Universiteit Utrecht Introduction Peaceable Neighbourhood Researcher Bob Horjus Utrecht University Netherlands

Universiteit Utrecht What is the Peaceable Neighbourhood Based on Peaceable School program (PS) (60% of primary schools in Utrecht city = PS). Two pillars: Participation - having a voice. Solving conflicts themselves. Objectives of the PS: Creating community in the school. More responsibility for the pupils. Better interpersonal relations. Improving conflict management skills. Establishing ‘democratic way of life’.

Universiteit Utrecht Mediators in action

Universiteit Utrecht  10 years of experience bringing: ◦ increasing feeling of safety in school. ◦ less verbal and physical violence. ◦ more positive resolving conflicts.  Peaceable Neighbourhood connects life domains.  Transfer of Peaceabe behaviour from school to leisure activity. Brief history of the Peaceable Neighbourhood

Universiteit Utrecht What does the PN look like  PN is a positive youth program.  1 pedagogical discourse/language.  All youth workers/sports trainers etc. trained.  Child mediators in the children activities and on the street (and experimental mother- mediators)‏.  Central extended schoolday program.  Elaborated participation programs for parents.  Community service program for children and ‘childrens neighbourhood counsel’.  Buddy projects for children at risk.

Universiteit Utrecht What could make this work?  Asset-building-approach.  Theory of planned behaviour/ development of moral thinking/broken window.  Dutch research >> feeling safe comes from grip on one’s environment as well. In practice  Children adjust >> noticeable PN features.  All children activities = Peaceable.

Universiteit Utrecht What did we find?  PN is more than solving a deprived community problem.  PN‘s heart is the PS = essential condition.  PN’s needs an organisational vehicle: Integral youth work.  Leadership is important.  Enthusiasm among youth workers and policymakers.  More order in youthwork experienced.

Universiteit Utrecht Indications of effect  Low structured facilities profit. They can not establish a mindset themselves. They use the PS frame.  Cooperation between institutions.  Workers see the effects on children.  Workers: competent with problems.  Workers: internal pedagogical discussion.  Children are conflict managers.  Children want to use the PN method even when it is not obliged.  43% want to become mediator.  Effects on streetbehaviour is not great.

Universiteit Utrecht Thank you for your attention Discussion.