Chernihiv educators were presented with School Understanding Services

On June 4, a presentation of the experience of implementing School Understanding Services was held in Chernihiv. The event was attended by specialized deputy directors, psychologists and social educators of educational institutions in the city of Chernihiv.

During the presentation, participants had the opportunity to consider what the School Understanding Service (SWS) is, how this institution functions and how it affects the atmosphere of conflict resolution and the formation of a safe environment in an educational institution.

The organizers focused in more detail on the approach and principles of the work of the SWS, the implementation of mediation techniques and programs for the formation of safety in an educational institution. In addition, the event presented the experience of different regions of Ukraine and the infrastructure of School Understanding Services – where you can learn and exchange experience, how to unite and develop together with colleagues, how to spread restorative practices in schools within the city and region.

“We began implementing this institute back in February-October 2016 as part of the pilot project “Conflict Resolution and Implementation of Restorative Practices among Children and Youth Affected by the Conflict” in the city of Mariupol. Thus, 20 schools participated in the project, 200 student mediators were trained, and 16 trainers were trained. 94% of students indicated a decrease in conflict in the classroom after the creation of School Understanding Services in target schools” – notes

Elizaveta Koval

, an expert at the NGO “Institute of Peace and Understanding”.

During the event, the participants actively participated in the discussion and emphasized the relevance of implementing this institute in the city of Chernihiv.

The event was organized by the Chernihiv Public Committee for the Protection of Human Rights with the assistance of the Department of Education of the Chernihiv City Council and the NGO “Institute of Peace and Understanding” within the framework of the implementation of the project “Secure Chernihiv – a common interest, a common responsibility” with the support of the Program Initiative “Human Rights and Justice” of the International Renaissance Foundation.