School Programs
West Hawaii Mediation Center works with elementary, middle, and high schools throughout West and North Hawaii. We provide conflict resolution and peer mediation training to both public and private K-12 schools.
Kohala Elementary School’s 4th and 5th grade peer mediators celebrate their peacemaking efforts.
The following schools are active members of our peer mediation cadre:
- Kohala Elementary and Middle Schools
- Honoka’a Elementary and Middle Schools
- Hawai’i Preparatory Academy Elementary and Middle School
- Waimea Country School
- Parker Elementary School
- Waimea Elementary and Middle Schools
- Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate School
- Waikoloa Middle School
Since the inception of our program we have also partnered with these high schools: - Kohala High School
- Honoka’a High School
- Kealakehe High School
What is Peer Mediation?
- Peer mediation is both a program and a process where students of the same age group facilitate resolving disputes between two of their peers. This process is voluntary, confidential, and models effective communication skills. Peer mediators do not “make decisions” but rather work toward a win-win solution for both sides.
Why Peer Mediation?
- Having a solid peer mediation program in place can contribute to the development of safe and respectful learning environments. The mediation process allows students to become actively involved in transforming the school climate by becoming agents of change. Program goals include the teaching of conflict resolution skills, helping students gain perspective and understanding of themselves and other students, providing a safe forum for kids to resolve differences, reducing suspensions and other disciplinary actions, addressing problems before they escalate into violence, and recognizing and valuing the important role that students play in creating peaceful and productive schools.
Conflicts that are suitable for peer mediation
Elementary school:
- Playground disputes
- Groups and cliques/social issues
- Personal property concerns
Middle and high school:
- Social media improprieties
- Relationship difficulties/harassment
- Rumors and gossip
- Cheating and stealing
- Racial and cultural confrontations
- Vandalism
- Classroom or extracurricular disputes
More serious problems require professional referral and are not appropriate for peer mediation. These include: sexual abuse, assault, suicide, drug use, weapon possession and those that involve legal problems.
Contact our Conflict Resolution Coordinator
Polly Sylvia: psylvia@whmediation.org or 808-494-8919
