Some definitions....

WHAT DOES “PEER” MEAN?
Peer means equal: meaning we all learn together and that all our contributions
are of equal worth. Whatever age you are you have a peer group, for example:
your fellow students in school or college, your friends, people in a learning
group, people at your work etc

WHAT IS PEER EDUCATION?
• Informal learning that gives empowerment and independence to participants
• A non-formal education system. It is the MOST suitable system for allowing young people to learn, not from an “educator” but from each other through discussion
• Non-conventional learning in an inspirational way, which encourages people to “learn to learn”. Its focus is on groups and “equal teaching equal”, all people share the responsibility
• A system that changes attitudes and beliefs about learning
• PEER EDUCATION IS NOT ONLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IT IS FOR EVERYONE!!!!

WHAT IS A PEER EDUCATOR?

A Peer Educator:

Respects differences of opinion and knows what is going on in the lives of the peers.

He/She creates a safe and friendly environment, is objective and has the tools and knowledge to work in partnership with the peers

Does not “teach” people but helps them to find the best solution to a given situation

Is a facilitator who shares information, an open-minded person who can understand the group and make the information relevant.

They promote discussion, accept and respect others views and change methods when
necessary, they make the learning fun.