The teachers and trainers at the National Orthodox School, Akkar. Photo: Maria ChristophersenTraining teachers to transform conflict
24/07/2009 //
Search for Common Ground (SFCG), a NGO founded in 1982, have taken a step back from their educational program where they teach students listening and problem-solving skills and are now training teachers. The project entitled "Transforming Conflict in Lebanon: A Societal Approach to Negotiation and Reconciliation" gives teachers the opportunity to partake in theoretical discussions and practical activities that allow for reflection. The Ambassador Aud Lise Norheim made a visit to the training at the National Orthodox School, Akkar, on July 22nd.
The teachers at the National Orthodox School were led by two enthusiastic trainers, Mohammed and Samiha. At first there was a lively discussion about how to handle questions from students. The training proved to be a valuable space to discuss various dilemmas the teachers encounter in their daily lives. Then, the teachers were divided into groups to complete a practical assignment where they had to make a square out of bits of paper without talking and without taking bits from each other, but rather waiting until one was given what one needed.
The Ambassador was delighted to see how the teachers moved towards collaborative problem solving. If students are to nurture a culture of conflict transformation it is important to bring the teachers along the same search for common ground. Because, as SFCG quote on their website, “No one is exempt from the call to find Common Ground” (President of the USA, Barck Obama).
To learn more about the NGO, please see http://www.sfcg.org/.