PEER Program (PMAST'S most effective school program)
Who it's for: Schools
Program Description:
Helping youth deal with conflict, bullying and violence today; building leaders for tomorrow.
This is a full-time, in-school program based on PMAST's model of Prevention, Empowerment, Emergence and Reconnection. In this program students receive training in communication skills with a mediator/trainer dedicated to providing training programs to students, teachers, staff and parents. Students then become leaders to implement conflict management skills which has proven much more effective than adult intervention. Peer mediators help other students resolve conflicts and disputes under the supervision of the mediator. PMAST continues with support services and training providing students with real live experiences in the field of Mediation, contributing to their transition into the workforce and their capacity as leaders and team builders.
This program has proven so successful, by having PMAST’s mediator in the school full-time, a totally different culture unfolds. Some schools even changed their suspension policy to in-school suspensions where the student spends the day with the mediator to determine the underlying issues and what actions or resources would be beneficial. Surprisingly, our experience is that the students who were the most troubled become the best peer mediators. The metamorphosis is amazing to witness.
Contact Information:
Florence Lye: 403 669-1211, flo@pmast.org
Brenda Christie: 403 860-3759, Brenda@pmast.org
Testimonials
Erhayat Ozcan, Assistant Principal of W.H. Croxford High School:
"PMAST has been transformative for our school, equipping students with conflict management and social skills to foster healthy relationships. Their work prevents behavioral escalation, empowers positive choices, and reduces conflicts, enabling administrators to focus on leadership, benefiting the entire community."