BACKGROUND
PER BACKGROUND
PER originated through a research collaboration between students in Ugandan secondary schools and the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. This led to the formation of school-based clubs to help students gain better health knowledge and avoid the common health and social problems facing Ugandan adolescents. In early 2008 the initiative became formalized as Peer Education Kabarole. In 2022, the program was renamed Peer Education Rwenzori to reflect the program's present in multiple districts. It presently operates in 14 secondary schools and one primary school within the Rwenzori region.
Schools Program
Under the approval of each school’s administration, the peer educators organize themselves within their school as a club. Student leaders are elected and one or more teachers act as a resource and overseer to the peer educators. PER equips peer educators with knowledge and skills through training activities at the schools, an annual district-wide workshop and print materials, and by facilitating access to other information resources within the community. Peer educators engage with their peers using a variety of educative activities (such as dramas, songs, posters and debates) and counseling support services.
The overall objective of Peer Education Rwenzori is to use peer education methods to provide relevant and reliable health information to youth in the Rwenzori region.
To provide training on health topics to peer educators and, through this training, facilitate health knowledge dissemination to their peers
To use information dissemination strategies that youth consider engaging and effective
To provide youth with health information and counseling that is scientifically-based while also anticipating their needs and meeting their needs
To engage in partnerships to support activities that are relevant to the program’s objectives and are of benefit to partners.