1. y - p e er
newsletter
Volume 15
Edited by
Gehad Elsayed
Design by
Beka Berikashvili
Cover design by
Kacem Jlidi

2. Editor’s Word
“Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.”
y - p e er
National Networks
William B. Sprague
Dear friends, colleagues, partners reading “Me forever young”, “Ele-
and youth around the world; phant in the room” or “Reaching out
20.000” and activities like “street
It’s our pleasure to present you
action” and using of “Social me-
Y-PEER Newsletter volume 15
dia” for sure you will get inspiration
(July-December 2011).
to know and do more and more for
Starting from briefing about na- your community. Y-PEERians have
tional networks and international the main goal and insist to reach it.
a
­ ctivities to celebrating WAD 2011
Now; I will let you discover more
is like a journey around Y-PEER
about Y-PEER.
world, and guess what, it will not
be enough to know all the amazing Last but not least; this newsletter
work and ­ ctivities done and their
a would have been complete with-
their impact. So, you are invited to out writers and editorial team Aysel
this journey to get across three re- Asgarova (FPC Azerbaijan), Beka
gions – Arab State, Eastern Europe Berikashvili (FPC Georgia) and
and Central Asia and Asia Pacific – Kacem Jlidi (FP Tunisia).
and more than 48 countries.
Thank you!
To write an editor’s article you have
to cover the main topic of the news-
Gehad Elsayed
letter but the words cannot express
it as the articles themselves. While http://www.ypeerinaction.org/

3. Algeria Armenia
What’s more? Zahra Benyahia
Samvel Mkhitaryan
Y-PEER Algeria was launched in 2005. It involves
3 youth NGOs, over 200 peers divided into teams:
media, social marketing, field work and pro- Me Forever Young
Processing those kinds of situations
gramming. It aims to strengthen knowledge,
Before you get bored and thumb and thinking over those questions can
awareness, advocacy, education and communi-
through the pages let’s do a little ex- influence on your perception toward
cation in the field of SRHR, HIV/Aids and support
­
are periment while you’re reading. Try many questions.
PLHIV. great things for which we
Because we be lieve we are destined for nt of the MDGs, to relax and seat comfortable calm To discover whe
speak up for the fulfillme ther it works or not
the change and the voice to geria music would be of benefit. :D you Y-PEER Armenia
spread of HIV. Y-PEER Al along with UNFPA CO
ensure SRH ser vices and prevent the tion and edu- ready to start?…!!! designed a project within the 7 bil-
many activities of preven
initia ted for the last semester in-
t field work and proximity While you’re reading try to visual- lion campaign. The project involved
cation in diff erent cities convinced tha ange.
als toward behavioral ch ize the scenes, or simply think over a group of volunteers from y-peer Ar-
terve ntions will achieve the go those questions and answer them. menia and group of aged people that
ss from HIV/Aids
ry campaigns for awarene
Pe ers organized two Itinera target- leave alone.
me 10 Days of Activism What would it feel like to be an aged
e project aimed to
in summer and autumn under the the huge number From one hand th
high risk of infection. A person, per se? ople with the issue
ing youth and populations at s, sta- confront young pe
blic spaces: markets, street What it would be like to be an aged of growing up as an inevitable part of
of Street act ions were organized in pu ital each month.
and bus stations in the cap person (Gram or Grandpa) with a life and from another hand to discov
-
m, popular coffee shops, tar-
diu different youth structures anything comm on
About 10 Aw areness days took place in uctured youth
walking stick in the hand? er whether there is
ung nurses, magistrates, str nerations. Moreove
r
get ing university students, yo as well. How would you treat young people between those ge
ablishments and migrants to give a chance to
in vocational training est let’s say your grandsons? What kind the project aimed g
As a result, 32 51 get to know youn
0 people were ap of advices would you give them? aged persons to
Peers also celebrated international proached. 200 pe - and their views, life-
ople living with What it would feel like to be the one people to underst
events such as the UN Volunteer day HIV were suppor .
ted. Over 49 87
0 in this society. style and behavior
in action for environment sustainabili- posters and fly
ers and 84 520 co volunteers passed
ty. For their capacity building trainings doms were dist n- Indeed, questions that few people One day long young
ributed. 15 med like they live, do-
on SSR took place and targeted 30 peers. representations ia ask themselves or seriously thought with aged persons,
were leaded. 2 vi do, watching soap
d- over them. ing whatever they
What’s more, a project of entertain- eos were realized. As we are aw ok, drinking cof-
are operas, reading a bo
ment was initiated to support people that only the involvement of al Well now relax :D you’re still middle ors etc. Whereas
l ac- fee with other neighb
living with HIV in hospitals. Y-PEER tors will have an impact, we colla age. Maybe some of you will picture ed persons lived
bo- another full day ag
brought happiness to them at each cel- rated with three youth NGOs as it easily and some of you with a bit as they do, such as
as UNFPA, UNAID well with young people
ebration. S, UNICEF. difficulty.
