"Great idea that young people are educating young people"
"The people that came and informed us are great" |
Peer Educator Trainings
The Center for Youth has conducted a wide range of leadership trainings for Peer Educators over the past 16 years.
We work with groups of youth to build skills in leadership, public speaking, program development, problem-solving and decision-making. Young people learn about health and behavioral issues and practice conducting health education sessions described in Our Programs. They also conduct outreach activities and have opportunities to develop new program sessions.
Following the training, Peer Educators co-conduct educational sessions for youth in schools or community settings. They serve as peer health advocates as well to friends, peers and family members. The Center's diverse staff mentor and support them throughout the entire process. In fact, several of the CFY's young adult staff started with our organization as Peer Educators when they were in high school.
Evaluations of our Peer Educator trainings over the past 16 years have shown success among youth participants in:
- increasing self-esteem
- enhancing communication and public speaking skills
- increasing exercise and practice of positive activities
- increasing access to healthcare & counseling
- enhancing respect for others
- enhancing academic skills and plans to attend college
- decreasing drug and alcohol use
- decreasing sexual risk behaviors
- decreasing verbal and physical fights
Interviews with Peer Educators have shown CFY's training experience to:
- Empower and inspire them to give back to others
- Provide knowledge, skills and support to help them make healthier life choices and practice risk reduction behaviors
- Enhance their communication with peers, partners and parents
- Inspire them to help their peers, families and communities by providing education, support and resources
|
|
