Peer mediation is an integral part of the Building Peaceful Schools Programme. Learners  are trained in Communication, Peacebuilding and Conflict Management. The objective is that they are able to manage low level conflict and assist their peers to resolve problems before major conflict takes place. A teacher forms their support and they are assisted to know when to ask for help with a problem. 

The young people in the following video share their experience as peer mediators.

Since 2016, this programme has grown steadily from an initial seed in Limpopo and Gauteng, which is now a part of work in every one of CIE’s Regional Offices. When people think of 21st Century Skills they might think only of using Generative Artificial Intelligence or other Information Technology, but the latest studies indicate that, in the face of the rapidly changing employment landscape, the skills of the future are actually things like critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration (sometimes called the 4 Cs) – and this is exactly what the Peer Mediation programme fosters in learners all over the network. They are trained to be more self-aware, practise active and empathetic listening, communicate more clearly with their peers and work together to reduce conflict before it escalates to involve teachers. 

Many of the Peer Mediators also begin campaigns at their schools to improve their physical environments, often through recycling campaigns. Others begin donation campaigns for less-fortunate learners. Generally, the Peer Mediators become a force for outreach and meaningful action among their peers, highlighting the key value of collaborative action.