Boldly address problems

In a youth club in Zambia, young men and women sit together and exchange ideas. They are peer educators: young people who pass on important information to their peers about their physical and mental health. The fact that they can talk about difficult personal issues requires a safe environment and courage.
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Sibylle Weber

"There are a lot of problems in my family. I have relatives who prostitute themselves," says a young woman, who we will only call N. here. The protected environment of the training gives her security and the encouragement from her peers strengthens her self-confidence. She has decided to take a different path.
Zambia: Young people exchange ideas on important topics.

Knowledge protects against dependency

Drug use is a major topic at this course. The participants talk about what drugs there are and
what they do to the body. They then discuss why people take drugs and how they can protect themselves and others. One of the leaders encourages the group: "Don't be afraid. You have important information for others. Don't hold back because of your young age."

 

"I want to change the attitude in my family. It doesn't just have to go on like this. I want to be a role model."

 

Leading by example

The young people pass on their knowledge and experience to those around them. They encourage others to get help and lead the way. N. has also decided: "I want to change the attitude in my family. It doesn't just have to go on like this. I want to be a role model."

 

More stories of hope can be found in the new enaktuell, ena's magazine.