And Then, How Do We Proceed

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Purpose 2 Time 3 Participants 4 Materials 5 Process 6 Source 7 Handout

Purpose

Identify negotiation as a tool to transform conflict.

Time

At least 30 minutes.

Participants

At least three participants for the role-play, but it works better with a larger group.

Materials

Copies of the handout (see below).

Process

I) Distribute one copy of the handout to each participant. Allow sufficient time for reading it.

II) Ask for three volunteers to take the roles of Andrew, Cecile and Bernard. Allow a couple of minutes for volunteers to “enter” into their roles.

III) Start role-playing. Invite volunteers to simulate the situation, “Andrew locked in his room, his parents knocking at the door and asking to talk with him..” – make it crispy!

IV) After the role-play discuss with participants and volunteers. Questions you might use at this stage include:

• How do you feel about what happened? (both to volunteers and the rest of participants)

• What has actually happened here?

• When have things changed?

• Who made an important contribution towards conciliation? How? What did s/he do exactly?

• What have you learned from this role-play?

• How do you manage a situation like this?

• How does this apply to your reality?

V) After discussion, ask if there are other volunteers who wish to role-play the same situation a second time. If yes, repeat the III and IV step of the process.

Source

Adapted from an activity suggested by Juan Ignacio CardonaO. Pbro and Mons. Hector Fabio Henao, of Caritas Colombia.

Handout

Andrew, a 16 year old young man, has asked his parents to let him go to a party he wants to attend at his best friend’s house. Since he is in the middle of his school exams and his marks have gone down, both his mother and his father do not want him to go there as he will probably come back late and will not be ready for his exam on Monday early in the morning.

After his parents told him he cannot go to the party, Andrew answered that he is being treated like a kid and that they do not let him decide. He said that he knows what is best for him and what he shall do with this life. He has left the kitchen furiously and locked up in his room.

Cecile and Bernard his parents - are worried with the situation. They decide to seat and negotiate with their son. Prior to facing him directly they analyse the situation and try to identify Andrew’s alternatives, as well as theirs.