Naomi and Carly were best friends before a teenage spat turned into nasty bullying. Their friends suffered too, forced to take sides. The two groups developed into gangs.
Friction sped like wild fire from the school into the wider community. The girl’s families became involved along with friends and neighbours. Despite attempts to stop it the fighting escalated. At the lowest point there was intimidation and violence.
By this stage the reason Carly and Naomi first fell out had been forgotten. They were locked into a downward spiral even though they were tired of fighting.
Shane, part of Oasis’ Youth and Community Team, suggested trying mediation. Naomi was terrified but agreed to meet Carly.
They each had the opportunity to explain how they felt and how each other’s actions affected them.
After several hours of talking and listening, something remarkable happened.
As Carly and Naomi spoke and listened to each other it was as if a weight lifted from their shoulders. The relief was tangible and amazing. It was so moving to see. They cried and left the meeting - changed.
And like fire again, that change spread - a spark of reconciliation caught and passed on through the whole community.
There has been no trouble between Carly and Naomi since. They even went in the same group to the Year 11 Prom.
Being a young person today can be very tough. Oasis is working so that young people like Carly and Naomi can make positive contributions to their communities. We're working so that disadvantaged, divided communities can be restored and healthy.