Universiteit Utrecht

Introduction

Peaceable

NeighbourhoodResearcher Bob Horjus

Utrecht University

Netherlands

Universiteit UtrechtWhat 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 UtrechtWhat 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.

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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.

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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.

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Thank you for your attention

Discussion.