Training Camp for Establishing a Mediation Club for Resolving University Disputes

ACT Conflict Resolution Alongside the Deanship of Student Affairs at Birzeit University conduct a training camp for establishing a student-centered mediation club for resolving university disputes.

This training camp was held in accordance with a project titled: “United against Violence in Palestinian Universities” funded by Representative Office of Switzerland Ramallah, and conducted by ACT Conflict Resolution, in partnership with Palestinian Jurists Association and Human Rights and Democracy Media Center SHAMS.

Eighteen Birzeit University students from different academic backgrounds participated in the training camp; they were equipped with the knowledge necessary to identify the definition of mediation, mediation principles, mediation types, mediation skills, and finally the stages of the mediation process.

With a prior knowledge of the basics of mediation, the training camp proceeded to introduce the participants to the topics of: Analyzing university disputes, understanding the relationship between parties of the dispute, paying attention to the common interests of the parties, finally, the mechanisms by which students can manage both discourse and negotiation attempts for the dispute. Students participating in this camp were involved in practical application sessions of mediation based on real case scenarios.

Both harmony and desire were the leading elements of the current and future endeavors for the students participating in the training camp. The Deanship of Student Affairs at Birzeit University is seeking to activate its very own student mediation club while guaranteeing the club’s continuity in an effective and an efficient manner.

All of ACT’s Conflict Resolution’s expertise shall be guided to serve the success of this initiative.