By: Ephreeda Banda

The Peer Educators programme at Rhodes University is an initiative dedicated to student well-being, leadership development, and social impact. Established under Higher Health in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), this initiative empowers students to support their peers in navigating various challenges, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, LGBTQIA+ rights, and gender diversity. The programme has become integral to student life by fostering a sense of community and responsibility.

The Peer Educators programme initially focused on educating students and staff on HIV/AIDS prevention and offering testing services on campus. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive, university-wide programme under Higher Health, implemented across all 26 public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. Today, the programme promotes holistic student development through Higher Health's nine pillars, which include mental health awareness, gender-based violence (GBV) education, sexual health, HIV/STI /TB screening, disability advocacy, LGBTQIA+ support, and Alcohol and Drug awareness. In 2024/5, a new Civic Soft Skills initiative was introduced, providing students with an accredited certificate in essential life and leadership skills.

Dr Christine Lewis, the Manager of Student Wellness at Rhodes University, explains, "The aim is for students to develop holistically while at university. We want well-rounded graduates—not just individuals with a degree, but students equipped with leadership and civic engagement skills."

The Peer Educators programme aligns directly with Rhodes University's broader strategic objectives. Specifically, it supports Goal 3 of the Institutional Development Plan (IDP), which focuses on student wellness and psychosocial support. The programme ensures that students receive guidance, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities for their overall growth. Dr Lewis emphasises, "This programme fits perfectly within the university's goal of holistic student development. It provides leadership opportunities and hands-on experience beyond academics, ensuring students leave with more than just a degree."

The programme operates under the umbrella of Student Wellness, in the HIV Office at Rhodes University. The structure consists of a Programme Coordinator and Data Capturer who oversees the overall implementation and effectiveness of the programme, a Peer Educator Committee that manages the programme's day-to-day operations and consists of students holding different portfolios, such as social media manager, administration, and projects manager, and Peer Educators who are responsible for executing awareness campaigns, organising campus activations, and engaging in community outreach initiatives.

The peer educators are instrumental in organising campus-wide events, including the First Things First campaign, sexual health education, responsible alcohol use awareness activities, disability advocacy projects, and GBV workshops. They also collaborate with other university departments and community organisations to extend their impact beyond campus.

A key aspect of the Peer Educators programme is the Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Summit, an annual gathering that brings together student leaders from across institutions. Now in its third year, the summit aims to instil leadership values drawn from historical figures such as Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe. It focuses on perseverance, civic responsibility, and the role of young leaders in driving meaningful change within their communities.

The summit allows peer educators to engage directly with policymakers, such as Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, on critical student issues. Open discussions on institutional challenges, policy improvements, and student well-being are crucial to the experience. Additionally, keynote addresses from figures such as National Assembly Speaker Thokozile Didiza and former political prisoners from Robben Island are potent reminders of the importance of resilience and vision in leadership.

Palesa Ragoleka, a Rhodes peer educator, recalls a particularly impactful moment at the summit: "Hearing the stories of former political prisoners from Robben Island was incredibly humbling. It reminded us that leadership often requires sacrifice for the greater good."

Furthermore, the success of the Peer Educators programme is strengthened through multiple partnerships. Higher health remains the primary funder, ensuring financial sustainability and programme oversight. The Department of Health supports sexual health education and HIV/STI/TB awareness initiatives, mainly through the First Things First campaign.

Additionally, the programme collaborates with local organisations such as the Eastern Cape Liquor Board to raise awareness about responsible alcohol use. Within the university, it works closely with the Health Care Centre, the Counselling Centre for mental health support, the Disability Unit for advocacy and inclusivity efforts, and the Equity and Institutional Culture Office for GBV and LGBTQIA+ awareness initiatives.

Looking ahead, the Peer Educators programme is set to expand further. Upcoming initiatives include specialised training on GBV prevention, with a particular focus on engaging men in discussions around positive masculinities. The new Civic Soft Skills programme will provide students with certified skills that enhance their employability and leadership capabilities.

Christine Lewis envisions continued growth: "The programme has gone from strength to strength, and we see it becoming even more specialised in the coming years. We want to equip students with skills they wouldn't necessarily gain in a classroom, preparing them for employment and life."

The programme's impact is evident in the transformation of participating student leaders. As the initiative gains recognition, Rhodes University Peer Educators remain committed to upholding their mission—building a future where students succeed holistically, academically and personally.