At our state-subsidised school in Boadilla del Monte, teamwork and good coexistence are two fundamental pillars that we want to promote among our students. In order to promote a positive school environment, the school mediators programme has been carried out once again this year.
¿EN QUÉ CONSISTE EL PAPEL DE LOS MEDIADORES ESCOLARES?
The ‘Sociamigos’ and the ‘Listening Team’ are pupils from the 1st and 3rd year of the secondary school who have been selected by their peers for their listening skills, empathy and responsibility. Their main role is not to solve problems directly, but to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where both parties involved can express their opinions and come to an agreement by themselves.
This peer mediation process is key to creating a school environment where students feel comfortable dealing with conflict without the need to immediately turn to an adult or teacher. Through specific conversations and techniques, mediators help peers understand each other’s perspectives, promoting mutual respect and peaceful conflict resolution. In this way, the ‘Sociamigos’ and the ‘Equipo escucha’ become close and accessible to everyone, creating a climate of trust and cooperation within the classroom.
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TRAINING AND TEAMWORK WITH THE GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
The Guidance Department has played a key role in the training of the mediators, providing them with the necessary tools to carry out this important role. For a few days, the selected students have participated in different activities and tests that have allowed them to learn about mediation techniques, how to handle conflict situations and how to promote effective communication among their peers. In addition, they have been taught active listening and conflict resolution skills, which are essential for them to carry out their work effectively.
To raise awareness of their work, the mediators have created information posters that have been distributed and hung up in different parts of the school. These posters aim to let all students know who the ‘Sociamigos’ are and how they can contact them if they need help. This initiative makes it easier for students to turn to the mediators when they need guidance, without feeling that they necessarily have to turn to an adult.
As part of their training, the mediators also visited the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th classes of our primary school to introduce them to the programme and offer their support. Through these visits, the younger students of the school have learned about mediation and how they can count on the help of their peers in conflict situations.
The work of school mediators not only helps to resolve disputes effectively, but also fosters a culture of peaceful coexistence and respect within our educational community. Thanks to their work, our students learn to value dialogue and cooperation as fundamental tools for conflict resolution.
