Chernihiv educators implement restorative practices in the educational space

On September 9, a training session “Implementation of Restorative Practices in the Educational Environment at the Level of Local Communities” was held for social educators and practical psychologists of local schools in the Chernihiv region.

In accordance with the Letter of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine dated 07/16/2021 No. 1/9-363 “On Priority Areas of the Psychological Service in the Education System in 2021/2022 Academic Year,” the work of the Psychological Service of the Chernihiv region was recognized as one of the best, the specialists of which pay significant attention to the prevention of bullying, criminal offenses, teenage aggression and antisocial behavior of adolescents.

The role of the psychological service in forming a safe school environment at the level of local communities is clearly the main one today.

Therefore, at the initiative of the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights in cooperation with the Educational and Methodological Center of Psychological Service in the Education System of Chernihiv Region, a training course “Implementation of Restorative Practices in the Educational Environment at the Level of Local Communities” was held for social educators and practical psychologists of Chernihiv Region.

It should be noted that all participants had previously undergone training, where they received theoretical knowledge on the use of mediation (peaceful conflict resolution) in school. Therefore, the organizers set themselves the task of forming among the participants of the training the skills to apply restorative practices in practice.

According to the trainer and school mediator Kateryna Dankova, restorative practices are appropriate procedures and processes aimed at resolving controversial and problematic issues through a collaborative approach and are based on the principles of the restorative approach: inclusion and consideration of the interests of all stakeholders, voluntariness and self-determination of participants, understanding, respect and responsibility.

During the training, it was possible to form an understanding of the communicative skill “I-message”, which helps to express one’s own interests without accusations, criticism and condemnation of the interlocutor. The participants were able to analyze exercises that help develop other communicative skills inherent in a mediator.

The trainer paid special attention to the practice of the “Circle” technique, which helps to involve all stakeholders in solving the problem and ensures their active participation in discussing the situation and making decisions. In addition, each participant will have the opportunity to try themselves as a mediator and practice the knowledge and skills they gained during the mediation training.

The event is organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights as part of the project “Enhancing Security – Building Community” with the support of the US Embassy in Ukraine.