Reconciliation - The wrong track to peace?

The article discusses the shortcomings of the current theory and practice of reconciliation and explores the possibilities of addressing the complex social and psychological processes involved in dealing with the past:.

Key words: ambivalence, conflict capacity, denial, imperialism, impunity, grieving process, reconciliation

Introduction

Preventing difficulties

Every program runs into difficulties or must cope with difficult situations. These can vary from conflicts with staff members of the partner organisation, to the inability of participants to cross military checkpoints, or even engine trouble with the buses bringing the participants. There are some preventative measures that could prove useful:

The impact of the program

Introduction

The impact of community-based programs is always difficult to evaluate. This is true in particular, as programs are not targeted to treat a narrow range of symptoms, or on other isolated and easily quantifiable phenomena. Programs are based on the assumption is that they will have broad impact within a large context.

Voluntary work inside schools

The importance of restoring ‘natural resources’

The Training of Trainers

The main message of the Training of Trainers

The main message of the training of trainers is: training is an interactive process in which trainers and participants cooperate in order to further develop their insights, knowledge and skills.

Training methods used in the training of trainers

The following methods are included in the program: giving short lectures, group discussion and group reporting, role-play exercises1 and some expressive and relaxation techniques.

The training program

Basic assumptions

The goal of the training program is to improve the psychosocial climate of the school. A well functioning school offers a safe, supportive and motivating environment for all students. It also provides some basic psychological and psychosocial assistance to children with special needs, and to those who are traumatised.

The protective role of school

An important life space

The mental health of children, their psychosocial development and their chances to overcome war related adversities, all depend on the organisation and quality of their every day life.

Training teachers in areas of armed conflict: basic principles

This manual describes a psychosocial program for teachers in areas of armed conflict. It was developed within the framework of Slovene Philanthropy and carried out in Slovenia with Bosnian refugee teachers. During the war I also worked with teachers in Bosnia. Later, CARE International implemented the program in Kosovo, and in North Caucasus. After the creation of the Foundation ‘Together’, the program was adapted to post conflict circumstances to be implemented in Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, North Osetia and Iraq.

The importance of good people

The design and composition of a psychosocial program is determined by many factors. One factor of a practical nature is the circumstances under which the program will be run. Definitions of circumstances can include both the needs of the population where the programme will take place, but must also include a thorough understanding of the local facilities available. For example: you can’t rely on video equipment or a PowerPoint presentation as a feature of training when local availability of electricity may be erratic.

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