The students at the Clearwater Middle School are receiving a life-long lesson.

They are working together to form friendships, avoid conflict, and solve problems through peer mediation and Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Clearwater is the first middle school to introduce The Big Brothers & Big Sisters programme.

Under the scheme, older students are selected by teacher Anthony Peets to befriend and be good role models to the younger ones.

Each older student who meets the criteria set by Mr. Peets is assigned a younger student to be responsible for during school hours.

"A child is selected on their leadership potential and the good qualities they possess,'' Mr. Peets told The Royal Gazette . "Being chosen is a very high and honoured position. It means I can trust them to do their best at all times.

"I only began the programme this year and already everybody wants one (a big brother or sister). But there is criteria such as obedience of school rules, demonstrating academic potential, being a good listener and being a good friend.'' The older students are expected to meet daily with their younger brother or sister at which time they check a binder containing everything from the younger one's class scheduling to homework assignments.

They also write their younger peers letters of encouragement and assist them with any school work.

And on Thursday mornings, all of the students involved meet in the cafeteria to talk and take part in activities.

Clearwater principal Charlotte Ming said: "It is a great idea and it is working well. The Big Brothers & Big Sisters programme gives the older students some responsibility. By checking on a younger student and keeping up on what they're doing, it encourages them to stay responsible.'' Mr. Peets added: "All I want the programme to be is positive for all involved. I believe that when you are a friend to someone it helps you be a better person.'' In addition to improving themselves, Clearwater students are also helping each other with conflict resolution.

They, like other middle school students, are being trained in peer mediation.

The peer mediation programme trains young students to become arbitrators responsible for helping fellow students overcome disputes.

Mr. Peets said: "The main focus of the programme is that if any kids have any conflict during school hours, like rumours, threats and potential fights, they can talk it out instead of fighting it out.

"They will set up a time to meet with a peer mediator or two who will help them solve their problem. Then they will sign an agreement form and I will follow up on them to see how things are going.'' The school's peer mediators meet weekly and are committed to the programme for the entire academic year.

"During the meetings, the kids strengthen their skills by carrying out role plays and discussions,'' Mr. Peets explained.

The school is currently training 80 students to become peer mediators with many more wanting to sign up.

Eleven-year-old Tanyalyn Bailey said she was training to be a peer mediator because she liked "peace between students at school''.

And her 11-year-old classmates, Mauriaca Ollivierre and Tania Esdaille, said they joined up for the very same reason.

"I like to help solve conflicts between my friends,'' Mauriaca said.

"I like to help people with problems,'' added Tania.

A lesson which is as clear as water