Students take the role of Peer Educators in Pathanamthitta
As part of the Adolescent Health Programme, peer educator training has been successfully completed for 400 selected students from 10 health blocks in Pathanamthitta district. The initiative aims to promote the physical, mental, and social growth and development of adolescents. The Peer Educator Programme is a unique initiative designed to address issues among adolescents by enabling trained students of the same age group to reach out in a friendly and approachable manner. Selected students are given special training to equip them with the skills needed to support their peers effectively.
The primary objective of the programme is to conduct structured and friendly health education activities among adolescents. In the first phase, a specific number of boys and girls were selected from various schools and trained on topics related to adolescent health and well-being. Peer educators play a vital role as trusted friends who can understand and support issues that some adolescents may hesitate to share. They are trained to help reduce mental stress and provide guidance, ensuring that their peers feel supported and understood. The programme envisions peer educators actively engaging with adolescents, understanding their concerns, and standing by them as supportive companions. In addition, peer educators are also leading anti-drug initiatives such as “Karma” to reach a wider student community.
The programme is jointly implemented by the District Medical Office and Arogyakeralam. Over the past three years, 1,194 students in the district have been trained as peer educators. During the programme conducted across the 10 health blocks, trained students were provided with diaries, badges, and certificates.
