Emotion Monster helps children: mediators solve school conflicts in Munich

Emotion Monster helps children: mediators solve school conflicts in Munich

Walburga Kortz and Ursula Baur-Schad have been the tried and tested mediators at the St. Anna primary school in Munich for one and a half years. As part of the “Senior Partner in School” (SiS) project, the two work tirelessly to resolve conflicts among primary school children. As the tz reports that they have already supported a large number of children in dealing with their everyday worries. SiS has been active since 2011 and has now mobilized 70 mediators at 30 schools in Munich.

The training of mediators lasts an impressive 80 hours and teaches non-violent communication and mediation techniques. Once a week, Kortz and Baur-Schad offer an open space for students to come together voluntarily to discuss their problems. In 45-minute sessions, the two help find solutions, with the doll called “Feeling Monster” acting as a symbol and anchor for the children.

High demand and support

The demand for mediation is great, and the reason for this is simple: children learn here how to resolve conflicts constructively themselves. It is also striking that the conversations are always subject to confidentiality and the children's trust is not betrayed. However, SiS would like more financial support from the city in order to further advance the training of volunteers. The Altstadt-Lehel district committee has already taken up this request and decided to support the program with 2,000 euros.

For all those who are interested in the work of mediators, an information meeting will take place on September 23rd from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The training is scheduled to start in October and promises an exciting opportunity for new volunteers.

A look at the organization

The Federal Association of “Senior Partners in School” recently held its annual general meeting in Berlin. A new board was elected on April 28th and 29th, with Matthias Kraemer unanimously elected as first chairman. These also include assessors such as Dr. Monika Reimann (mediation) and Ute Matschull-Mesfin (public relations). This meeting served not only for the new election, but also to look back on the successes of the voluntary organization and to plan workshops on current challenges.

The importance of school mediation is becoming increasingly clear. The Hessian Ministry of Culture, Education and Opportunities also emphasizes in its information material that school mediation not only helps to better understand conflicts and violence, but also contributes to the prevention of violence. The training strengthens the skills for conflict resolution and the formation of student mediator groups, a concept that is also becoming increasingly important in Munich. Further information can be obtained via the Project flyer be retrieved.

The positive development of these projects shows once again how important the work of mediators in schools is. They make a valuable contribution to creating harmonious coexistence and promote the children's social skills - and do so with a lot of heart and commitment.