediation
Peer Mediation is a school-based form of conflict
resolution in which the peer mediator, learners who
have undergone special training, help their fellow
learners work together to solve their conflicts in a
mutual acceptable way.
VP branched out and started facilitating training of
Peer Mediators at the COEGA DOOR of HOPE Haven in Sidwell. This is still on going.
The objectives of Peer Mediation are to empower
learners to manage and understand their conflict in
a constructive manner which will result in positive
behaviour and control. Learners develop communication and problem-solving skills which will assist
them in their growth and development.
A special word of thanks goes to Mrs Truter for driving the programme and the Grade 10 and 11 learners who did the programme. It has proven to be a
great initiative and has fitted in beautifully with the
School Safety plan and SAFER COMMUNITIES
programme as initiated by MASIFUNDE.
Peer mediation also provides a system whereby
learners are taught problem-solving skills that will
enable them to manage conflicts that are typical of
young people. Urgent matters, which they may not
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