It has also developed an interactive, web-based training programme, called “The Zone,” which considers the causes of conflict, how people often react to the conflict, the effects those reactions bring, and steps for effectively resolving the conflict. Following is a brief description of these sections, based on the work of Dr. Dudley Weeks.

First, the training considers the causes of conflict using five broad categories:
•    Understanding – the difference between what I understand and what you understand
•    Values – difference between what is important to me and what is important to you
•    Style – difference between the way I do things and the way you do things
•    Opinions – difference between what I think and what you think
•    Interests – difference between what I want and you want
Six scenarios are briefly described, and users are asked to choose the category each belongs to. An incorrect answer opens a text box urging the user to try again. A correct answer brings up a text box with an explanation.

The site then defines conflict and considers general ways people react to it. It starts by helping users consider their attitudes about conflict: conflict is often viewed as negative, but when handled well it can actually strengthen relationships.

This section also helps users recognize when they have entered a conflict situation by describing the physical signs of conflict and anger that many people experience in those circumstances. Understanding these signals can help someone in a conflict manage it in a positive way.

Conflict often develops in a cycle that begins with misunderstandings and eventually grows into entrenched positions. This is contrasted with the cycle of friendship that develops when people have positive experiences together.

People respond differently to conflict. Those responses create their own effects. The next section takes users through a series of questions to help them reflect on how they typically respond and how this response affects the roots of the conflict and the others caught up in it.

The final training topic concerns steps to effective resolution of conflicts. It presents the story of two friends in conflict followed by eight questions about decisions to the friends are now faced with. By answering the questions users discover steps to managing conflict well. These are reinforced through story boards with pictures and dialogue to illustrate the strategies that can lead to peaceful conflict resolution.

These interactive activities provide a helpful basis for understanding conflict resolution. Given the focus of Aik Saath, most of the situations used centre on conflicts between young people, but the information is instructive for all ages.


September 2007