Rohit from peer learner to peer educator
Rohit, 14, from Bardiya, used to follow his friends into risky habits and ignore his future. Through peer education training, he learned to value his health, make better choices, and guide his peers.
Finding my way
“Hi, I’m Rohit. I’m 14 and live in Bardiya with my parents and 2 siblings.”
“My father works as a labourer in India, and my mother sews clothes to support our family. Life hasn’t always been easy, and sometimes my parents couldn’t be around to guide me.”
“When I was in class five, I started hanging out with friends by the riverside.”
“Some of them smoked cigarettes, and I tried it too.”
“At first, it was just curiosity, but soon it became a habit. I even started lying to my parents, saying I needed money for school when really, I bought cigarettes. My schoolwork suffered, and I lost interest in studies.”
Learning to value myself
“Everything started to change when I joined a five-day peer education training at school. At first, I didn’t pay much attention. But the games, group work, and friendly environment made learning fun.”
“On the first day, I was bored and didn’t think this training would help me. But when we played ice-breaking games, I started laughing and talking with other students. I realised learning could actually be fun.”
“We talked about growing up, puberty, and taking care of our bodies. I had questions I never dared to ask before. I learned that my health is important and that I can make choices to protect myself.”
“We discussed smoking, alcohol, and other risky habits. I realised that cigarettes and alcohol were harming my body and mind. I felt scared thinking about my future and decided I wanted to change.”
“We did activities about peer pressure. I saw how easily I had been influenced by friends to smoke. I learned to say ‘no’ and make my own decisions. It was hard at first, but I felt proud each time I resisted.”
“On the last day, we practised teaching others. I explained what I had learned to younger students. Seeing them listen and ask questions made me feel confident. I realised I could make a difference, not just for myself but for others too.”
Becoming an educator
“After the training, I slowly stepped away from friends who influenced me badly.”
“I quit smoking completely, stopped lying to my parents, and started focusing on my studies.”
“I also got involved in school activities and shared what I learned with friends. I talk to them about the dangers of smoking, peer pressure, and health issues.”
“Now, I actively teach my peers about adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights [ASRHR].”
“During breaks, I hold informal awareness sessions. I spend free periods reading ASRHR booklets in the adolescent-friendly information corner.”
“My teachers notice my effort, and my parents are proud. I even dream of becoming a teacher one day so I can guide students and help them avoid the mistakes I made.”
“When I learned about addiction, I understood that my life is worth much more than a few moments of enjoyment.”
“ASRHR classes didn’t just teach me lessons. They taught me to respect my body and think about my future. Peer pressure pulled me into bad habits, but understanding myself helped me step away.”
“Peer pressure pulled me into bad habits, but understanding myself helped me step away.”
Rohit, Peer Educator
About the project
The ASRHR project works with schools, health facilities, and communities to strengthen comprehensive sexuality education, adolescent-friendly health services, and open dialogue on gender, health, and rights. It empowers adolescents like me to make informed choices and lead healthy, positive lives.
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