Young people helping young people is what the peer support programme is all about. And it’s in good hands after the latest annual training session.
Year 11 students who’re new to the EARS programme (Education and Resourcing by Students) joined our experienced Year 12 and 13 peer support crew at Matai Whetu marae for their annual training.
School guidance counselor Susan McInnes said they learned about reflective listening, self-care, boundaries and confidentiality.
Peer support is successful, according to Mrs McInnes, because “young people respond to speaking with their peers rather than adults.”
She says “any student who wants to join EARS is interviewed before they start, and many of them are interested in helping and training professions in the future.”