4 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 5

4. going out shopping, meeting friends, . Meanwhile the
have to deal with
clubbing etc. e chance to get to Olga Gerasenco
aged people had th
ung people, their
During the project Pre- and post- vid-
eo interviews were carried out and
know the life of yo
views toward life, fa
mily and future.
nteers obtained
Belarus
Some of the volu ce!
On one resour
as a result a short movie has been
d some of them
produced. The project had incredi- new friendships an
ces.
ble results. It directly influenced on gained lifetime advi l Volunteers Day
, 5th of
ovie will be re- On Internationa PEER
young participants’ views toward se- Soon the short m presentation of Y-
t our face book D ecember 2011, the as held
nility and aged people. Young people leased, so watch ou ww.ypeer.by) w
Belarus website (w e elec-
got deeper understanding of their life page catch up on ne
ws. 1 OSHMYANY. “Th
at gymnasium № ucation
what kind of problems aged people ok.com/pages/ rt of the peer ed
http://w w w.facebo tronic site is a pa ry of
ted by the Minist
Y-PEER-Armenia/16
2858060401394 project implemen said in
A and UNICEF” —
Education, UNFP sglavny,
ch Anna Rysevet
her opening spee al and
epartment of Soci
Aysel Asgarova Inspector of the D of Ed-
k of the Ministry
Educational Wor project
Azerbaijan ucation. “We are
is being develope
pleased that our
d not only at sch
ools but
rn, will
et space. We, in tu
Social video also in the Intern
further support the ideas of peer edu-
On August 26th, 2011 Y-PEER Azerbaijan in cooperation with Active Citizens cation! Thanks to this website young
Azerbaijan organized media training with focus on movie-making and blog- people, working in the field of peer
ging at GRBS International Tuition Center. education can find all necessary in-
Young people nowadays are often eager to share their concerns or ideas via formation and all on one resource!”
social media; however they often don’t know what to start with and most- The portal offers electronic sam­ les
p
ly lack any knowledge and skills to make a social video or write up a good of activities for seminars on rela­
blog post. ted topics, dictionaries, information
community activists. In a course
The training brought together 15 students and abo­ t youth organizations working
u
Windows Movie Making program;
of the training young people learnt about on peer education as well as infor-
as the tips for writing a good blog
assemblage/editing of short films as well mation on scholarships and grants.
people for active citizenship and
post. Thus, the project encouraged young In addition to the theoretical knowl-
ia and equipped them with movie-
promotion of social values via social med edge young people will be able to con-
making and enhanced blogging skills. sult online a psychologist, a surgeon
and gynecologist. Young people will be
Upon the completion of the event trainees had an opportunity to put in prac-
also able to consult the peer educators.
tice the knowledge and skills gained.
6 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 7

5. While creating the portal volun-
teers tried to take into account the Alex Festival
mod-
adors and role
interests of all stakeholders. Thus, in Belarus ambass s, Y-PEER Egypt one of a huge networks in
UNFPA activitie
“Application for a seminar” division el s. In support of con- Egypt and the first branch of Y-PEER in the
s participated in
representatives of the school can last year Y-PEER . The Arab World, that started in Egypt since 2005
mestic violence
specify the dates and topics of the certs against do az- by five peer educators and by support from
g people was am
requested training. After complet- reaction of youn hat UNFPA CO, and now we have a 42 NGOs part-
d Y-PEERs for w
ing this form, certified volunteers ing — they thanke indif- ner working with youth and Health in All of
d not to remain
and leading youth organizations they do and aske o- Egypt also the network relies on 268 national
lems of young pe Ahmed Kashkoush
are contacted to conduct the train- ferent to the prob trainers of peer educators and approx 10202
ing. “We try to support the initia-
tive of young people, and highlight
ple and try to so
volunteers were
lve them. Afterw
invited to a peer
ards
ed- Egypt peer educator perform the peer education
activities in these NGOs in the country.
