Conflict Management and Peace-building Workshop

Conflict Management and Peace-building Workshop

San Lorenzo Ruiz Retreat House

City of Kabankalan

Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod Guidance Services Center in collaboration with Niall O’Brien Center for Peace, Pax Christi International and Columban Partners in Mission organized and conducted Conflict Management and Peace-building Workshop at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Retreat House in Kabankalan City last December 4, 2010.

Seventeen Church ushers and usherettes, who are also students from Binicuil National High School  - Poblacion Extension, participated in the said workshop. After the opening prayer and the national anthem, Fr. Brian Gore, the director of the Niall O’Brien Center for Peace, gave his inspirational message and the overview of the programs of the Center. Jack Pamine, the administrative officer of the Center, gave the background of the workshop.

The participants together with the facilitators engaged in a lively introduction through a game called, “Tell Me!” where they shared their names and their favorites with one another. This was followed by a self-awareness activity. Participants identified their strengths, weaknesses, interests and sources of support through a paper mosaic they made.

The afternoon session resumed after a lavish meal from San Columbano. The session culminated in the activity called “Bilog ang Itlog”. The participants were divided into four groups and each group was given an egg, adhesives, bond papers, art papers, magazines and scissors.

            The groups had to make an attractive and durable package for the egg to stand an 8-foot fall. They were also tasked to compose a short jingle to advertise their package. The members of the groups eagerly did their share in the preparation of the egg package. After the allotted time, their packages were ready. The participants passionately advertised their package and let their priceless package fell.

After the lively activity, a lecture on Conflict Management followed. Sources, types and effects of conflict were discussed as well as the ways to handle and manage conflict.

The workshop concluded with a group processing, evaluation and prayer for personal reconciliation as the beginning of peace-building in the community.

The workshop was co-facilitated by four senior psychology students. Also present were Fr. Ricon Dagunan, rector of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, the coordinators of the parish youth organizations and the Sisters of the Rural Missions who heartily accommodated the team.