Mediation Course for Community Leaders

This Mediation course aims to equip the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) members and community leaders with direct conflict resolution and facilitation skills to mediate inter-faith and inter-ethnic conflicts.

This 1 day course provides the participants 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 trained mediators from the Singapore Mediation Centre (SMC), with years of law experience, 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 real-life scenarios. These are based on likely scenarios that can 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 20 community leaders from various backgrounds participated in the last session conducted on Saturday, 26th November 2011 and found it extremely useful. The participants were trained by Mr Lim Tat, a managing partner of M/s Aequitas Law LLP, a full service law practice. Mr Lim Tat’s area of practice is in dispute resolution and has appeared as counsel in matters litigated by the Subordinate Courts, High Court and the Court of Appeal. Mr Lim Tat frequently acts as counsel and mediator in proceedings commenced in the Subordinate Courts and disputes referred to the Singapore Mediation Centre. More sessions will be conducted in the upcoming months, and OnePeople.sg strongly encourage community leaders to take advantage of this course.

For more information, kindly contact Heryanti at DID: 6258 6828 or E-mail: Heryanti@onepeople.sg