how
. “Having seen
their achievements. High school ucation training ks, ed more than
th principle wor culture Festival we reach
№1 in Oshmyany was not chosen the youth-to-you Through Alexandria International ide is-
accepted the off
er of and adolescence and prov
by chance. This educational insti- we immediately art- 16.000 young pe ople and talk with youth , in comics. Also
h UNFPA and st d Family Planning…etc
tution is one of the leaders in pro- cooperation wit sues su ch as STIs, HIV/AIDS, an anged
g of the song “D
o cipate with us and we arr
motion of peer education!” — Said ed with recordin er of Y-PEER Egypt am bassador implement parti
, — said the sing
Tatiana Pronko, Senior Specialist You Remember” atievsky. musical party.
nd Vitaly M
of UNFPA Belarus — “Starting from Open Space ba cre-
sed that through The second activity was networking meeting between the NGOs partner that
January 2012, we will choose the “Our band is plea can
volunteering, we meeting helped them to share the challenges and the chances were met and
best volunteer monthly!” — added ativity and active peo-
havior of young discussed how they can make cooperation among them, also they were
Mrs. Pronko. Young musical band influence the be sky,
d Maxim Mestov share their experiences in working with youth and how to use peer educa-
Open Space was chosen as Y-PEER ple!” — conclude tion methodologies.
nd.
guitarist of the ba
8 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 9

6. mosexual is insu
lted and beaten.
our fault that he It is not
is gay, is it?! And
ally, these women gener-
, homosexuals an
infected should d HIV
take care of them
it’s none of our bu selves;
siness.
The above mentio
ned problems ar
ones that are most e the
ignored in Georg
ciety. Most of the ian so-
people can’t even
that we have such realize
kind of problems.
planning the proj When
ect we saw that ta
about solving prob lking
lems is just wastin
time when most g our
of the people can’
realize them. So w t even
e decided that the
aim of the project main
should be makin
problems more no g the
ticeable, showing
to the society an them
d inducing discus
about them. Her sions
e came the name
project — “Elephan of the
Beka Berikashvili t in the Room”
Georgia Last year we made one da
youth competition where
y project – an
6 teams partici-
eresting and cre-
pated in. We got many int
Elephant in the Room ative works from the parti
cipants, but still
y was absolute-
“We have already discussed and decided At first glance it seems
impossi- we had a feeling that one da
out such kind of
such kind of problems, come on” it was ble how a big elephant
in a small ly not enough to think ab
the help of UN-
the only answer wherever I tried to start room can’t be noticed.
But think, problems. This year with
10 days project.
talking about gender based discrimina- what can be easier than clo
sing our FPA we managed to create
ber 10 different
ating his From 1st to 10 of Decem
th
tion, homophobia and HIV discrimina- eyes when neighbor is be created articles/
tion. We who are “progressive, devel- wife? Of course it is no
t our busi- teams (4 people in each)
gans about the
oped and open-minded” young people ness. What can be easier tha
n not let- assays, photo series and slo
of them. Be-
do not or cannot notice problems in our ting our child play with HI
V positive topic that was given to each
one day in this
society. Yes, we have already discussed children? We know he/sh
e can’t be sides this, each team had
a flash mob or
this problem, thought a lot about it and infected this way but still,
we’ll feel 10 days period to organize
changed a lot; didn’t we? But if we open safer if our child stays far
from HIV street performance.
infected children. Yes, it is
the easiest project was or-
eyes a bit wider we can see that big ele- Together with UNFPA, the
ere a ho- DEA (Georgian
phant is still standing in our small room. to just pass in the street wh ganized by our NGO – GY
10 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 11

7. Youth Development and Education- asn’t
win but it w they share the in-
al Association) and two other NGOs – “I was so happy to at- We inform youth and
. Just particip fellows. So, as peer
CSMA and ICCN. The project had two only ab out winning thing formation next to their
was a huge of a great and im-
winners. Mariam Korinteli’s team was ing in this project so trainers, we are the links
ays changed ing the world a bet-
the favorite of jury and Tiko Gabu- for me. These ten d think- portant concept of mak
y life. I began e of the reasons I
nia’s team was the second (according many things in m think ter place. This fact is on
lems I didn’t
to Facebook likes). The winner team ing ab out the prob riam Ko- chose Y-PEER.
