PHAKAMANI Empowerment has partnered with the Youth Development Agency to implement the Gold Peer Education programme in schools in Emaphephetheni. The programme, a response to social ills, aims to embed peer leaders and their mentors in schools and communities, transforming young people from passive recipients of negative norms to proactive agents of positive change. This transformation will empower them to become ethical and economically independent leaders of tomorrow.

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Phakamani Ndlovu of Phakamani Empowerment explained that the programme is part of their Social Behaviour Change initiative. “This is a training programme with a fundamental paradigm shift that empowers individuals to adopt and sustain positive health behaviours. By addressing attitudes, beliefs, and social norms that shape behaviour, Social Behaviour Change interventions have the potential to drive lasting change in health outcomes and promote a culture of wellness,” he said.

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Ndlovu emphasised that the programme includes training for both learners and programme facilitators. The programme will commence in the second week of September, with the organisations visiting four schools in the area twice a week to host talks during break time. “We firmly believe in the transformative power of Social Behaviour Change as a catalyst for promoting healthier lifestyles and cultivating thriving communities,” said Ndlovu.

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