PHILIPSBURG:--- Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution are the main focus in February for Rotarians during the course of the Rotary year. Jackeline Mardenborough better known as Jackie gave a presentation to The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle on ‘Peace and Conflict Resolution through Community Mobilization’. Jackie is currently a social worker with The White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation.
Community mobilization is the act of encouraging and engaging the community to participate in the creation of safe communities, which will contribute to improving the quality of life of the people in that community. This process must involve the whole community. Every person has the right to feel and be safe in their community and when all members understand and support this sentiment, they can work together to make positive changes in the physical structure, the policies, and the attitudes that shape our society. Thus, community mobilization is important because the community itself is ultimately responsible for and affected by situations of safety or insecurity. In order to prepare the community for Mobilization a framework in put in place, this includes exploring the common issues and set priorities, plan together, act together and evaluate together.
Social mobilization is another approach to get persons involved in making a difference in their society. This is an integrative process where stakeholders are stimulated to become active participants in social change, using diverse strategies to meet shared goals.
One of the programs in place on St. Maarten, which is a reflection of both community and social mobilization are Teens and Police Service (T.A.P.S), this provides a better understanding on what it means to be a police officer through scenarios and specific topic areas associated with children and youth safety. Among some of the topics discussed with the students are conflict resolution, what to do when stopped by police, drug use and sales, what happens when they are caught stealing, school fights, how to conduct themselves on social media and loitering. Other resources available are collaboration with non-profit organizations, department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Education. Ministry of Justice and Youth Organizations, just to name a few.
This topic made for a very interactive and interesting answer and question segment.
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesdays' at 7pm at Pineapple Pete in Simpson Bay. For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our face book page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle.
