UJ STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS STUDENT GUIDE 33 THE POWER OF PEER SUPPORT The C-SHAW Peer Education Programme is a flagship initiative housed within the University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Student Health and Wellness. The Peer Education programme is specifically designed for the higher education environment. It addresses critical areas affecting student well-being, including HIV prevention, responsible sexual behaviour (Risky Student Behaviour), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), peer-to-peer mentorship, as well as broader themes of student empowerment. C-SHAW harnesses the transformative power of peer-to-peer engagement through its mentorship program by equipping student leaders with comprehensive training and ongoing support. The programme cultivates a network of informed, empathetic, and proactive peer educators. Peer Educators serve as catalysts for health advocacy and behavioral change across campus, fostering an inclusive dialogue, challenging stigma, and promoting safer, healthier lifestyles among their peers. The C-SHAW Peer Education Programme, through its workshops, campaigns, and interactive outreach, not only disseminates vital health information but also promotes and nurtures a responsible culture rooted in resilience and social responsibility. Peer Education Recruitment Recruitment is a key activity aimed at expanding the peer education network. Various platforms were utilised, including First-Year Seminar (FYS) sessions, social media, and word-of-mouth referrals. The recruitment campaign aimed to recruit 100 new peer educators per campus, and the final numbers exceeded expectations. Below is a table highlighting the targets made for each campus, the recruited numbers and the variance. https://forms.gle/iQ4h5d7Q3FozMFAL8 Mandela-Sobukhwe Leadership Camp Emihle Ngqeke, honoured as the C-SHAW Peer Educator of the Year 2024, proudly represented her peers at the prestigious Mandela-Sobukwe Leadership Camp, held in Cape Town from 12 to 16 February 2025.
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