Students go through a lot during their studies sometimes they fail or are scared to talk openly about their struggles to the lecturers. They end up taking decisions that implicate their lives, that’s where peer educators come in. Peer Educators are students who are trained to provide support to their peers on various topics such as safe sex practice, health issues, mental health and gender based violence. They aim to influence individual knowledge, attitudes beliefs and behaviours which is why a proper introduction and purpose must be clearly outlined to the Peer Educators.

On the 3th October 2024 we had a Peer Educator training for the newly appointed Peer Educators. The College principal opened the training and welcomed all prestigious guests. This training was a crucial step to peer educators as they are about to embark on the journey of being dependable role models. First was an introduction, purpose as well as duties expected from them.

The training included a profound presentation by Mr. Vilakazi from Higher Health who is a psychologist. A thoroughly demonstration on mental health, how to diagnose a student who suffer from mental health issues, tactics and more. This was a very vital part of the training as most challenges faced by students come from the mind (depression, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, etc.). Following presentations were from Department of Health (HIV/TB/STI/Sexual health), Ms Mkhize from SAPS (Gender based violence), Ms. Ngcobo (Substance Abuse), Ms. Dlamini (LGBTQI) and Higher Health team.

After the presentations the peer educators had to practise what they learned from the presentation and ask some questions for clearance. Peer Educators are the future of bettering the lives of students as they offer empathy and understanding to every leaners needs.

For more information, please contact the Communications Department on 036 631 0360.