Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region has been conducting the Peer-to-Peer Education Program since 1995. The Peer-to-Peer Education program has received two national awards: 1997 PePe Award from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the 1998 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Merit award and one local award; the 2000 FOCUS St. Louis “What’s Right with the Region” award.
The goals of the Peer-to-Peer Education program are to increase knowledge and reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The program is designed as an intervention model for youth before they begin engaging in high risk–taking behaviors. The Peer Education Program employs four program outcomes relative to the program goal:
1. If not sexually active, delay the onset of sexual activity.
2. Increased communication about sexuality with peers, parents and other trusted adults.
3. Increased knowledge of sexuality, reproduction, contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
4. Increased use of contraceptives among those who are sexually active.
Key points about the program:
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The 36 hour program promotes sexual responsibility, increases youth’ interpersonal skills, and provides accurate and age - appropriate information about sex, sexual health and risk reduction.
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Our focus is on providing comprehensive, factual and medically accurate information on all topics that we present.
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All of our programs are abstinence based.
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We believe abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
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Along with the lessons the youth learn about education, self – esteem, and respect for others, the Peer - to – Peer Educator Program provides them with the information and skills to achieve healthy and responsible sexual behavior that forms a lifetime pattern for healthy decision – making.
Unique to the Peer-to-Peer Education is the opportunity to help youth by “hiring” them to serve as peer educators for fellow students, friends and family. In this way the program teaches job skills and responsibility and puts a real value on healthy, responsible activity that serves as a powerful motivator for the youth. Youth are paid for the hours they attend training. Upon successful completion of the program, participants become Peer Educators and may choose to receive additional specialized training to become Youth Leaders. Successful completion of the program means they have attended class consistently and on time, completed the pre-test, passed the mid-term, passed the final exam, and taken the post-test.
The areas covered in the curriculum are:
- Healthy Relationships
- Communication skills
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Birth control methods and Pregnancy Prevention
- Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS
- Personal Health and Hygiene
- Youth Pregnancy Prevention
- Dating Violence
- Respect for Individual Differences
- Values and Decision Making
- Media Literacy
In addition to the stated goals, the program has a number of other positive results:
1. Job Skills - Each applicant must apply for the program and go through an interview. This provides experience in job interviewing, including proper attire and accurately completing the application form. Also, participants are “docked” pay for being late for class or absent. Youth learn positive work habits in this way.
2. Family Communication – Parents/guardians must approve of the youth’s participation if they are under the age of 18. This opens communication between the youth and adults about responsible sexual behavior. Parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program.
3. School Work – If participants are in school they must maintain at least a C grade point average during the training.
Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region is committed to providing youth with the skills and knowledge to make responsible decisions about their personal and sexual lives.
For more information, please contact:
Charisse Jackson
Director of Education & Diversity
Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region
314-531-7526 ex. 329
charisse.jackson@ppslr.org
