Peer Counsellors Equipped to Tackle Youth Dilemmas in Digital Age
By Ms. Teresia Muia
In a bid to support young people navigating the complexities of modern life, the Loyola Centre for Media and Communication (LCMC) has intensified its efforts to empower peer counsellors. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the LCMC team embarked on a full-day training session at Precious Blood High School, coaching a group of 40 girls in peer counselling skills
The session aimed to enhance the counsellors’ abilities to manage the various challenges they face, especially those worsened by the digital age. During the interaction, the ambitious young participants shared the dilemmas they encounter in their counselling roles, both within the school and in their wider communities. A significant challenge highlighted was the delicate balance between maintaining confidentiality and addressing situations where breaking confidentiality is necessary to prevent harm. “One time my friend told me that she was struggling with lesbianism and wanted me to promise that I won’t tell anyone else but help her overcome it, I agreed; then the following day the school wanted us to produce a list of students involved in homosexuality and I was really trapped, I did not know what to do.” Says one of the peer counsellors.
As the day progressed, it became clear that these young counsellors, representing just a fraction of their peers across the country, carry heavy burdens that can impact their mental well-being. Issues such as homosexuality, drug abuse, career choices, anxiety, stress, depression, and peer pressure were among the topics discussed.
Recognizing these challenges, the LCMC is committed to furthering its mission to empower young people. The organization plans to extend its reach, offering similar training sessions to more schools and churches. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to support youth growth and development. In addition to mentoring peer counsellors, the LCMC is also working with three other schools to educate young people about their environmental rights and to encourage them to become environmental ambassadors.
The LCMC’s efforts underscore the importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate the often-complicated landscape of adolescence, particularly in an era where digital interactions make their lives more challenging. Through these training sessions, the LCMC hopes to build a network of well-prepared, empathetic peer counsellors capable of supporting their peers through life’s challenges.
