Mediation Course for Community Leaders

This Mediation course aims to equip the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) members with direct conflict resolution and facilitation skills to mediate inter-faith and inter-ethnic conflicts. This 1 day course provides the IRCC members with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills to be able to mediate issues on the ground between groups of other ethnic origin or faith.

Conducted by Mr Viswa Sadasivan, CEO Strategic Moves, who has over 20 years of experience in training many top government personnel and CEOs of MNCs, participants can rest assured that they are in competent hands.

During the first half of the course, participants will familiarise themselves with the essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills to mediate inter-faith conflicts and racial issues amicably. They will be able to understand the barriers to community engagement such as stereotypes, languages and misconceptions, and how these can affect one's ability to mediate conflicts. Participants will be able to recognise and address fault-lines in conflicts, as well as understand the roles of a mediator and grassroots organisations as conduits. The interactive discussion also encourages participants to share their views and experiences.

During the second half, participants will experience hands-on practices and role-plays where they have a try at presiding a mediation session based on realistic scenarios. These are based on likely scenarios that take place in void decks, schools, neighborhood playgrounds. Role-play allows participants to go through the various stages of mediation and also helps to sensitise them to delicate issues involving race and religion. At the same time, it allows participants to ‘wear different hats' and better understand differing perceptions and positions.

About 100 community leaders participated in the sessions of the Mediation Course conducted in 2007 and 2008 and found it extremely useful. More sessions will be conducted in the coming months, and OnePeople.sg would encourage community leaders to take advantage of this course.

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