Peer education is a learning approach in which individuals from similar social groups or backgrounds support and learn from each other. In this method, peers share experiences, values, knowledge and interests with their peers. The approach is often used in marginalised groups as the peer is usually more approachable, non-judgemental and has had similar experiences.
Peer learning has several key characteristics:
- Shared identity: Peers are defined as people who share common characteristics such as age, personal circumstances, background, similar experiences and/or ethnicity. These characteristics make it easier for them to relate to each other.
- Interactivity: Peer education encourages active participation and interaction. Peers participate in discussions, share experiences and ask questions, creating a dynamic learning environment.
- Role models: Peers serve kind of as role models. They inspire and influence others because they have faced and overcame similar challenges.
- Reciprocal learning: Peer education is based on mutual learning. Both peer educators and their peers benefit from the exchange of knowledge and experience as they engage in the peer education process. Peer educators gain confidence and different skills, while the peer participants gain knowledge and skills that can help improve their lives.
- Specificity: Peer education programmes are tailored to the communities in which they take place, ensuring that the information provided is relevant and meaningful to the target group.
Peer education can cover a wide range of topics, including social issues, mental health, substance abuse prevention, awareness of sexual practices and sexually transmitted infections, etc. The effectiveness of the method is ensured by trust and open communication between peers.
Who is the Peer Educator?
A person who uses information and experience to support people with similar backgrounds to make informed and thought-out decisions about their lives.
Peer Educator’s characteristics:
- Nonjudgemental approach
- Openness
- Lived experience
- Willingness to learn
- Proactivity
- Awareness of own limitations and boundaries
- Soft skills
- Ability to create a safe space
- Facilitation skills
- Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills
Don’t worry if you don’t have all these qualities (yet). We’re organising a training for those who sign up to learn the skills we need as peer educators. You will receive more information about this after you have applied. In addition, during the peer education process you will be assisted by a mentor who you can lean on for support.
Activities that we will carry out as peer educators:
- Preparing and participating in events
- Participating in events organised by others (within the Ljubljana Pride Association and at events organised by other organisations)
- The possibility to organise activities according to our wishes
- Collaboration with the Ljubljana Pride Association’s pool of trainers in the implementation of their workshops
- Participation in an online campaign to raise awareness and mobilise (young) LGBTIQ+ voters for the 2024 elections
- Preparation of content for social media
- …
If you want to gain experience and challenge yourself in the field of peer education, join our newly created team of Peer Educators! Applications are open until 30. 11. 2023 at
Prijava za vrstniško_ega mentorico_ja // Application for Peer Educator