Report on The Step-Down Training
Report On the Step-Down Training for Peer Educators on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) And Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Services At Community High School, Ologuneru, United Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio, Olivet Baptist High School Oyo and Methodist Grammar School Oyo
REPORT ON THE STEP-DOWN TRAINING FOR PEER EDUCATORS ON COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION (CSE) AND SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH (SRH) SERVICES AT COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, OLOGUNERU, UNITED CHRISTIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL, OMI ADIO, OLIVET BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL OYO AND METHODIST GRAMMAR SCHOOL OYO
(ACCESS PROJECT) FUNDED BY AMPLIFYCHANGE
INTRODUCTION
From November 5 to 7, 2024, a three-day Training of Trainers workshop was conducted at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre. This workshop aimed to equip teachers and healthcare workers with the necessary skills to deliver youth-friendly sexuality education and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Following this workshop, a one-week step-down training took place from November 11 to 15, 2024, at Community High School in Ologuneru and United Christian Secondary School in Omi Adio, where 10 students from each school were selected to become peer educators. The objective of this training was to empower the students with knowledge and skills to promote Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and provide guidance on SRH issues to their peers.
TRAINING OVERVIEW
The training sessions focused on Life Planning Education, with key areas of instruction covering:
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
Effective Communication in Teaching Sexual Education
Community High School, Ologuneru (November 11-15, 2024)
The week’s training commenced with an introduction to CSE and SRH. Teachers, with assistance from healthcare workers, explained key concepts and core components of CSE, such as human development, anatomy, and reproductive systems. Emphasis was placed on understanding the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty, fostering a positive body image, and enhancing self-esteem.
Day one and two focused on healthy relationships, with discussions centered on respect, empathy, and trust in interpersonal interactions. Participants explored the qualities of healthy relationships and how to recognize and address unhealthy ones, emphasizing the importance of personal boundaries.
On days three and four, the students were introduced to adolescent-specific SRH challenges, including menstruation, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Effective communication skills such as active listening, maintaining a non-judgmental attitude, and role-playing scenarios were incorporated to help students handle real-life situations such as unwanted pregnancies, peer pressure, and decision-making.
The final day of training included a comprehensive review of the week’s content, with an emphasis on consent, boundaries, and sexual empathy topics essential for peer educators. By the end of the training, the 10 selected students were fully equipped to educate their peers on CSE and SRH, promoting healthy decision-making among youth.
United Christian Secondary School, Omi Adio (November 11-15, 2024)
Parallel to the training in Ologuneru, a similar one-week training was conducted at United Christian Secondary School in Omi Adio. The process mirrored that of the Ologuneru training, with a focus on Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). Teachers and healthcare workers from the Omi Adio Primary Health Centre collaborated to deliver lessons on human development, puberty, healthy relationships, and adolescent SRH challenges.
The students participated in role-play activities that emphasized effective communication and interpersonal skills. Discussions on peer pressure, consent, and decision-making prepared the students to act as peer educators, offering guidance and support on sexual health issues to their peers. The training also aimed to provide the selected students with the tools to foster a supportive environment for youth to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, and Anglican Methodist School,Oyo. Training (November 19-21, 2024)
A subsequent step-down training was conducted at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo Town from November 19 to 21, 2024. This training aimed to empower 20 students (10 each from Methodist Grammar School and Olivet Baptist High School) to become peer educators, with a focus on enhancing their capacity to provide informed guidance and support on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues. The training also aimed to equip the students with the necessary tools to actively promote comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) within their school communities, fostering a culture of openness, understanding, and informed decision-making among their peers.
In addition to the students, four teachers from the participating schools also attended the training. These teachers played a vital role in co-facilitating sessions, particularly in the areas of healthy relationships and SRH, ensuring that the knowledge imparted to the students was well-supported by educational staff. The collaborative effort between the teachers and healthcare workers contributed to the development of a robust training environment, which integrated academic, practical, and peer-led learning.
Day One and two: Introduction to SRH and Peer Education
The training commenced with an in-depth session focusing on the importance of adopting a non-judgmental approach when addressing SRH issues. This principle was emphasized as a key element in creating an open, supportive, and safe environment for discussing sensitive topics such as puberty, sexual health, and emotional well-being. Students were encouraged to appreciate the value of providing a non-critical, accepting atmosphere where peers could feel comfortable sharing their concerns and seeking guidance.
Additionally, participants were introduced to the role of peer educators in providing accurate information and emotional support to their fellow students. They were provided with practical guidance on how to refer complex or sensitive cases to the appropriate professionals, such as school counselors, healthcare workers, or trusted adults. This session aimed to ensure that students understood the importance of maintaining confidentiality, respect, and professionalism while serving as peer educators.
Day Three and Four: Effective Communication Skills and Role-Playing
The second day of training focused on enhancing students’ communication skills, which are essential for effectively delivering SRH information to their peers. Emphasis was placed on building the ability to listen actively, engage empathetically, and communicate clearly and respectfully. Students were trained to recognize the various communication styles and to adapt their approach based on the needs and sensitivities of their peers.
Role-playing exercises played a central role in this day’s activities. These practical sessions allowed students to simulate real-life situations in which they might need to address issues such as teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, and gender-based violence. The role-plays helped students practice approaching sensitive topics with tact and care, while also building their confidence in guiding their peers through decision-making processes. The role-playing activities were structured to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative communication between students and their peers.
In addition to reinforcing the key lessons of the previous days, the students were given the opportunity to reflect on their learning experiences, share their thoughts and feedback, and discuss the challenges they anticipated in their roles as peer educators. This reflection time allowed students to clarify their understanding of the concepts and commit to their roles in helping peers make informed, healthy decisions.
The day concluded with a session of recognition, where all participants signed an attendance sheet and took a group photo session followed, capturing the collective achievements of the participants and their commitment to making a positive impact within their school communities.
KEY OUTCOMES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
By the end of the training sessions, the selected students from all schools were equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve as peer educators. They are now capable of providing comprehensive sexuality education and promoting sexual and reproductive health awareness among their peers, helping to create a positive and informed school environment.
The training sessions equipped students to act as advocates for sexual and reproductive health, fostering positive change within their schools and communities. The training emphasis on comprehensive sexuality education, coupled with strong communication and interpersonal skills, will contribute significantly to empowering young people to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health. The collaboration between teachers, healthcare workers, and students is vital in ensuring the success and long-term impact of the ACCESS Project.
About Us
PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation (PLAN Foundation), was the first independent support group for people with HIV (PHIV) in Oyo State in Southwestern Nigeria. It is on record that we had the opportunity to participate actively and notably in most of these processes.
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