Peer-to-Peer Programme launched to empower students against substance misuse

The Peer-to-Peer Programme, organised by the Ministry of Education and Human Resource through the Zone 2 Directorate under the theme ‘Engage, Educate, Empower’, was officially launched this afternoon at Queen Elizabeth College (QEC) in Rose Hill. The initiative aims to address youth substance misuse through a peer-to-peer empowerment approach.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education and Human Resource, Dr Mahend Gungapersad; the Acting Director of Zone 2, Dr Chaya Surajbali-Bissoonauth; as well as representatives of the National Agency for Drug Control, Crime Prevention Unit and Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit.

In his address, Minister Gungapersad called on students to remain alert to peer pressure that could affect the choices they make, particularly in relation to substance misuse and other harmful behaviours. He emphasised that the risks influencing youth choices extend far beyond the school environment, but also in the wider community and digital spaces, urging students to carefully evaluate their social circles and surroundings and the advice they receive.

Dr Gungapersad further recalled that today's youth are the Nation's future, highlighting the shared responsibility of parents, educators and the Ministry to prepare them to face these challenges. He encouraged students to exercise careful judgment, learn from positive role models and develop the resilience to resist peer pressure and other temptations, while cautioning that hasty decisions can lead to lasting consequences.

For her part, Dr Surajbali-Bissoonauth explained that the Programme was developed following consultations with students, whose feedback pointed to the need for a more engaging approach to substance misuse education. She noted that the initiative gives students a central role in the process, allowing them to draw on their own experiences and perspectives while contributing to efforts to address the issue within their school communities.

The Peer-to-Peer Programme

The Programme comprises three clusters of secondary schools, grouped according to their geographical location. The first cluster, launched today, brought together QEC, Beau Bassin State Secondary School (SSS), Ebene Boys, Ebene Girls SSS, and John Kennedy College. It involved 40 students, with eight representatives from each school, who attended a workshop organised under the Programme.

The initiative provides students with a platform to voice their challenges while acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to promote positive change among their peers. Participating students will also be trained as peer educators to support awareness and prevention efforts within their respective schools.

03 September 2026

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Topics: Education, Drugs