This is a successful programme delivered yearly to secondary school pupils at Highland Perthshire schools. Pupils join the project in second year and begin learning about the role of a Peer Educator and the responsibilities they will take on. Learning continues around three key areas; alcohol, drugs and peer pressure, but it is not exclusive to these. As the Peer Educators progress through the project they create, plan and deliver classes, based on the key areas, to Primary 7 and Secondary first years.
The benefits for participant are; developing team work, knowledge, experience, skills, raised awareness, increased confidence, change in attitudes, new social group, equal partners in their learning, and personal and social skills are developed. It’s a steep learning curve! The pupils work hard and learn to rely on each other as colleagues with shared responsibilities.
Pupils that complete the training to become Peer Educators are invited to return and co-facilitate the project to the next set of trainees. All pupils give up their own time to train to become Peer Educators and receive Saltire Awards for their efforts.
The project is supported by Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland and The Gannochy Trust.