A fifth grader at Keonepoko Elementary School, Indeya Ogo-Gilbert, is one of 32 peer mediators on campus. Along with a co-mediator, she helps other students work out their problems amongst themselves. Kuikahi Mediation Center courtesy photo.
Kukikahi Mediation Center recently received a $5,000 donation from First Hawaiian Bank in support of its Peer Mediation Elementary School Pilot Project.
The funds are the latest support for the project that is piloted in East Hawai’i, helping students learn mediation tools to solve disputes and work towards conflict resolution.
“We appreciate your commitment to teach children dispute prevention and conflict resolution through peaceful means,” said FHB Foundation President Sharon Shiroma Brown.
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Over 100 students in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades have been trained as peer mediators so far in the 2015-2016 school year. Hawai’i Academy of Arts & Sciences, Kea’au, Kapiolani, Keonepoko, Laupahoehoe, and Mountain View elementary schools are participants in the program.
“I am proud to be a peer mediator because I get to help people,” shared Indeya Ogo-Gilbert, a fifth grader at Keonepoko Elementary School. “I need to think before I speak because I’m setting a good example. I need a win-win solution. You need to be trustworthy and able to keep things private. I became a better listener because of my training.”
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