Foundation funds peer mediation at East Hawaii schools

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The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation provided $7,500 to the Peer Mediation Elementary School Program sponsored by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, a Hilo-based nonprofit that serves East Hawaii.

The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation provided $7,500 to the Peer Mediation Elementary School Program sponsored by Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center, a Hilo-based nonprofit that serves East Hawaii.

“We appreciate your commitment to teach children dispute prevention and conflict resolution through peaceful means,” said FHB Foundation President Sharon Shiroma Brown.

The foundation’s support will enable fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders to be trained as peer mediators at Kapiolani, Keonepoko, Mountain View, and Na Wai Ola elementary schools during the 2017-18 school year.

“I have learned as a peer mediator to let the students solve their own problems and not be rude and disrespectful,” shared Caleilah-Estelle Ahyee, a fifth-grader at Keonepoko Elementary School. “I improved my communication and behavior by not interrupting conversations and to be patient when people are talking.

“I am proud to be a peer mediator because I can make the world better.”

Ku‘ikahi Mediation Center’s mission is to empower people to come together — to talk and to listen, to explore options and to find their own best solutions. For more information, call 935-7844 or visit www.hawaiimediation.org.