The Programme which formally began in February of 2006 saw the training of guidance and counselling assistants and school attendant officers as trainers of peer helpers. One hundred and ninety students were identified and trained to be peer helpers in nineteen secondary schools.
The Ministry believes the well-trained peer helpers can have a positive, supportive effect upon students that no one else can provide. Students can relate to and accept alternative patterns of behaviour from peers who are struggling with similar feelings and problems. Peer helpers increase the services of the school counselling program in an outreach function and are an invaluable part of a comprehensive school counselling program.
The Objectives of the workshop are as follows:
- To maintain quality standard of service through training and empowerment for peer helpers.
- To increase public awareness of the movement through media presence at conference
- To provide opportunities for peer helpers to share best practices.
- To build communication, bonding and teamwork among all peer helpers.