Youth Peer Education

Youth peer education is a cornerstone of TASO’s approach to empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and support to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. Here’s how TASO implements youth peer education:

• Training and Capacity Building: TASO provides comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for young people who serve as peer educators. These training sessions cover topics such as sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, contraception, STI prevention, communication skills, leadership development, and facilitation techniques. Peer educators receive the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively engage with their peers and deliver accurate and engaging health education sessions.

• Role Modeling and Mentorship: Peer educators serve as positive role models and mentors for their peers, demonstrating healthy behaviors, advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights, and fostering supportive relationships within their communities. Through their actions and personal experiences, peer educators inspire trust, empathy, and respect among their peers, creating a conducive environment for open dialogue and learning.

• Peer-Led Workshops and Sessions: TASO facilitates peer-led workshops, group discussions, and interactive sessions on sexual and reproductive health topics. Peer educators lead these sessions, using peer-friendly language, culturally relevant examples, and participatory methods to engage their peers and address their questions and concerns. Peer-led sessions create a safe and supportive space for young people to explore sensitive topics, share experiences, and learn from each other.

• Outreach and Community Engagement: Peer educators conduct outreach activities and community engagement initiatives to reach young people in diverse settings, including schools, universities, youth clubs, and community centers. They participate in health fairs, awareness campaigns, and community events to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues, promote healthy behaviors, and distribute educational materials and resources.

• One-on-One Support and Counseling: Peer educators provide one-on-one support and counseling to their peers, offering a listening ear, emotional support, and practical advice on sexual and reproductive health matters. They address individual concerns, provide accurate information, and refer peers to appropriate health services or resources as needed. Peer educators create a confidential and non-judgmental space where young people feel comfortable seeking guidance and support.

• Advocacy and Peer Leadership: Peer educators serve as advocates and leaders within their communities, championing the rights and well-being of young people and advocating for positive change. They participate in advocacy campaigns, youth-led initiatives, and policy dialogues to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues, promote youth-friendly services, and influence decision-making at local, national, and international levels.

• Continuous Learning and Support: TASO offers ongoing training, supervision, and support to peer educators to enhance their knowledge, skills, and effectiveness as educators and advocates. Peer educators receive regular feedback, opportunities for skills development, and access to additional resources and training opportunities to strengthen their capacity and sustainability.