ERIC Number: EJ1452389
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Dec
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0017-8969
EISSN: EISSN-1748-8176
Available Date: N/A
Experiences of Peer Educators in a High School Sexual and Reproductive Health Peer Education Programme in Rwanda
Aimable Nkurunziza; Germaine Tuyisenge; Michael Habtu; Edward Rwagasore; Erigene Rutayisire; Nadja Van Endert; Justine Bagirisano; Jean Bosco Henri Hitayezu; Olive Tengera; Goele Jans; Beatha Mukarwego; Assoumpta Yamuragiye
Health Education Journal, v83 n8 p932-943 2024
Background: To contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Rwanda, a sexual and reproductive health peer education programme (SRHPEP) was developed and implemented. Reflecting on the unique characteristics of this newly implemented programme, and understanding peer educators' (PEs) and facilitators' perspectives, can provide insights into the programme's effectiveness and feedback to improve the programme in the future. This study explored the experiences of being a PE in the SRHPEP from the perspectives of PEs and facilitators. Design: Qualitative exploratory design. Setting: Data collection took placed in three public high schools in Rwanda. Method: Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 PEs and 5 in-depth interviews with facilitators were conducted. Results: Thematic analysis identified the benefits of being a PE, including increased competence, enhanced relationships and an improved society's understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). PEs faced challenges, however, including bullying, limited resources and time constraints. A support system (comprising PEs themselves, facilitators and school leadership) and refresher training made being a PE easier. Study participants suggested allocating enough time, training larger numbers of PEs and the provision of contextually relevant educational materials to improve the programme. Conclusion: Findings from this study can be used to guide the development of future ways of strengthening the SRHPEP in schools. They can also help to ensure that PEs are adequately supported in their roles and the needs of the students are met.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Peer Teaching, High School Students, Sex Education, Program Effectiveness, Prevention, Pregnancy, Program Implementation, Facilitators (Individuals), Barriers, Bullying, Time Management, Educational Benefits, Student Needs
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Rwanda
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A