— ated Ma
st
got 4 laptops and the second team got ab out earlier.” am. introduction: I am
e winning te But let’s make a little
4 Ipods. rinteli , leader of th - I joined Y-PEER 3
duce revolu from Moldova and
This proje ct may not in e 50, read the advertise-
On 7th of December you would meet inds, but th months ago. When I
tions in people’s m e- PEER training I was
people in Tbilisi who were holding big o were som ment to apply for a Y-
100 or 50 0 people wh egan words: “peer educa-
papers with writings: “I am a woman the project b attracted by the main
how connected to s. …and ese were the fields
too”, “I am a child too”, “I am HIV pos- these problem tor” and “journalism”. Th
th inking about these
itive also”, “I am gay”, etc. This flash ant. …And
this is very import where I wanted to work the most,
mob (organized by Tiko Gabunia’s steps. because they represent my inter-
team) had a very important message: are just first
ests and fit me the best. Besides, I
when there is violence in our society am sure that the Y-PEER mandate
then we should say that we are also is very important and opportune
women and children, HIV positive or for youth from my country, once
gay. When you feel yourself in the vic- they need to know all the right and
tim’s place then the attitude – “it’s not relevant information about repro-
my business” – instantly disappears. ductive health. After I passed the
selection and became a member
Radu Artiom of the network, I understood what
the real power of Y-PEER is. I`ve
Moldova seen that only Y-PEER, thru a lot
of workshops, trainings, informa-
tional campaigns, like Pro Health
Reasons to choose Y-PEER Campaign, social theatre festival,
Yesterday I watched a movie called “Pay it forward”. flash mobs, annual meeting, YAP
Have you ever watched it? If no, I recommend this meetings and more activities pro-
movie to you, because it’s a very motivational and in- vide information that is really nec-
spiring one. It’s about the concept to do something essary for youth.
asked me:
good to someone and to ask this one to do the same ! Of course were people who
It was my choice to join Y-PEER ebook,
thing for others. And you know, watching this made better to stay at home, on Fac
“W hy did you come here? Is it not es it worth?”
me realize that Y-PEER is also based on this concept. rkshops, to write articles? Do
than to organize activities, wo
12 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 13

8. le
e portraits of valuab
My answer was a strong “YES!”,
equal with
suc- as co nsisting of twenty on
since I was motivated enough For me Y-PEER is The photo exhibit w a, there were politic
ians, show
the initiativ
e to
people in the regi on of our city Samar the
ecifically to nst AIDS, and even
and willing to change the level cess, sp
e, success c
an be e of th e NGO’s fighting agai the citation
of information from my com- success. As for m nce, men, representativ was also leaded by
s: Persevera ch of the portraits in
d in 3 word YOUGA teacher. Ea t the HIV epidemic
munity. define bility erne d the situation abou
nd Responsi from the facts conc
Yes! Y-PEER is my first way to suc- C orrectness a , y. The photo exhibit wa
I call success the world for toda s just the first step of the
cess! Because here I have seen so So, Y-PEE R is all that itude for now, the main idea is project,
, because att to implement the knowled
many young peoples with initia- and a lso attitude e ge,
de. This is th about HIV prevention, int
tive, who believe in themselves determin es the altitu region. The participants of
o the community of Sama
ra
the project, are going to ho
and in voluntary work and I un- secret! a small lecture amount the ld
we are people whom they are wo
derstood that Y-PEER is what I forget that ing with, and to share the rk-
P.S.: And don’t information with someon
was looking for. great things! whom they are working e
destined for with. The YOGA teacher
have
promised to make a lect
ure in one of his classes,
local radio DJ will make the
a report on one of her rad
programs and the universi io
ty professor, have promise
to organize a training wi d
th students.
Alexey Dzhura In all the words, the huge amount of work has been done by Michael Ush-
akov, the leader of the project and our photographer Olga Usoltseva. We
Russia should never forget about our rights as young people as one of the main
groups or risk, such events is a good example of successful proves that: “It
“Numbers, people — their teachers, and some is possible to stop the epidemic of HIV, but only with the purposeful effort
concerns everyone” were young people who
of them
of all of us”, how it have been said by Andrey Bikov, the leader of Samara
probably
just got interested with on State prevention Center.
The photo project was dated for the e of the
banners on the street.
