Pilot Training on Basic Counselling for Peer Counsellors

UNESCO is working with the University of Namibia (UNAM), the International University of Management (IUM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to implement the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3 Plus) project. O3 PLUS seeks to ensure that young people in higher and tertiary education institutions realize positive health, education, and gender equality outcomes through sustained reductions in new HIV infections, unintended pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence. The project thus enables them to reach their full educational potential and contribute more effectively to the development of Namibia as graduates, professionals, and young leaders.

Peer educators have a significant role in offering support and basic counselling to their peers outside of regular hours on campuses, it is therefore crucial that they possess adequate counselling skills. Against this background, the project partnered with Co-Create Change Consultancies to develop a basic counseling training manual for peer educators. This manual was designed to cover topics such as basics in counselling, emotional intelligence, and empathy, and will provide peer educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively provide counseling and support services to their peers within their respective academic and vocational training institutions. The manual is subject to extensive research, and consultation with experts in the field to incorporate some of the best practices in counselling. 

One of the pivotal stages in the development process was the organization of a two-day pilot training session, which took place from 10-11 April 2024 at Mercure Hotel in Windhoek. During the pilot training, a diverse group of participants were engaged, including student counsellors, peer educators and Student Representative Council (SRC) members from prominent institutions such as the UNAM, IUM, NUST, the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), and the Windhoek Vocational Training Center (WVTC).

The pilot training sessions focused on a wide range of counselling approaches, principles and techniques essential for effective peer counselling. Participants were actively involved in interactive sessions allowing them to immerse themselves in the training approach and gain practical insights into counselling methodologies. The feedback gathered from these sessions played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the counselling training manual, ensuring its relevance, effectiveness, and applicability in diverse HTEIs settings across Namibia.
 

Following the pilot training, the next steps involve integrating the feedback gathered into the final version of the Basic Counseling Training Manual, ensuring it is user-friendly and comprehensive with practical exercises, case studies and resources. A pocket guide will also be developed based on the manual to provide quick access to key information for peer educators. The finalized materials will then be disseminated to institutions of higher learning, encouraging their adoption for peer educator training.