In 1996, the health department of the Catholic Diocese of Nakuru carried out a survey on 'knowledge, attitude and practice of Reproductive Health (RH) issues among the youth"

It was found that young people in and out of school suffer from acute problems due to inadequate knowledge on RH and its consequences. When confronted with sexual or anti social problems, the study found that youth often turn to their peers for information. Their peers however lack the accurate information and appropriate education that will lead to effective preventive behavior. With this information, the Peer Counseling Program was designed.

MISSION AND GOALS

The Peer Counselling Program (PCP) is aimed at changing high risk behavior of youth in and out of school by offering accurate information and appropriate education on RH issues. This information can then be shared with other youth. The program goes a step further and provides curative services for those youth who are already victims of various high risk behavior.

ISSUES COVERED IN PEER COUNSELLING PROGRAM:

Reproductive Health
Sexuality
Adolescent and youth crisis
STDs. HIV/AIDS
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Life Skills
Vocations
Gender
Counselling Skills
Drug/Substance Abuse and Prevention

NETWORKING & COLLABORATION

Since 1996, the program has grown rapidly. It is no longer just for the youth. It incorporates other key players in communities. These include parents, clergy, opinion leaders and teachers. The program is strengthened by the growing understanding between these groups which provides an excellent support system for the youth.

PCP also collaborates with Ministry of Health , Ministry of Education and other churches.

GREAT PARTNERSHIP

CDN and UNFPA are collaborating on the Peer Counseling Program. This constitutes a pioneering initiative between a religious institution and UNFPA in Kenya. Both organizations have made a commitment to empowering youth to make responsible choices, especially regarding reproductive health, but based on church principles.

WHAT THE PEER COUNSELLING PROGRAM OFFERS:

One Week Training Workshop

A training workshop for youth in secondary schools to become peer counsellors. It covers the above named issues as well as counselling and communications skills. Trained staff and professionals facilitate the workshop.

Three Days Refresher Workshop

Offered for youth and others who have already completed the initial training workshop and are peer counsellors. Allows for in depth discussion of those issues that have arisen from the experience of the peer counsellors.

Sensitization & Outreach

Activities coordinated by project staff as well as peer counsellors to raise awareness on various RH issues.

Training Workshops for Clergy, Parents, Teachers and Opinion Leaders

Workshops designed specifically for adults working with youth. Participants become more aware of issues affecting the youth and how to address them.

Baringo

Malindi

Marakwet

Koibatek

Laikipia

Makueni

Nakuru

Samburu

Keiyo

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OUR MISSION: To Promote Pastoral & Human Development through Evangelization & Community Mobilization