End Period Poverty for 200 Girls in Kafue, Zambia

Our Learning & Leadership Center in Kafue, Zambia, is leveraging the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award peer-to-peer education model to expand its reach and impact among local youth. This approach empowers trained youth leaders to educate and mentor their peers, fostering a sustainable cycle of community-driven development.

Expanding Reach Through Peer Education

In 2025, our local Zambian team aims to engage over 5,000 children, youth, and women through its comprehensive programs. A significant component of this outreach is the Peer-to-Peer Education Program, which is projected to reach more than 4,000 youth in the local community schools. This program focuses on critical areas such as reproductive health, period poverty, gender equity, drug abuse prevention, and leadership development.

The peer education model involves training selected youth as peer educators, who then disseminate knowledge and skills within their communities. This method not only extends the program's reach but also enhances the leadership capabilities of the peer educators themselves. Regular sessions, including role-playing and real-life scenario discussions, are conducted to ensure practical understanding and application of the topics covered.

Integration with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award provides a structured framework that complements our peer education initiatives. By aligning with the Award's principles, we ensure that its programs promote holistic development, including community service, physical recreation, skill development, and adventurous journeys. This integration enhances the appeal and effectiveness of our local programs, encouraging more youth participation and commitment.

Peer-to-peer education is particularly effective in sub-Saharan Africa due to a combination of cultural, social, and logistical factors that align well with the model's strengths. Here's how:

Cultural Relevance and Trust: Young people in sub-Saharan Africa often respond more openly to messages delivered by their peers rather than authority figures. Peer educators share similar life experiences, languages, and social contexts, making their messages more relatable and trustworthy.

Youth-Dominated Demographics: With over 60% of the population under 25, sub-Saharan Africa is one of the youngest regions globally. Peer-to-peer education leverages this demographic advantage by turning a large youth population into both the target audience and the agents of change.

Bridging Gaps in Teacher and Health Worker Shortages: Many communities face shortages of trained teachers, counselors, and healthcare workers. Peer educators help fill this gap by disseminating accurate information on topics like sexual and reproductive health, climate awareness, and leadership, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: Peer education programs are relatively low-cost and scalable, especially when resources are limited. Once peer educators are trained, they can reach many more youth through school clubs, community forums, and informal networks.

Empowerment and Skill Building: The model not only educates others but also empowers peer educators themselves, building their confidence, leadership, communication skills, and civic engagement—benefits that ripple outward into their communities.

The local team consists of three Junior Facilitators, three Senior Facilitators and three Mentor Facilitators. This is an incredible leadership development experience for these young people and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them!

Links:

• Duke of Edinburgh International Award
• African Education Program