Conflict Transformation

Conflict Transformation Workshop and the Peace Leaders Program are both based on the belief that peace is possible, that there is no peace without justice, and that the creative practice of theatre is the strongest possible transformational tool to assist children and youth to discover the possibilities for peace.

The programs have been designed to be engaging, fun, creative and challenging and are both facilitated by professional theatre artists.

Conflict Transformation is a one day workshop.

The key to the success of the workshop is the creation of a healthy and supportive group dynamic, and developing an understanding of the connection between peace and justice. Led by a team of
professional theatre artists, Conflict Transformation Workshops use movement, breathing exercises, improvisation, role-play, scene-work, guided reflections and group discussions.

Each activity is designed so that participants experience conflict as a creative force and peace as an activity that we can choose to embrace. Workshops can also be tailored to the specific needs or interests of the individual school (e.g. bullying, equity issues,
exploring conflict through history).

The Peace Leaders Program is a 3.5 day residency program for schools that wish to go further into exploring what it means to choose peace and to become a Peace Leader. The program includes three and half days of fun, engaging theatre-based activities, with a performance of the students' work at an assembly. This program gives students the opportunity to share their learning with their peers and become Peace Leaders in their school and community.

Our unique method promotes transformation
in students through experiential learning,
helping them to develop new ways of seeing, speaking, and
responding. It inspires participants to think of creative
ways to overcome barriers to peace, and provides
concrete tools for dealing with conflict such as:

· Taking a 'breath of peace' when conflict is recognized
· Responding rather than reacting to life
with both heart and head engaged
· Facing conflict with courage, compassion, and creativity
· Transforming by becoming aware of our own role, and pattern of behaviour in situations of conflict.

The response from students, teachers, parents, and principals has been overwhelmingly positive.

These workshops can be used to develop or compliment your safe school plan and fit well with other violence prevention and leadership programs.

Our workshops are also excellent for professional development and community building in the school or work-place setting.