Peacebuilding: learning to manage conflicts in Kramatorsk

On March 25 - 29, the first module was implemented within the training course on reconciliation and conflict management in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. Trainers: Olena Nabokova and Iryna Hambarian.

The main objective of the event was to provide participants with skills and knowledge on conflict management, as well as on understanding the nature of the conflict and the variety of conflicts that may arise in communities, especially in the context of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.

The trainers noted that some group members had experience of working with sensitive topics, but the conflict management topic was unfamiliar for the majority of the group: "Four participants are experienced in the field of conflict management as they are mediators and facilitators; five participants are psychologists, so they work with the negative consequences of conflict in one way or another. For twenty one other people, the topic of conflicts is new".

Besides, at the request of the group, on the second day of the training the program was adjusted so as to set aside some time for the analysis of key concepts for a full consideration of conflict analysis tools.

"During the expectation survey stage the idea was expressed that it is necessary to deeply understand the topic of conflicts with the analysis of some real cases. This shows the group’s high interest in the topic of the event and the practical need for knowledge and skills acquisition during the first module. During all five days of the training, the group’s positive dynamics could be observed. A high level of motivation was supported by individual engagement and practical exercises," the trainers concluded.

During the event, a large age difference between the youngest participant and the oldest one was discussed, which  was labelled as "generation gap" by the participant herself.

"This challenge was used as the group resourcefulness: older participants shared their own life experiences, and younger shared their energy, knowledge and skills regarding the new methodologies. The synergy of knowledge, practical cases, and the whole group work suggest that the group is deeply immersed in the topic and has understood the most information", the trainers emphasized.

It is also noted that some blocks caused the participants’ strong emotional outbursts because of the topic overlapping with their personal experience and traumatic real-life events.

"Facilitation of the immersion process by trainers minimized possible traumatism for the participants while working through the thematic blockstraining . The use of body-oriented therapy exercises also contributed to the environmental friendliness of the processes,” the trainers emphasized.

The training was implemented within the “Crisis prevention and Peace building in Ukraine – Time to Act!” project, supported with German Federal Foreign Office’s funds by IFA (Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen), Funding programme zivik.