By Hayaa Hishan; Peace Intern

Conflict is a constant in our lives—a norm that society often views in stark black and white terms. Yet, it remains a central aspect of the human experience, a reminder that “we are the offspring of survivors.” These were some of the resonant insights explored during the Dialogue for Peaceful Change (DPC) Foundations: Training of Facilitators workshop from the 20th to 23rd  of May , which brought together students and staff for four days of transformative training.

This summer, with the guidance of our skilled trainers, Naomi Enns and Douglas Enns, participants successfully completed both Module 1 and Module 2 of the DPC Global accredited program in Navigating Conflict and Change.

Module 1 on ‘Understanding Conflict and Change’ explored the idea that conflict and peace exist on a continuum. Participants reflected on how our earliest experiences—in our homes and on the playground—shape our perceptions of both. The training also delved into the neurobiology of conflict, examining the roles of hormones and brain structures activated during tense moments. Through phases of conflict analysis, team-building exercises, and the intricate process of conflict mapping, one Junior student from Lesotho, Matseliso Mokhothu, shared a poignant insight: “Restoration takes longer than the actual conflict.”

Building on this foundation, Module 2: Empathic and Mediative Communication introduced the six stages of mediation, emphasizing the practical tools needed to navigate conflict effectively and the vital role of empathetic communication.

The Center for Dialogue and Conflict Transformation at LCC International University is proud to have facilitated yet another impactful learning experience, culminating in the certification of a new cohort of Dialogue for Peaceful Change facilitators. As Yan Levytskiy, a freshman student from Ukraine, noted: “Unity and a common desire to change something—even within a small community—can bring about big change. It's just a matter of time.”