December 15, 2016

Eighteen of our scholars came together for four days last week for the introductory training on Peer Mentoring. The training was for them to understand their role in the broader Peer Mentoring Program for 2017. Topics that were covered in the training fell into various themes around mentoring, stress management, emotional intelligence, and simple counseling skills.

Types of activities included role playing, group discussions, one on one discussions, storytelling, poster making, and games that targeted the above themes. Our scholars had just finished the school year, so we wanted to make sure the lessons were taught in a fun and engaging way. We had many sessions on how to interpret non-verbal actions, and the best ways to be able to assist peers in the area of psychological well-being. We discussed different types of emotions, stress responses, and how to build trust and supportive relationships.

I had two important learning experiences over my four days. The first was when we asked our group of scholars what are the stressors in their lives. Their answers remained with me. They face a lot of worry at a deep level. During this small group discussion, I was told that young people may appear jolly and carefree, but that there are difficult issues they are facing that causes a toll on their minds. After this discussion, I have started formulating in my mind sessions that we can present on relaxation and stress management.

The other lesson occurred again in a group discussion where we were discussing previous personal experiences of how people have guided or mentored us. We also discussed the topic of how they were treated and what they felt on their first day of school. Some of these stories were quite poignant. We all agreed that TFFT Scholars will become good mentors because they are adapters and survivors and know how hard life can be. My group members told me that they understand what it means to need extra help, and they are prepared to give it to their peers.

In my career facilitating groups around Africa, I have never had the joy of working with such a disciplined group of scholars! Everyone was on time each morning and at lunch breaks. One simple instruction expressed only one time was attended too without any delay or argument. It certainly made my job a much easier one! I must say, the most enjoyable sessions, and indeed the ones with the most learning, were the sessions that had a little chaos, noise, and chatter.