30th year of the opening of the Human
ey decided to
But the reason why th
Immunodeficiency Virus.
More than 200 people came for the attend this photo exhi
bit, is not re-
ost important
Somaliland
ally important, the m Abdiziz Hersi Warsame
opening day of the photo exhibit to lly came over
thing that they actua
the gallery “New Space” in the Sama-
there, and they rece
ived the mes- What have we done in 2011?
ra city. Some of the journalists, who ing to the so-
are always trying to find the hot news sage that we were send Somaliland Y-PEER Network is getting popularity
is world, and
for their newspapers, to impress their ciety: “HIV exists in th and trust of the community year after year because
oblems of to-
readers with the fresh gossips about it is one of the worst pr of its tireless efforts in fighting HIV and FGM in So-
ople are dy-
publics life, some of them were school day’s world…lots of pe maliland. In 2011, the network carried out five big
should know
kids, who were forced to come by ing from AIDS and we different activities to contribute to the HIV preven-
about it!” tion initiatives in Somaliland.
14 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 15

9. main cities namely
We created 6 HIV school clubs in five
Erigavo to promote
Hargeisa, Borama, Berbera, Burao and Vijayanthan
high schools and we
HIV prevention methods — ABC — in the Thusandra
International Youth
commemorated World AIDS Day and
Days to provide advocacy messages
to the youth and leaders of the country
on HIV, FGM and GBV
. We also targeted Sri
addicts and youth liv-
the youth at high risk including drug
ing in border towns and Internally Disp
laced People (IDP)
ues and circus shows.
Lanka
camps through theatre based techniq
designed and imple-
In addition to that, Somaliland Y-PEER 6th Asian Pacific Conference
in Somaliland through
mented a project called “Fighting FGM
project, which was
Peer Education Approaches” in 2011. The In the middle of October 2011, three young people from Sri Lanka partici-
influence the attitude
completed successfully, was aimed to pated in the 6th APCRSHR conference held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. All three
in secondary schools
of 560 university students and 1450 girls of them were internationally trained Y-PEER educators and took this oppor-
nd and to create 4
to advocate FGM eradication in Somalila tunity to increase the visibility of Y-PEER Sri Lanka and to broaden their net-
Somaliland. The out-
FGM clubs in Hargeisa, the capital of work of peer educators.
limited to, 358 high The conference
come of the project included but not , under the them
e
FGM eradication, 1115 “Claiming Sexual
school students in 6 regions trained on and Reproductiv
e
munication approach Rights in Asian an
reached through interpersonal com d Pacific Societie
ed through sensi- was held from th s”
and 560 university female students reach e 19-22nd of Octob
er.
tization meetings. Finally, I would lik We rocked the ev
ent — two presen
e to mention that -
change commun we carried out be tations and on
ication messages havior e session thre
—
to reach even mor through the mas highlights e
e youth. We cond s media
and developed 5 ucted 5 radio talk e Ami-
radio spots all of
them on HIV prev
shows On the 1stday of the conferenc
and stigma reduct and
ion. We also prod
uced the second ed
ention laWensiri, Y-PEER focal point
of “BAAQ magaz ition for the Glob-
ine” or “The Cal
ler”. 630 copies w National Focal Point
tributed in the un AIDS
iversities and high
schools of Somal
ere dis- al Youth Coalition on HIV and
sion
We believe that So
maliland Y-PEER
iland. (GYCA) facilitated a satellite ses
rship.
gest local organiza
tions that address
is now one of the
stron- on youth and adult partne
when
other youth issu
es in Somaliland
HIV, STIs, FGM, GB
V and Challenges faced by youth
. We will continue ways
ing hard and hope
we will achieve m work- working with adults and the
s the
Thanks to UNFPA,
ore in 2012. to overcome such challenges wa
. The
Ministry of Educ
MTV Staying Aliv
e Foundation, SO main focus of his presentation
ation, Ministry of LNAC, th ac-
ners for their colla Youth and all ou session was appreciated by you
boration and supp r part-
ort. tivists and adults alike.
16 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 17

10. During the 2nd day of the confer-
ence Sarah Natali, Y-PEER focal
point and Youth Chair for youth
technical advisory ­ommittee
c
of the Fam ily Planning Asso-
ciation in Sri Lanka present-
ed a posteron “Sexual violence
against women in public trans-
portation systems in Sri Lanka”.
