Peer education can be an effective way to improve sex education through youth reproductive and sexual health outcomes because it is good and necessary for all youths, says Mr. Kande Fomboh a parent and counselor. He explains that since youths find it easy to confide in one another, it is better to educate them so that they can take the message across to their peers. He goes further that peer educators can educate and motivate their peers about reproductive health and HIV issues so that they are able to communicate these messages to their parents and siblings. Further more their involvement in developing and providing sex education also helps to reinforce their leadership skills and boost up their self esteem. For youths to become peer educators, they need to be members of a recognized Government or Non-Governmental youth institution. They also require training in all domains of like such as health, culture, environment and life skills. Mr. Kande stresses that only qualified peer educators can give out credible information on sex education. He advises that before they give out information, it should be checked by an elderly person or any member of the organization to which they belong. He concludes that ‘youths should be Peer educators because they are highly influential, and young people are more likely to accept information from peers rather than adults.’

Foncham Emmanuel