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Conflict resolution skills
By Miriam G. Mazliach
January 17, 2012
Learning the art of diplomacy can be daunting, but putting those skills into practice can prove to be even more so. However recently, 50 – seventh graders at Horner Junior High School in Fremont were up to the challenge, when they had the unique opportunity to participate in an all-day workshop. Conducted by Professor Carl F. Hobert of Boston University, a noted conflict resolution expert and founder of Axis of Hope, the students were given the chance to learn invaluable lessons that would benefit them and perhaps others with future life challenges.
Axis of Hope, a non-profit organization, housed at Boston University and founded in 2002, declares in its mission statement that it is, “dedicated to developing in adolescents an understanding of alternative non-violent approaches to resolving complex conflicts locally, nationally and internationally.”
Through the efforts of Horner vice Principal Anne Renoir, the school was able to host Professor Hobert, who presented the seminar free of charge. “My daughter attends Boston University and participated in Axis of Hope service learning in Rwanda last summer. She became such a fan of the program and its mission that she took a class from Professor Hobert this last term.” When Renoir found out that Hobert would be coming to California to visit another school, she asked him if he would also be willing to present at Horner, and he agreed. “We asked seventh grade history teachers to help select interested students,” explained Renoir.
For the day long workshop, the Axis of Hope case-study chosen for participation in was entitled, “Whose Jerusalem? The Arab-Israeli Conflict.” Besides this scenario, there is a collection of case studies that have been created by students in the program at Boston University that can be used to train students on conflict resolution and the art of negotiation. Among these are topics such as: Rwanda, Illegal Immigration, etc. New case studies are always under development.
Professor Hobert first became interested in the field while working at a school in Avignon, France during the 1980’s. At the time, he noted the hostility between the French and the Algerian populations. “I thought how could I work with kids and then had an epiphany about getting kids connected locally to learn cultural differences and to look at other people and conflicts,” said Hobert. “I saw it as ‘preventative diplomacy,’ acting as a vitamin C, to prevent the cancer of conflict,” he added.
Meanwhile, inside the Horner Junior High School multi-use room, the students have been divided and assigned membership in one of the six groups designated for this exercise: Hamas, Fatah, the Arab League, Likud, Labor and the Quartet (represented by U.N., U.S., European Union and Russia).
Their goal is to reach three points of agreement on: security, sovereignty and settlements, as it relates to Jerusalem.
One student representative from each group is assigned into each of these pod areas. Students study the history of the region and its conflict and begin the process of “walking in others’ shoes.” “Co-existence,” says a student.
There are four rounds for the various groups to meet and share their viewpoints, based on their assigned roles and what they have learned. Students negotiate as to who will be the spokesperson for their group.
Vocabulary and semantic differences are discussed. How can one word have two different perspectives? For example, the term “freedom fighters” as used by one group, might be interpreted as “terrorists” by another group. Hobert says, “Think about words in different ways.”
The rotation of the groups of students has been arranged as follows:
Round 1: Hamas with Fatah, Arab League with Quartet, Likud with Labor.
Round 2: Hamas with Arab League, Likud with Quartet, Fatah with Labor.
Round 3: Hamas met Quartet, Fatah with Likud, Labor and Arab League
Round 4: Hamas met Likud, Fatah and Arab League, Labor with Quartet.
“It’s important to stay focused the entire time,” says Hobert. “Sometimes in rounds three and four things can become more heated.”
Later on in the afternoon, the students shift into the library to view a documentary of news footage on the peace process, “Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs.” Hobert asks for student reactions and reminds them, “Notice the body language of the diplomats as they negotiate. Observe the seating arrangements and blockage.”
For the final exercise of the day, the students write up a 250 word “position paper” focusing on the three areas at issue, with each group responsible for an 80 word contribution. The students’ recommendations regarding Jerusalem will be included in a typed and signed position paper to be sent to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and to US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, among others.
Humza Ali Khan, a seventh grade student who took part expressed his appreciation, “I am just amazed at the time and effort that Professor Hobert spent just so kids like me and my friends can learn diplomatic skills which will indubitably help us in our nearing adult lives. Because of Professor Hobert, I am sure that many a life is saved in the future.”
Vice Principal Renoir adds her reaction to the day’s activities, “I hope the students walked away with a sense of responsibility to seek to resolve problems, understanding that each side has differing needs, perspectives and valid concerns.”
Professor Hobert feels that this process brings awareness to the students of current events and global issues beyond their town or city, increases decision-making skills and instills self-confidence. “Axis is teaching the art of negotiation and conflict analysis prevention and opening eyes to the world. It’s important to take part as an active global citizen. We can empower kids to do this.”
For more information on Axis of Hope, visit www.axisofhope.org.