Peer to Peer Methodologies Peer Education and the Role of the Educator

Peer Education is Defined as:  A process by which individuals of similar characteristics (age, sex & background) share meaningful information about issues affecting them in a formal or informal manner.

Role of the Educator  Acquire and share accurate information about the health or social issue  Facilitate discussions on attitudes and values that participants have on the topic of the session conducted

Role of the Educator  Develop communication and group working skills  Engage participants in working toward strategies in the delay of sexual initiation, partner reduction, self efficacy on the use of condoms, better health seeking behavior etc…

Role of the Educator  Acquire the skills to facilitate a range of interactive methodologies to be used in the conduct of sessions with peers  Understand the use of effective networking, support and referral systems as tools in their arsenal.

Role of the Educator  Understand your power of influence, that is, your ability to influence another person’s ideas through your own suggestions and ideas. 1.Understand when to refer persons to counselors or people who may be better able to assist in the particular situation. Understand the importance of networking.

Guidelines to the Educators Function  Be aware that being a peer educator changes an individual over time.  Remember that as a peer educator your peers are observing you in the capacity of a role model, so that one needs to be careful in the information that you give out and in your dealings with your peers.

Guidelines to the Educators Function  As a peer educator one has to be personally open to change and growth.  Know who you are, what your values and ideals are and how they affect you as an individual. Personal identity is very important.

Guidelines to the Educators Function 1.Understand the importance of challenging the norms and accustomed behavior. This is important as individuals, as members of your community and finally as an educator.

Guidelines to the Educators Function 1.Be non-judgmental and keep information received from others confidential. Always remember to be objective.  Always remember to listen between the lines, since the stated problem may not be the problem being experienced by the individual.

Guidelines to the Educators Function  DO NOT ARGUE, VERBALLY OR OTHERWISE.  DO NOT GIVE ADVICE. GIVE ONLY THE FACTS AND INFORMATION.  Finally, DO NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR OTHER PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS. This will only result in personal stress and overkill.