Conflict Resolution
Primary 6 · Social and Religious Studies
Conflict Resolution
Lesson 2 of 4
25 min
Let's begin
The teacher sees Mugisha and Gatete fighting over the ball. She does not pick a winner.
Instead she asks each boy to explain, while the other listens. Soon they agree: Mugisha's team plays first today, and Gatete's team first tomorrow.
That is conflict resolution. Today you will learn the peaceful ways to solve a conflict.
Conflict resolution means solving a conflict peacefully, so that both sides can live, learn or work together again.
The best result is a "win-win" solution, one that meets the needs of both sides. Nobody walks away feeling cheated.
| Method | How it works | Who decides? |
|---|---|---|
| Dialogue | People talk and listen to each other honestly and calmly. | The two sides |
| Negotiation | The two sides talk directly, and each gives a little to reach an agreement (a compromise). | The two sides |
| Mediation | A neutral helper, the mediator, guides the talk so that the sides find their own solution. | The two sides, with help |
| Conciliation | A third person calms feelings and brings the sides back together, often by meeting each side on its own first. | The two sides, with help |
| Arbitration | A neutral person, the arbitrator, listens to both sides and then makes a decision. Both sides agree beforehand to accept it. | The arbitrator |
| Courts | When other ways fail, a judge decides according to the law. | The judge |
Two more tools work inside every method: apologising, which means saying sorry for the wrong you did, and forgiving, which means letting go of anger towards someone who has hurt you.
In many cultures, including Rwanda's, elders, community leaders and religious leaders often act as mediators.
Christians and Muslims both teach believers to make peace.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9, World English Bible)
"The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy." (Surah 49:10, Pickthall's translation)
Tip
Who decides?
In negotiation, we decide. In mediation, we decide, with help. In arbitration, the arbitrator decides.
Answer each one, then tap Show answer to check.
What is a win-win solution?
Answer: a solution that meets the needs of both sides.
What is the difference between a mediator and an arbitrator?
Answer: a mediator helps the sides find their own solution; an arbitrator listens and then decides.
What is the first step when you are in a conflict with a classmate?
Answer: calm down.
What do Matthew 5:9 and Surah 49:10 both teach?
Answer: that believers should make peace.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
This lesson adapts CC BY-SA material and is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Quick check
Match each peaceful method to how it works.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
