Prisons, Stakeholders, Evaluations, and The Netherlands

An adventure in the evaluation process:

This past week has been phenomenal. I was permitted to participate, as an observer and "information recorder", in an evaluation of Partners Hungary Foundation's criminal and prison mediation projects. These two projects involved stakeholders (at multiple levels), and show-cased the importance of building relationships in order to achieve success when implementing projects. Due to the nature of the evaluation, the protection of privacy, and ethical guidelines- I am only able to blog about the broad aspects of my participation in this process.  That being said:

• I was able to visit a prison that had participated in the prison mediation project. This was a pilot project, and is no longer active. The main aim of the project was to train key staff members in mediation techniques, in order to facilitate communication and solve conflict within the prison system. Mediation was intended to improve the relationship between: the prison and the surrounding community, between prisoners and staff, and conflicts arising between the prisoners themselves. 
• The evaluation of this project was enlightening, however I can't discuss it. I can however mention that:
• I was given a tour of the facilities and it is evident that I had visited an  progressive and innovative institution. The prison provided multiple ways of engaging prisoners in a positive and productive way. Prisoners are able to participate in art classes, and frequently produce art for the prison itself. For example, there are multiple murals and stained glass windows in tjis specific prison. Prisoners, may also participate in a story-telling class, and  a landscaping project.
• The prison was an all male strict-to-medium level facility. 
• PHF provided mediation training to the prison's staff: social workers, guards,  department heads etc. 
• I received a wonderful painting, from the department head, that a prisoner had painting. It depicts the prison's location along the Slovakian-Hungarian border.
• Dedicated actors are crucial to providing these projects to prisoners, as the process of applying for funding, training, and experts is time consuming and difficult.
• There will always be criticisms and tension around whether to fund projects geared towards prisoners.
• There was a relatively high mix of both women and men working at the prison. Based on observation.
• This was one of the most enlightening and inspiring experiences I have had thus far. Although I can't publish what I learn't, I have a new sense of clarity within the practice of conflict resolution.
• Please do not take my notes to mean that the prison did not function as one. Although it was progressive and provided activities and forms of engagement for prisoners it is still a prison in the classic sense of the word. The men there are completing sentences for the crimes they committed.
• The European Union (EU) has a directive that every country in the EU must have some form of criminal mediation integrated into its judicial procedure. In Hungary, this directive began in 2007.  Partners Hungary Foundation played a key role in providing the mediation training and expertise required to prepare the overall system for the implementation of criminal mediation. 
• The process involved multiple actors from different levels of the system
• Disseminating information regarding mediation and it's legitimacy as a tool for conflict resolution was key.
• During the evaluation I met members of the judiciary, social workers, probation officers, lawyers etc.
• Politics and legislated mediation processes produce interesting dynamics.
• Funding is a key role in all attempts at creating an institutionalized process for criminal mediation.
• Again, I feel as if I have gained insight into the complexities of: project implementation, multi-actor negotiations, the importance of legitimacy and comprehension, the interaction between sectors of government and their relationships with society and civil institution, and the importance of timing.
• As a future conflict resolution practitioner were are often giving a "tool-belt of skills" and encouraged to use them in order to understand what works best for us as individuals. During the evaluation I was able to:
• Focus on active listening. 
• Really develop my ability to read body language and non-verbal indicators of emotion, specific to Hungarians.
• Understand how the evaluation process works- specifically an interview based case study.
• Participate in the Hungarian-English translation and comprehension process.

Roma mediation/health care part 2:

During the evaluation process I was able to revisit the community of Nagyecsed- where the toilette building initiative had previously taken place. It was a wonderful chance to debrief on the project and gather interviews relating to the successes and potential hurdles associated with intercultural mediation and community driven development. In Nagyecsed we interviewed the mayor, a Roma mediator, the key family healthcare actor, and a local community participant. It is evident that community development projects can often lead to a sense of empowerment and purpose. It was this feeling that many found most rewarding. Perhaps the most universal comment made across all the areas visited was the importance of funding, and the difficulties associated with securing funding.
In Nyirbator we discussed intercultural mediation and its relationship with the local government and the social services sector. Pictured to the right is a Roma mediator and community facilitator. She is considered a role model, as she went back to school in order to secure her diploma later in life-after raising seven children. She serves as a key point person, and has one of the most charismatic personalities around. We had a wonderful time trying to communicate through a mixture of universal sounds (such as gasps) and charade like movements. One of the most interesting aspects of her role as a mediator is that she works at an informal level. We were often stopped as we walked around the city by local Roma who had questions and concerns that they thought she could address and advice them on. 

The Netherlands

I have a friend, Sarah, who is currently studying conflict management at Leiden University. I had planned on visiting her while in Budapest and when I found out that our mutual friend Sheila would be visiting at the same time, I jumped at the chance. The trip was primarily a reunion, however we were able to participate in an international festival that celebrated diversity and culture in the Leiden community. The main set up consisted of tables, located in an old factory, that would represent a country. Each table was responsible for providing food and drinks that were unique or representative of their country. The members of team USA, to which I gladly volunteered my labor, made mac-and-cheese and chili. In addition, there was passion fruit and pineapple in order to represent Hawaii. The festival itself was fantastic, as table representatives answered questions on culture and norms in their countries. Among the many topics discussed were:

• The differences in regions within the USA, and how each state is unique in itself.
• A polite discussion ( read friendly argument) over whether the USA has a "culture" emerged.
• The table representing Turkey had a heated discussion regarding their current political situation.
• There was a rally, in Amsterdam, the night before.
• The mayor of Leiden showed up. I think that members of the local government showing support for community diversity, and events that celebrate multiculturalism, is a crucial step in developing strong and sustainable relationships with different groups within a broader community. 
• I was able to participate in a workshop in which we taught festival attendees how to line-dance...and how to "Cupid Shuffle".
• The proximity of countries in Europe means that most people I met at the festival have had the opportunity to experience different cultures. I'm not sure if and how this has impacted the experience of multiculturalism in the Netherlands, but I would love to investigate the topic further.

My week has been filled with experiences that are geared at building relationships and effective forms of communication. While I may not be able to express all my findings. I am able to say that I currently feel very fulfilled. Budapest is also starting to feel like home.

This picture at a local museum made me laugh. Harry Potter seems to be popular no matter where you are.