This innovative project focused
on empowering women to speak
up when they experiences sexu-
al abuse or name calling in pub-
lic buses. It also spread aware- Odina Salihbaeva
ness on how to take legal action
against serious offences. Uzbekistan
During the 3rd dayof the confer-
enceThusandra, Y-PEER focal Reaching out to 20.000
a
point in charge presented an oral The happy coincidence — Thu­s­andr Y-PEER is working in Uzbekistan since 2005. Today it is a
paper on “A peer education proj- reads out the Youth Decla­ r a­ion
t
network of more than 200 volunteers and 17 active Focal
ect on HIV and Sexual and Repro- of APCSHR Points. The main partner of the Network is Youth Initia-
ductive Health with the involve- -
On the final day at the closing ceremo tive Center “Kelajak Ovozi”, and there are a number of
ment of Sri Lankan youth in Post opportu- NGO’s and international organizations working together
ny, Thusandra had the unique
Armed Conflict Areas”. This was
nity to be part of a three member team with Y-PEER. July of 2011 starte
d with active invo
the only oral pres nt. The lvement in 10 Day
entation accept- that read out the youth stateme Activism — 21 act
ivities were cond s of
ed from Sri Lank young ucted, among w
a for the confer- Youth declaration focused on there were eight
peer-education se hich,
ence. His presenta e health ssions aiming to
tion highlighted people sexual and reproductiv the knowledge of
young people in th raise
e areas of reproduct
the need and im
portance of peer rights and their access to services. health, STIs and H
IV/AIDS preventio ive
education for yo teers helped to ho n. Then, Y-PEER vo
ung people, out al lun-
of school, and in There is no doubt that “Y-PEER Foc tion Day that in
ld an event dedica
ted to World Popu
post conflict en- Points”left a lasting impress ionat the cluded women’s la-
vironments. The chalk competitio marathon and ch
pilot project was n. Y-PEER also ce ildren’s
implemented in 6th APCRSHR conference. as International lebrated such big
2 of the 25 dis- Youth Day in Aug events
tricts in Sri Lank
a. “Passion rebuilds the world for the ber. In the framew ust and WAD in D
ork of advocacy eff ecem-
youth. It makes all things alive and members took pa
rt in UNAIDS wor
orts for PLWH, Y-
PEER
n
significant.” — Ralph Waldo Emerso kshop on «Stren
gth-
18 Y -PEER National Networks Y -PEER National Networks 19

11. ening the partnership and participa- 2012, Y-PEER Uzb
ekistan implemen
tion of civil society including PLWH ed 143 activities re t-
aching over 20,0
in expanding universal access to HIV young people na 00
tionwide.
prevention, treatment, care and sup-
port». It is crucial to mention that Y- this period:
We learned from
PEER was the only youth organization
anisms for stron-
1. Creating mech
y - p e er
invited to participate in this event.
ent in network
There were two National ToTs in the ger FPs involvem
creases their re-
fall, as well as a Special Training for (FPs Council) in
work as coordi-
Medical Staff in Andijan. One of the sponsibility and
ork
most-awaited events of the year for nators of the netw
volun-
Y-PEER Uzbekistan is Annual Experi- 2. Expanding the topics of
d a variety of
teer activities an
International
ence Sharing and Planning Meeting,
es sustainability
which for the third time gathered 50 partners improv
d raises its rec-
most active Y-PEER volunteers in the of the network an
ng mechanism
mountain resort in November. Mem- ognition as a stro
’s empowerment
bers gave their feedback on the overall for young people
work, challenges, lessons learned, and t and distribution
3. Developmen
ways to improve our work. And the increases the
of Trainers Kits
Award Ceremony celebrated the most rate of nation-
implementation
active and committed volunteers of n activities.
the year. Overall, during July-January
al peer-educatio
20 Y -PEER National Networks

12. UNFPA Regional Offices to serve as a
ӷӷ Aida Darzhanova (Kazakhstan)
young people’s input in the region-
International Coordinator
al youth and SRH including HIV/AIDS
in charge of Monitoring &
programmes
Evaluation
Also, Y-PEER International Coordi-
nators (ICs) serve a term of 2 years,
ӷӷ Shubha Kayastha (Nepal)
and as a result, Ms. Fatma Hacioglu
International Coordinator in
(Turkey), Ms. Carla Daher (Lebanon)
charge of Advocacy
and Mr. Davron Mirsagatov (Uzbeki-
stan) graduated and became part of
ӷӷ Ana Rizescu (Romania)
Y-PEER Alumni Board.
