fight, there will always be some type of tension. But taking a conflict resolution course will teach you how to talk through your problems. This will not only help you a young person, but it will help you all your life. Recently, this course has been applied her in school today. In Escuela Americana and many other schools in El Salvador, students feel that it is important to be recognized as the strongest, or the toughest. About two months ago, I met with a group of people from school, and took a conflict resolution course. This is a 3-phase course, 21 hours each. We took the first perhaps, and we learned the basics. We were taught to interact with people we had never talked to before, and it was a good feeling. Many people might think that this course is only lectures. But really consists of only activities. These are activities in which we as a group have a good time. We sit with a partner, and talk about problems, which helps our listening abilities. For example, there would be 16 people, and we would place 14 chairs in a circle. We had to hold our partners hand, and when those standing say “change,” we all had to run up and find another seat without letting go of our hands. This forces you to interact with somebody you would have never imagined you would be with. When you are trying to resolve a conflict you are there to listen to what the person has to say. This is why they practice listening skills so abundantly. In our community, we have many friends that seem to be very violent. There isn’t much we can do as friend, but try to make them realize that there is always another and better way out of problems. It is very important for people to learn about these conflict resolution courses because if most people just think the way they do, where would the world stand 30 years from now. Our communities are deteriorating because we lack the capacity to change the way we are. Where has all the respect gone? I’ve b...
