Peer Education - An inter-sectoral system

Whilst there are differences in peer education programmes designed for different audiences and settings, their common goals, challenges, and standards make them valuable sources of mutual learning and support. But there are three more critical advantages of an inter-sectoral system.

• On the ground, there may not be enough committed and skilled adults in any one institution (school, church, and clinic) to recruit, train, and supervise peer educators. Especially in rural areas, to build the strong adult infrastructure peer education requires it is critical to draw on multiple sectors.
• Peer educators naturally “belong” to multiple settings. Once trained, peer educator teams can deliver larger doses of consistent health learning in schools, churches, sports clubs, clinics, and work-places.
• The large network of peer educators and supervisors in an inter-sectoral system makes it possible to establish graduated responsibilities, performance standards, career ladders, and real workforce development.