The Caribbean Vulnerable Communities (CVC) recently hosted a peer educator training session under the Strengthening Access, Inclusion and Leadership for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SAIL-SRHR) project, aimed at strengthening the ability of young peer educators to engage their counterparts in meaningful, accurate, and relatable conversations on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The training brought together youth from several parishes and focused on refreshing core concepts, strengthening facilitation skills, improving report writing, and reinforcing the importance of peer-to-peer engagement as a powerful tool for SRHR education. By creating a safe, interactive environment, the session allowed participants to reflect on their purpose as peer educators and sharpen the skills needed to reach young people where they are.
For Danielle Brown from the parish of Manchester, the session served as a timely reset. “I really appreciated this workshop because… I finally got my refresher training,” she shared. Although the session did not focus heavily on specific topics such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Danielle noted that it “brought it back to the value, like the core, the foundation… why we’re doing this,” adding that it reignited her passion for educating peers beyond simply delivering monthly sessions
Nineteen-year-old Raneal Carter from St. Catherine highlighted the collaborative nature of the training. “It was very interactive… we got an opportunity to present,” she said, noting that teamwork and leadership were key takeaways. She also welcomed the added guidance on report writing, which she believes will strengthen her work going forward.
Meanwhile Vaundel Wilson from St. Thomas described the training as both engaging and practical. “I learned new things and gained a lot of perspective,” he said, explaining that improved report-writing skills and clearer guidance on researching, practicing, and delivering information will directly enhance his peer education sessions on topics such as HIV and gender-based violence.
For Whyiate Dwyer from Manchester, the training also addressed confidence and connection. “The workshop was great… the team-building activities helped to release the nervousness,” he shared. He emphasized that peer education works best when sessions are tailored to the audience, explaining how he adapts presentations for young men through visuals, prizes, and interactive activities to keep them engaged.
Peer-to-peer conversations remain a cornerstone of effective SRHR education. When young people receive information from trusted peers who understand their realities, discussions become more open, relatable, and impactful. Through this training, CVC continues to invest in young leaders who are better equipped to spark informed dialogue, challenge misinformation, and support healthier choices among their peers.
The SAIL-SRHR project is being implemented by CVC and the Jamaica Family Planning Association with funding support from Global Affairs Canada.