International Coordinator
Three new ICs were elected and are
in charge of Partnership &
Ms. Aida Darzhanova (Kazakhstan),
Networking
Ms. Gehad Elsayed (Egypt) and Ms.
Shubha Kayastha (Nepal). Along with
ӷӷ Gehad Elsayed (Egypt)
the four other International coordina-
International Coordinator
tors who will continue their positions
in charge of Media &
until October 2012, Y-PEER IC Team
Communication
has 7 members.
Y-PEER Global Advisory Board (GAB) in
In this regard, and after a thorough
Manila, Philippines assessment of the priority needs of the
The annual GAB meeting served as a international network, the new Interna-
Y-PEER has recently completed impor-
space for Focal Points in Charge from tional Coordinators team has divided
tant meetings in Manila, Philippines: a
40 countries to share information, re- their roles for 2011 and 2012 as follows:
Global Peer Education Conference on
3rd October, followed by a New Areas port, plan and build their knowledge ӷӷ Bothaina Qamar (Jordan)
Meeting on 4th and the annual Global within the framework of Y-PEER Tran- International Coordinator
Advisory Board (GAB) Meeting from sition and strengthen their capacity in charge of Organization
5th to 8th of October 2011. and skills on leadership, communi- Development
The meetings served as a platform cation approaches to increase qual-
to formally introduce the Y-PEER in- ity and delivery of Y-PEER activities, ӷӷ Dina Jaffary (Syria)
ternational network in the region, giv- and overall improvement of the net- International Coordinator in
ing a face to the international network work. Moreover, elected Y-PEER rep- charge of Capacity Building
among the newly joined countries as resentatives and ICs with support
well as to the potential regional and from Y-PEER Alumni’s have drafted ӷӷ Mario Balibago (Philippines):
intentional partners in Asia and Pa- Y-PEER International Action Plan for International Coordinator in
cific region. 2012 which will soon be presented to charge of Resource Mobilization
22 Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 23

13. of different kinds of energizers. bye Day”. Farewell saying to all the
Some of the exercises were real- friends who became so close to me
ly strong, and some of them were for the last eight days was the hard-
even hard psychologically. But I had est part of the training. But I am not
a feeling that I was opening my in- sad at all because I know that I have
ner world to the group of participants, so much to share with my communi-
the people who became the real team ty over here in Russia! So much stuff
in the end, and those were some of to do, and if I need new ideas or new
the most amazing feelings of my life. experiences, then I will just write to
Probably the only thing that I real- my friends and we will cooperate to-
ly didn’t like was the “Saying Good- gether for the best result!
Evdokia Romanova - NGO “Youth Theatre
“Light” – Y-PEER Russia
Y-PEER Advanced Training of Trainers in
Peer Education and Civic Engagement
“Thanks to this training, I had a With the other participants we’ve
Back home to snowy and windy Rus- their free time to contribute to their chance to think on my own attitudes shared our ideas about new projects
sia from warm and hilly Bulgaria. society and help others. Now I know and values regarding SRH and HIV/ in Y-PEER.
Even though I’ve been back for two what the real power of Y-Peer is. We AIDS, as well as gender, and other I feel that I am improving myself as
days already, I still can’t describe all will never stop believing in the op- health and social issues. a peer educator day by day…
the feelings and emotions that I had portunity to change this world for the We’ve also learned about Y-PEER Everytime in my life I think that
for the week of training. best. We are young, free, and full of Network, its structure, elements, the world is a big house for every-
Who could imagine that the pro- energy. No act of kindness, no matter tools and resources as well as new body, where people live. The sun is
cess of education and learning new how small, is ever wasted. Once you roles as Y-PEER Focal Points. shining for all of us. Watching the
stuff could be so fun? Our trainers/ become a Y-Peer, you will hold this In my opinion group discussions in sun, we understood that Y-PEER is
peer educators, showed some really in your heart for the rest of your life. this training will contribute my whole one of the most important tools to
amazing techniques to learning new During the whole week, we were re- works in Y-PEER Turkey! I think it will think about how to create a bridge
things, but also inspired us with the ally busy with our schedule, but the assist to elevate the Y-PEER! of benevolence!”
