The Use of Peer Youth Educators for the Promotion of Adolescent Sexual Health: A Case Study of Carolina for Kibera

Abstract

Adolescent sexual health is a global concern because of its associations with HIV, STIs, early and unwanted pregnancies, and post-abortion complications. To address the health burdens associated with sexual and reproductive health in youth, organizations employ several programmatic models to encourage behavior change and to distribute correct and appropriate information. One of those models, discussed here, is the peer education model. The peer education model uses adolescents to target adolescents to achieve program objectives. This paper is a case study of Carolina for Kibera, a non-governmental organization working in Kibera, a large urban slum outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Carolina for Kibera implements this model in its efforts to promote adolescent sexual health. The case study uses a triangulation method, including qualitative focus groups and interviews, document review, and researcher observation to determine how the model is implemented both in the context of the organization and in the context of Kibera. Results of the case study include a completed program description and an assessment of barriers and benefits to implementing this model, and how the context of the urban slum frames programming decisions and success. As a means of discussion and conclusions, implications and recommendations for future programming at Carolina for Kibera, and globally, are presented.