The project "Conflict and Coexistence NVC and Peer Mediation in educational centers and in the Public Space" promoted by the Local Police of Castell d'Aro, Platja d'Aro and S'Agaró has received one of the ADR Justice 2025 Awards, granted by the Department of Justice and Democratic Quality. The initiative has been recognized as best practice in mediation promoted by the local administration and has a grant of 1,500 euros.
Recognition to mediation in the school and public environment
The project started in May 2023 with the presence of police mediation officers in spaces frequented by young people. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the proposal has been implemented in the Els Estanys, Fanals d"Aro and Vall d"Aro schools, as well as in the Institut Ridaura. The training provided includes conflict management, mediation and non-violent communication.
Sub-inspector Andreu Masegosa leads the Proximity and Mediation Services Unit of the Local Police, responsible for coordinating the initiative. In addition, the proposal has been extended to the Youth area, to summer leisure monitors and to volunteers linked to the Punts Liles.
Impact on the educational community
According to data provided by the Local Police, 2,200 primary school students and 1,200 secondary school students have received training in non-violent communication and mediation. In addition, specialized support has been provided to 60 student mediators. At Institut Ridaura, the project has culminated in the creation of a peer mediation service, coordinated with the center's management team.
"What the police do is training and seeking mediators in the school; and these are responsible, as mediators, for finding solutions" - Inspector David Puertas, Local Police
Inspector David Puertas, head of the Local Police, has stressed the importance of training young people so that they do not resort to violence and can manage conflicts autonomously in the future.
"To train students who do not opt for the use of violence and who, in the future, when they have a problem, remember how to find solutions" - Inspector David Puertas, Local Police
Solidarity Award and project projection
The delivery of the ADR Justice Awards 2025 took place on February 18, coinciding with European Mediation Day. The jury has highlighted the solidity and technical rigor of the project, as well as its projection within and outside Catalonia. These awards, created in 2017, have recognized six initiatives and a special mention in this edition, while three categories have been left vacant.
"Not only as a tool for fewer disputes to reach the judge's table, but as a bet on the culture of peace" - Conseller Ramon Espadaler
Inspector Puertas has confirmed that the 1,500 euros of the prize will be donated to the Sant Joan de Déu Hospital. The delivery of the check is scheduled for September 25, during the Local Police Day.