Mediation as a Path to Mutual Understanding

The Leadership School of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University (BSPU) and the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education held a meeting entitled “Mediation: Challenges Facing Mediators Today.” Participants discussed how to help people find common ground in conflict, remain impartial, and care for their own well-being.

The guest speaker was Viktoriia Skalieva, co-founder and lawyer at the NGO “Blahodim,” a mediator and a Joker (facilitator) in the Theatre of the Oppressed. The meeting was organised by Alla Melnychuk, coordinator of the Leadership School and Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education.

During the discussion, participants learned about mediators’ work, current professional challenges, and the needs of people seeking help with conflict resolution. They also explored questions relevant to newcomers: how to begin a career in mediation and how to communicate the value of their services.

A separate part of the meeting focused on explaining mediation and its benefits clearly and concisely. Participants tried to develop an explanation that would help someone without specialist knowledge understand how this approach can promote mutual understanding.

Viktoriia Skalieva paid particular attention to upholding the principles of mediation. Impartiality and neutrality prompted the most questions: how to handle emotionally challenging situations, avoid taking sides, and support dialogue between the parties.

Self-care was another key topic. The speaker discussed preventing professional burnout, finding sources of inner strength in situations of heightened danger, and recovering after work. Participants also considered how to plan their schedules to maintain enough energy for both professional activities and rest.

BSPU students shared their impressions of the meeting.

• Halyna, a student:
  “The meeting with Ms Skalieva was truly meaningful for me. I found it particularly valuable to understand how important it is for a mediator to remain neutral, avoid becoming emotionally drawn into a conflict, and refrain from taking sides.

The comparison between the work of a mediator and a coach was interesting, as was the discussion of supervision and the need for continuous professional learning.

As a Social Work student, I am increasingly convinced that working with people requires not only knowledge and experience, but also the ability to listen, maintain inner balance, and keep working on oneself. This is what makes meetings like this so valuable.”

• Anastasiia, a student:
  “Thank you for the opportunity to speak with a mediator and ask the questions that mattered to me. This conversation helped me better understand the mediator’s role and recognise that the profession requires not only knowledge, but also compassion, tact, and the ability to work with a range of emotions.

My main takeaway was that, to help others resolve conflicts, we also need to look after our own energy and emotional well-being.”

• Oksana, a BSPU student:
  “It was very interesting to learn more about mediation, the work of mediators, and the challenges they face today. I particularly valued understanding how important it is to listen, find common ground, and help people understand one another even in difficult situations.

Thank you to Viktoriia Skalieva for sharing her knowledge and experience, and to Alla Melnychuk for organising the meeting.

Events like this help us gain new knowledge, understand people better, and learn to communicate constructively. I am happy to have the opportunity to take part in the BSPU Leadership School and appreciate its engaging topics and welcoming atmosphere.”

Leadership School meetings are held as part of the course “Innovative Models of Social Service Delivery” within the “Post-War Social and Psychological Reintegration” degree programme. They give students an opportunity to discuss practical aspects of their future profession with practitioners.

The event’s themes also relate to the Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 4 “Quality Education,” SDG 10 “Reduced Inequalities,” SDG 16 “Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” and SDG 17 “Partnerships for the Goals.”

Based on materials provided by Alla Melnychuk,
Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education and
Coordinator of the BSPU Leadership School.