The SiS project was developed in response to the search for institutional, social and cultural ways in which senior citizens could be supported in later life and in response to their wish to undertake tasks with a meaningful social engagement.
The idea of SiS is to train senior citizens as school mediators in accordance with the rules of the Federation of Mediators and to draw up contracts with schools about how to collaborate so that mediation can be offered within and not without the school day. This model was piloted initially in two schools and is now being carried out in 14 schools in Berlin with the participation of 83 senior partners. The project contributes to schools being opened to wider influences and is currently being introduced in 7 other German federal states.
SiS demonstrates ways of peaceful conflict resolution and thus contributes to raising standards in pupils’ performance. If there is no preoccupation with conflict, it is easier to be receptive to new knowledge.
SiS offers the experience for older and younger people to learn from each other and enhances the image of older people in society. Their voluntary engagement with young people is also their gain since such activities generate fitness and health and promote a positive outlook on life.
SiS participated in NIGEL as a learning organisation and has in the course of these meetings also raised interest in other European countries. Examples are Hungary/Budapest, GB/Manchester, Bristol, Spain/Bilbao, Switzerland/Mooseedorf, and Italy/Savona.
Views of pupils who gave us feed-back:
When we go to the senior citizens for mediation we are sad and without hope, but afterwards we are happier and can carry on.
We learn, how to resolve a quarrel without fighting.
We are astonished that older people give their time without being paid and are surprised how ‘young’ old people can be.
Views of Senior Partners:
Every time after a session in school and meeting pupils we feel good and return home with a spring in our step.
We enjoy the contact with our partners in the team, with our colleagues in the school and with the children.
It is good to be involved once a week in a meaningful and engaging way.
Thanks for translation: Gerti Wilford
| Letzte Änderung: 05.09.10 | Besucher (seit 01.10.2006): 03749 | Online: 00001 | Impressum |
