'...because of a
concern about the high rate of
conflict among
students ... the idea for a
designated space on the compound where angry
students can
take time out
and reflect on the positive, was
suggested.'
AN OASIS of peace was on Monday opened in the desert of conflicts which often affects students of the Charlie Smith High School in Arnett Gardens, south St. Andrew.
Months of planning had finally come to fruition with the opening of a peace garden, aimed at promoting positivity and providing an available space for mediation.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Vice-principal Valery Hibbert began germinating the project's seeds in March, because of a concern about the high rate of conflict among students. She came up with the idea for a designated space on the compound where angry students can take time out and reflect on the positive.
At the onset, while not having financial support, she sought assistance from companies and the community. With donations from Social Conflict Legal Reform (SCLR) and The Gleaner Company Ltd., they were able to get the preparations under way.
It seems even in its germination stage, the garden was inspiring and was bringing out the best in students and the community. Construction firms donated time and supplies towards constructing the walkway and fencing for the garden. A member of the community contributed plants for the garden.
Shauna-Kay Williams, an eighth grade student who has to face many problems, stepped in and allowed her creative juices to flow. Ms. Hibbert remembers how she jumped in with her suggestions, which ultimately became the design that was used to decorate the tables and chairs that are in bright shades of blue and yellow.
SYMBOLIC
The Reverend Juanita Peek-Vary, Peace and Love in Schools (PALS) co-ordinator, said the project was aimed at showing students that they have a choice. She also said it was symbolic of the values they were trying to teach students.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Jean Lee, a senior lecturer at the Jamaica Theological Seminary, charged students to respect each other at all times as such conduct could avoid many of the conflicts that arise.
