Training of Peer Facilitators

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Training of Training of Peer Facilitators Peer Facilitators ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME

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Training of Peer Facilitators. ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION PROGRAMME. OVERVIEW. Peer Facilitator Rationale Identification of Peer Facilitator Role of a Peer Facilitator Empowerment. Peer Facilitation: Importance. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Training of Peer Facilitators

Page 1: Training of  Peer Facilitators

Training of Training of Peer FacilitatorsPeer Facilitators

ADOLESCENCE EDUCATION

PROGRAMME

Page 2: Training of  Peer Facilitators

OVERVIEWOVERVIEW Peer Facilitator

Rationale

Identification of Peer Facilitator

Role of a Peer Facilitator

Empowerment

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Peer Facilitation: ImportancePeer Facilitation: Importance

Has been an important aspect of the process of socialization

Peer facilitation initiatives have been documented as far back as Aristotle

In recent decades, has been employed in areas of public health, reproductive and sexual health, nutrition education and substance abuse, HIV/AIDS education, gender education and environment education

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Peer Facilitation: ResistancePeer Facilitation: Resistance Peer facilitation as a modality is still to find

spontaneous acceptability in the school education system in India in spite of some successful experiences gained sporadically.

Under AEP also this strategy has been employed, but on a limited scale.

The reason for the indifference: the popular notion that students are recipients of education in schools and not as providers of education or constructors and communicators of knowledge.

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Peer Facilitation: RationalePeer Facilitation: Rationale

More cost effective than other methods

Peers are a credible source of information

Utilizes an already established means of sharing information and advice

Peers are more successful than professionals in passing on information because people identify with their peers

Peers can reinforce learning through ongoing contact

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Peer Facilitation: RationalePeer Facilitation: Rationale

Peer facilitators act as good role models

Peer facilitation can be used to educate those who are hard to reach through conventional methods

Education by peers may be acceptable when other education is not ……..

Peer facilitation can be used to educate those who are hard to reach through conventional methods.

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Peer Education: RationalePeer Education: Rationale

Peer education has proved to be an effective strategy in educational programs focused on culturally sensitive issues like reproductive and sexual health, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse

Transaction facilitated by adults may not always be effective as adults are more likely to be prescriptive and judgmental

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Identifying Peer FacilitatorsIdentifying Peer FacilitatorsSuggested Criteria

Ability of a student to establish spontaneous interpersonal relationship with peer members, based on mutual confidence and trust; someone in whom peer members can confide their concerns without hesitation.

Considers herself/himself as “the co-partner and guide” of the peer group,

Able to facilitate a process through which the group develops shared knowledge and skills

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Identifying Peer FacilitatorsIdentifying Peer Facilitators

Must have time to perform her/his responsibilities and there is an explicit commitment to that effect by her/him as well as the school administration

Also demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to establish spontaneous rapport with members of the peer group in other school activities

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Training Peer FacilitatorsTraining Peer FacilitatorsTo be empowered by:Developing complete understanding of the

framework of AEP in the context of local socio-cultural setting;

Improving interpersonal communication skills and enriching the life skills to be non-judgmental and empathic; and

Having comprehensive knowledge of the roles and functions of Peer Facilitators

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Role of Peer EducatorsRole of Peer Educators

Lending active support to Nodal Teachers in organization of activities and transaction of life skills focused adolescence education in and outside classrooms and getting feedback;

Interactions with Peer Group as follows:oAs a follow up of the sessions engaged by Nodal

Teachers, having continued interaction with the peer group as per the need;

oMaking need-based interventions for creating and sustaining enabling environment in and outside schools; and

oActing as role models by “practicing” what s/he “preaches”

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Essentials of a Peer EducatorEssentials of a Peer Educator

To be empathic and understand the situation of a particular peer member

To help peers manage their problems well

To see beyond stereotypes and appreciate how the world of adolescents work

To understand how a particular peer member feels in a specific situation and what is her/his point of view

To develop and practice exemplar responsible behaviour, to lead by example, and to evolve as a young ambassador of AEP.

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Essentials of a Peer EducatorEssentials of a Peer Educator

To keep abreast of new information and knowledge in respect of the ARSH concerns, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and related concerns

To follow up the sessions conducted by Nodal Teachers, to be conscious about the need to be non-judgemental and observe the following Dos and Don’ts:

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‘‘Don’ts’ for a Peer EducatorDon’ts’ for a Peer Educator Not to be prescriptive, as experiences prove that

preaching is counter-productive.

Not to make value judgment, as education is more effective when varied views are expressed and discussed.

Not to comment on things that cannot be changed.

Not to reject or ridicule any point of view, even though it may not be acceptable or may be against the social norms.

Never to modify or manipulate scientific facts for gaining an immediate acceptability of the peer group.

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‘‘Dos’ for a Peer FacilitatorDos’ for a Peer FacilitatorTo avoid conveying personal values,

especially while discussing value laden issues

To respect the diversity of background of the peer members, their values and beliefs

To convince all the peer members that no idea or opinion is absurd or unwarranted

To discuss every issue supported by scientific facts and in the context of the positive elements of socio-cultural ethos

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Peer Education: An Approach for Empowering Peer Education: An Approach for Empowering AdolescentsAdolescents

Summing UpSumming Up

Peers have more influence on adolescents and are accepted as more credible source of information.

Peer facilitators act as role models and they are better suited also to reinforce learning through on-going processes.

Peer education is not a substitute but complimentary to teacher led learning efforts in providing information, shaping attitudes and developing skills in young people to enable them to make informed and responsible decisions.

Peer education provides opportunities for creating youth leadership and a much-needed platform for sharing and learning among young people.

Peer education is a cost effective method of reaching young people through both informal and organized educational activities on young people’s concerns.

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Identifying Needs of Peer FacilitatorsIdentifying Needs of Peer Facilitatorsfor their Trainingsfor their Trainings

Summing UpSumming Up

Identification of peer facilitator is important and should meet the objectives of the AEP program. Identification and selection process should ensure a balance of gender, vulnerability, age, personality, communication skills.

Peer facilitators have to engage peers in organized or informal educational activities on the concerns of adolescents, provide them authentic knowledge and focus on life skills development

Peer facilitators are expected to assist teachers in organizing activities and gathering feedback, to act as role models and also to reinforce learning through on-going processes

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Contd…Contd…

Summing UpSumming Up

Training needs of Peer Facilitators are based on their roles and responsibilities; they must have accurate knowledge on adolescents’ concerns and also about the authentic sources of information, have skills to organize informal and formal activities focused on objectives of adolescence education and gather feedback

Training plans have to be based on the training needs of peer facilitators, socio-cultural setting as well as the school ambience

Qualities of a peer facilitator – One who is respected by peers; is non judgmental; discreet; tolerant; is a role model; energetic; interested; self confident; friendly; responsible; committed; an effective communicator and, is motivated.