Mediation in progress – developing conflict resolution (KA462)
Funded by Karelia ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

The project aims at increasing social wellbeing in North Karelia and the Republic of Karelia by developing mediation, especially on criminal (and minor dispute) cases concerning young people. The objective is to institutionalize mediation services for youth in the Republic of Karelia.

Main activities

• Educational seminars and workshops for existing volunteer mediators on restorative justice, multicultural understanding and communication skills. • Joint trainings, study trips and practical training periods in Finland and Russia. • Recruiting of new mediators in the Republic of Karelia. • Development of a volunteer training programme in Russia including one programme for professionals and one for young volunteers. • Increasing of cooperation between mediators and officials locally and across the border. • Establishment of mediation centres in Petrozavodsk, Pryazha and Sortavala. • Information campaign.

Achievements

Mediation services are now available more widely in the programme region and the service level has improved. The competence of Finnish and Russian mediators to organize mediation meetings and to lead discussions has increased. New mediators have been trained to work in the Republic of Karelia. Finnish volunteer mediators’ skill-level has improved thanks to continuing education training offered by the project. Finnish and Russian mediators have been active in communicating with each other and in several joint meetings Finnish mediators could serve as peer support for the less experienced Russian mediators. There were over 320 participants in mediation trainings in both sides of the border. Three new mediation offices now work in the Republic of Karelia: in the city of Petrozavodsk, and municipalities of Pryazha and Sortavala. The local mediation offices have dealt with more than 50 mediation cases during the project.