Darius Ndalameta – An inspired Peer Educator who leads by example
Positive role models can serve as effective catalysts for personal growth and development, which is validated by Darius Ndalameta, a Lead Peer Educator at Chikola Secondary School in Copperbelt Province in Zambia.
Based in the Chikola Loop Area in Chingola, Darius is well-aware of his own journey of empowerment, which, he says, was sparked by the gold Peer Education Programme. As he stands today, this young man has a clear view of the road ahead: “I now have future goals and want to be an engineer and prove against all odds that it is possible to change and reach high goals.”
Darius comes from a family of five – three girls and two boys. He shares that, “In my community, there are people with bad habits, such as smoking, beer drinking, and engaging in criminal activities. So, when I joined the gold Peer Education Programme, I had many problems that I faced as an individual. This included low self-esteem, smoking, drinking, and violence, and I was considered a bad boy in the family. The impact that the programme has had on me is so huge that no one can believe that I have reached Grade 12. Actually, even I still don’t believe that I have reached this far,” he exclaims.
“By God’s grace and the gold Programme, I now believe in myself and have a vision for life. I decided to change when I joined gold Peer Education, although change for me has been a long process.”
The essence of the gold Peer Education Model is that it facilitates skilled Facilitator Interns to equip influential young Peer Educators to carry out key roles. This includes health-enhancing, purpose-driven behaviour which leads by example; educating peers, younger children or learners; and recognizing peers in need of help and referring them for assistance. It also motivates youth to uplift their communities though acts of service; to raise awareness of youth and community issues; and to advocate for resources for themselves and their peers.
This resonated with Darius, who began to understand the importance of perseverance for achieving his long-term objectives. “The first session that influenced me was about knowing more about my values, understanding my sexuality, and having a grit and growth mindset. These sessions have been very instrumental and very helpful to me,” he explains.
“When I stopped doing bad things and started moving away from negative vices, I realized that even my parents started appreciating the programme. Now I am proud of myself and I lead by example by being a good role model.”
“My success has been made possible by two Facilitator Interns who have been there, and who have been very patient with me. My change has also contributed to other Peers’ changes in my school and the community at large. They have stopped abusing drugs, stopped smoking, and have an interest in school. Our school results have also improved positively due to my involvement in the programme.”
“I want to say thank you to gold-youth for a job well done to help me to be a responsible citizen. I pledge to contribute to the development of the programme so that others can also join and learn and benefit just like I have benefited,” he concludes.
gold-youth dreams of an Africa where young leaders from across the continent know the gold that is inside of them and live this out with purpose, changing the System of Youth Education and Upbringing – enabling all young people to grow up in their communities to be healthy, spiritually alive adults who contribute towards social and economic flourishing. gold-youth has been rolling out the evidence-based gold Peer Education Model since 2004, with demonstrated impact in youth social behaviour change, improved education, and job creation, measurably reaching over 100,000 youth to date in Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Uganda. Their audacious goal is to develop 10 million young African leaders with character and integrity to mobilize their generation with the knowledge, tools, and support to reach their full potential.