unforgettable Y-Peer spirit. process of training wasn’t even a little Bulut Oncu – Y-PEER Turkey
In my country, Y-Peer is used just bit boring. We did a lot of improvisa-
like training methods in NGO’s, but tion, working in the groups and do-
after the week in Pravets, I was able ing activities for cross-cultural com- Well, few days ago I had may be the Peer regional ToT and Civic Engage-
to fully realize that it is much more munication. Each of us could hold most exciting and interesting expe- ment training. The atmosphere of the
than that. You can meet only special the floor during facilitation and feed- rience of my life. In Pravets , not far event was full or energy and fun. We
kinds of people in events like that: backs, and we were able to keep our from Sofia more than 30 gifted and had a lot of things to do. Every single
those who are ready to give up all energy on a good level with the help motivated young people had their Y- day we were busy doing some stuff ,
24 Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 25

14. because during this 7 day’s training we to be later, itjust was an exercise, and Theatre Based Peer Education Training kicks
were supposed to learn a lot. But still when they hugged and smiled to each off in Beirut
were had time to have some fun and other I was happy. Now I know what
the whole process was not so hard, be- should we do and what is forbidden Y-PEER Regional Theater Based Peer ater experts from Jordan and Egypt,
cause the way of giving the informa- to be done during our work as peer Education training kicked off today alongside certified Y-PEER trainers.
tion to participants was simple and in- educators. in Beirut, Lebanon with 25 partici- Its aim? To explore ways to use in-
teresting. I really appreciate the work One thing is also worth mention- pants from across the Arab World. teractive theater in delivering key
of our trainers, very hard task they had ing that I liked great job of partici- This year, the training is hosted by messages to the community, follow-
, working through all these days. They pants as one team. During different Y-PEER PETRI AUB unit in the Amer- ing edutainment techniques.
did their best to organize this event exercises, especially team building ican University in Beirut. It brings By the end of the training, partici-
most productive, interesting and un- exercises we worked as people, who together Focal Points, peer educators pants will put together a play using
forgettable for all of us. I find them to know each other for one year at least. and theatre enthusiasts. Participants the new skills and knowledge they
be very good, taking into account both I liked them all, everyone has some- are being trained by qualified the- acquired through the sessions.
their personal and professional char- thing special, that I was interested to
acteristics: they are very kind as peo- learn, they are very motivated, hard- Y-PEERs attend the Global Youth Economics
ple and qualified and experienced as working and creative people. I never Conference in Washington DC
trainers of peer education. I consider thought before that people from dif-
them to be a very good example for ferent countries have a lot in com- Three Y-PEER focal points attended the job market. Throughout the ses-
me. Moreover, some of them could mon and that they can understand the Global Youth Economic Con- sion, challenges to employment were
be good actors and actresses! On the and support each other. It is very ference last week, a platform where discussed, with close attention given
training, while doing one of the exer- good feeling when you know that 400 young professionals from over to case studies in Zambia and China.
cises I found them to be very talented young people from different spots 60 countries meet annually to discuss Speakers included the Moroccan
in acting. Actually, this exercise is one of our planet do the same job, that ways to improve economic opportu- ambassador to the United States, Ms.
of my favorite exercises, when train- you do actually. It pushes you to work nities for youth around the world. Barbara Chilangwa, Executive Direc-
ers “ quarrel” with each other for us to twice as well as you can. The conference took place in Wash- tor of Campaign for Female Educa-
show how we can communicate with During the training I learned a lot ington DC, Sept. 7-8. tion in Zambia and Mr. David Ar-
our co-facilitators on training. I have of new things, as well as from our Participants representing differ- kles, president of Manpower Group,
never before had such an exercises, trainers and from participants’ per- ent organizations gathered through a leading company in workforce so-
and was shocked when Rua and Ivi- sonal experience. Thank you very workshops and plenary sessions, lutions in the US.
ca (our trainers) had a conflict, when much for such splendid event we had sharing methods, lessons and con- According to Mahmoud Nabul-
we were all together. But, as it turned all together. tacts, all in an effort to alleviate em- si, Y-PEER Jordan, “the conference is
ployment challenges faced by the a great chance for networking and
Liliya Sabitova – Y-PEER Uzbekistan. world’s 1.5 billion youth. learning new techniques especially
Day 1 for youth economic projects, entre-
Speeches at the opening session fo- preneurship ideas.”
cused on the importance of education Day 2
and vocational training for entering During the second day of the confer-
26 Y -PEER International Y -PEER International 27