A two-day two workshops in Sinhala and English medium on Non Violent Communication (NVC) was organized by the NPC in collaboration with the Centre for Communication Training (CCT).  The objectives of conducting this workshop were strengthening staff members' morale and interpersonal communication skills, to change their attitudes, behavior, and way of communicating with others they interact, to create a harmonious, friendly and supportive work environment at NPC. The workshop was, held at Global Towers, Colombo 06, on 3 and 4 August, 2010.

Participants;
A total of 28 participants attended, including NPC staff members and few members of the Governing Council. There were 20 Sinhalese, seven Tamils and one English; ten females and 19 males. Six participants attended to the English medium workshop and twenty three attended to the Sinhala medium workshop.

Workshop given by
Mr. Shivantha Ratnayake from the Centre for Communication Training (CCT) and Ramanusha Poopalasingham, Supported by Ms. Jasmin Croos and Mrs. Lourdes Williams

Effectiveness
The participants gained knowledge of the importance of differentiating between observation and judgment (evaluation), thus being able to carefully observe the events without making judgments; identifying behaviours and conditions that affect them; differentiating needs from feelings. They were being able to identify and convey internal feelings in a way that does not imply judgment, criticism, or blame/punishment. They learned about five inherent characteristics of a demand, and the difference between a demand and request. Also the importance to make a request according to one’s needs rather than wants; when requesting  something by fulfilling his/her needs while maintaining good relations with the person from whom s/he makes the request. The importance of engaging in heart-to-heart communication instead of head-to-head.The majority felt that the training deepened their own personal healing. They had learned something new - how communicating - speaking and listening- often lead to hurt and pain, whether for themselves or others; how NVC approach strengthen their ability to remain human, replacing their old patterns of defending, withdrawing, or attacking in the face of judgment and criticism; and found NVC as an approach that can be effectively applied at all levels of communication and diverse situations in their daily lives.

 

 

  

            Discussion session                           First group activity about communication