The Impact of gold Peer Education Program in Empowering Youth
Chikola Secondary School, Chingola – Growing up in a community marked by high rates of school dropouts and drug abuse, Peter Sinyangwe, a Lead Peer Educator at Chikola Secondary School, faced numerous challenges. However, thanks to the transformative power of the gold Peer Education Program, Peter’s life took a remarkable turn, propelling him from a place of self-doubt and low self-esteem to becoming a confident leader and role model for his peers.
Reflecting on his early years, Peter candidly admits that he once believed that a life surrounded by school dropouts and drug abusers was the norm. It was an environment that he felt powerless to change, and he began to succumb to feelings of frustration and a lack of self-belief. The weight of fear, shyness, and low self-esteem became his constant companions.
However, everything changed when Peter joined the gold Peer Education Program. Through this program, he was introduced to fellow Peer Educators who challenged him to step out of his comfort zone and actively participate in various activities. It was a turning point for Peter, as he began to shed his cocoon of fear and gradually embrace a newfound sense of confidence.
The facilitators of the program played a crucial role in Peter’s transformation. They recognized his potential and consistently provided him with opportunities to present and engage in group activities. With their unwavering belief in his abilities, Peter slowly gained the courage to speak up and share his thoughts.
One pivotal moment arrived during Peter’s 11th Grade when the gold Facilitator Intern assigned him to deliver a topic to his peers through Lesson Deliveries. Presentations had always been a source of anxiety for Peter, but with the support of his peers and gold Facilitator Intern, he overcame his fears and successfully delivered the lesson. It was a significant milestone for Peter, as he discovered a newfound sense of leadership within himself and a sense of pride in his accomplishments.
Today, Peter stands tall as the school Head boy, leading his peers with confidence and enthusiasm. He has become more open to people and actively participates in a wide range of activities. His journey from self-doubt to leadership has instilled in him a profound belief in his own potential.
Looking ahead, Peter has set his sights on pursuing tertiary education in the field of engineering. With a clear goal in mind, he is determined to work hard and achieve academic excellence in his Grade 12 exams. His experience with the gold Peer Education Program has instilled in him the unwavering belief that he can accomplish great things.
Peter’s story serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity and doubt their own abilities. It exemplifies the transformative power of peer education programs in empowering youth to overcome challenges, believe in themselves, and unlock their true potential. With leaders like Peter emerging from within their communities, the future holds the promise of positive change and endless possibilities.
gold Youth Development Agency is a non-profit organization implementing a youth peer education model that has shown positive results in Africa’s impoverished communities in social behavior change, improved education, and employment opportunities.
// Ends
For more information, contact, Kampamba Malaila, Zambia National Manager, on +260 977490185, or e-mail kampamba@goldyouth.org
MEDIA QUERIES: Contact Julia Benjamin, Marketing and PR Manager, on +27 76 708 8078, or e-mail juliab@goldyouth.org
Important links:
- Visit goldyouth.org for more information.
- Facebook: @goldyouth.org
- Instagram: @goldyouthdevelopment
- Twitter: @gold_youth
- YouTube: @goldyouthdevelopment
- LinkedIn: @goldyouth
