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| Peer Education |
| Why Peer Education? |
Research indicates that teens are more likely to go to their peers when
looking for information about sensitive subjects like sexual involvement,
substance abuse, or peer pressure than they are to go to adults.
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| How does the Peer Education program work? |
| The Peer Education program has been in operation for over ten years. The program
is currently operational in six area schools. There are two parts to the Peer
Education program; Lifeskills and Peer Helpers. |
| | Lifeskills |
Lifeskills is a 10 - 12 week program that teaches students about various
asset-building behaviors, such as decision-making, self-esteem
enhancement, effective communication, and alcohol and drug prevention.
Lifeskills students are self-selected or recommended by a teacher.
Lifeskills is generally taught at the sixth grade level in our middle schools
and in the ninth grade at participating high schools.
After students complete the Lifeskills program they have the opportunity to apply to be
Peer Helpers. Applying for Peer Helpers is just like applying for a job. Students are
required to fill out an application, sit for an interview, and receive a recommendation
from an adult at school. There are also academic and behavioral standards that students
must agree to before becoming Peer Helpers. If these expectations are not met, a Peer
Helper can be put on probation or dismissed from the program.
Every year more than 500 students complete the Lifeskills program. There are approximately
200 students currently involved in the Peer Helper program.
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| Peer Helper |
Peer Helpers use communication and active listening skills to
encourage self-exploration and responsible decision-making
among themselves and their peers.
Students accepted into the Peer Helper program go through a year-long training. At this
time they learn about listening and communication skills, how to make referrals, problem-solving techniques and other information that will assist them in their role as a Peer
Helper. The following year they continue to be trained in more specific behavior-related
areas and are finally able to work in the Resource Room.
The Resource Room is a place where all students can come to get information, brochures,
referrals, and help with problems. One thing that is not provided in the Resource Room
is advice. Though students do help problem-solve, Peer Helpers are there to guide
students, not tell them what to do. Visitors to the Resource Room are empowered to
make their own decisions, even if they need a little help, and to be responsible for the
outcomes.
Everything discussed in the Resource Room is confidential. A member of the Planned
Parenthood staff is always there in case someone comes in with a serious problem.
Anything that seems harmful to the student or someone else or anything illegal is
considered a "red light problem" and must be brought to the attention of the Planned
Parenthood staff member. The Peer Helpers have been trained to identify these issues.
The school liaison is also informed about all red light problems.
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| How does the Peer Helper benefit? |
The Peer Helper program is designed to have additional benefits for the Peer Helpers:
- Being a Peer Helper is often the student's first job experience. Peer
Helpers gain experience going through the job application process. They are also
held accountable for their work by their "supervisor" and receive periodic
performance appraisals, as well as a small stipend that is dependent upon their
hard work in the program.
- Peer Helpers have the opportunity to be actively involved in creating a healthier
school environment. This instills in them feelings of competence, confidence,
belonging, and responsibility.
- Peer Helpers have reported that their training helped them become more effective
communicators within their personal lives. As a result they experience less
hostility, frustration, and stress.
- Students are required to participate in at least one community service
program
during each year they participate in the program. This gives them an increased
sense of community involvement, as well as an accomplishment for which they
can be proud.
- Students have the opportunity to enjoy the region's cultural resources through
yearly field trips.
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| How can I find out more? |
For more information on the Peer Education program, contact:
Peer Education Coordinator at 412/434-8959 or peered@ppwp.org
Vice President for Education at 412/434-8964 or edu@ppwp.org
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