KEY COMPETENCIES: Opportunities to learn and enhance these key competencies are provided throughout the LtPM training and subsequent service provided by the students as peer mediators Thinking (creative, critical, reflective, problem solvers, decision makers). Using language, symbols, and texts (to communicate messages of peace and justice). Managing self (goal setting, making plans, managing projects like Peace Week, meeting challenges, knowing when to lead, when to follow, and when and how to act independently). Relating to others (interacting effectively with a diverse range of people in a variety of contexts – this competency includes the ability to; listen actively, recognise different points of view, negotiate, and share ideas so that students have an awareness of how their words and actions affect others). Participating and contributing (being actively involved in the school and family community for the purpose of respect and peace for all. This creates a sense of belonging, purpose and hope for the future).

RELATIONSHIPS and AGENCY: The New Zealand Curriculum emphasises students having agency over their learning and the development of positive, collaborative relationships between teacher/student and student/student. The peer mediation service that LtPM provides is a ‘student owned, student driven’ service where the students are the agents of change, creating and working towards a safer more positive environment for the school community. The NZ Curriculum’s vision, values and key competencies are inherent throughout the service.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: The service provides opportunities for the restoration of relationships with ‘self’ and with others (peers, family, community). For example, a student may train as a mediator (who does not feel confident within themselves or/and may have some regrets about past behaviour) and views the training and peer mediation service as a chance to learn ways to gain belief in themselves and to have an opportunity to do things differently (restoring the self).

MAJOR ANTI-BULLYING/ANTI-VIOLENCE PROGRAMME: LtPM helps schools to prevent and deal with bullying by empowering students with skills to be ‘the agents of change’.  This eliminates teacher involvement when students can work with all the minor issues. When the minor issues are dealt with, the issues do not escalate into major problems. This is very effective in getting students ‘on board’  to fulfil the schools legal obligation to provide a safe environment. It is students helping students to provide for safer schools, safer communities.

TO ATTRACT STUDENT INTEREST: Do you want to learn how to help others? Do you want to make a positive difference to your school community? Do you want to become a leader? Do you want to improve your own relationships? Do you want to be a better communicator and problem solver? Do you want to learn life long peaceful conflict resolution skills that will help you with your future learning, career and beyond? LtPM is the way forward with all these desirables!