Mediation and conflict resolution are key aspects in many of our work. Therefore, in the training course "Let's mediate", which was held at the end of last year in the United Kingdom, focused on it. Our partner Abril Olmedo  and Maite Aguirrezabal were the representatives of Mundus in this formation. On the way back, they have told us how the experience has been, what they have learned and what it will do for their work and daily life. Let's mediate!

It all started by looking for the city of Worcester on the map, which, apart from being a tiny city and having a super-famous sauce in the UK, became the host home for a group of 30 participants for a Training course in resolution of conflicts For a week we have lived with people from 10 different countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom). We have laughed, we have shared personal situations and we have learned to use mediation as a tool for resolving daily conflicts, and especially in the field of EVS / SC.

Something very positive for the development of this Training Course has been the diversity of professions of the participants: EVS coordinators, mentors, trainers, youth workers and educators, since together we have helped each other to improve and learn, from experience of each one, to use an alternative method in conflict resolution (ADR).

As for the coordination of the program, I should mention that the program was well structured, including breaks and a reflection group at the end of each day. I have learned dynamics, improved some skills and especially known to wonderful people who have made this training course become something very interesting, due to their contributions.

As part of the hosting team in Mundus, for me it has been a very valuable opportunity, because conflict resolution is part of my day to day. I work welcoming vocational students from different European nationalities; and, although we are all children of mom and dad European Union, each culture is different, and the problems or conflicts, generated many times through this ignorance, are easier to solve if we know how to listen and treat them with a lot of respect and affection.