On November 1st, 2024, Erick Mukiza and his team conducted a follow-up session at the FUWAVITA Center to review the impact of the October 25th training held at the High Court Mediation Center. This review was designed to assess how well deaf and hard-of-hearing women leaders and entrepreneurs had retained and understood mediation skills. Under Erick’s guidance, the 10 trained women engaged in practical mediation exercises, applying their skills and gaining confidence in their abilities.
Training the Trainers: Empowering Leaders to Share Their Knowledge
A highlight of this session was seeing these women leaders step into the role of trainers themselves. They took charge, sharing mediation techniques with other community members who were unable to attend the initial two sessions. This peer-led teaching approach reinforced the “train-the-trainer” model, empowering these women to pass on their newfound skills in a supportive environment.
Expanding Impact to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Club in Sabasaba
In a further display of their commitment, these women leaders expressed a strong interest in expanding their reach by bringing mediation training to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Club in Sabasaba, Dar es Salaam. With approximately 200 members, this club meets every Sunday evening to exchange life experiences and provide mutual support. This community gathering is an ideal setting for these trained leaders to broaden the reach of mediation skills, making conflict resolution tools accessible to even more individuals within their community.
The Power of Peer-Led Initiatives in Fostering Community Growth
This initiative not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the peer-led, train-the-trainer model but also showcases the resilience and dedication of these women leaders. By passing on their mediation knowledge, they are fostering a culture of peaceful conflict resolution within their networks. This experience reaffirms our belief in the importance of accessible and inclusive conflict resolution pathways.
Moving Forward with a Vision for Inclusive Mediation
At ESS Creative & Legal Foundation, we are committed to building an equitable society where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in conflict resolution. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the High Court Mediation Center and all contributors to this impactful journey. Together, we are creating ripple effects of empowerment, spreading skills, and strengthening communities through accessible mediation practices.
