Peer Mentorship and Youth Leadership: Reducing Dropout and Risk
When older students lead, younger pupils stay. In our programs, peer mentorship and youth leadership create the kind of everyday protection that keeps orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in school and confident. This is not an add‑on; it is a practical way communities reduce risk and build resilience.
What Mentorship Changes
Peer mentors normalize attendance, model problem‑solving, and connect pupils to help early. Teachers report that mentees return to class faster after shocks and participate more in group work. Evidence from youth programming in the region links mentorship to improved school participation and reduced exploitation risk, particularly for adolescent girls [1][2].
How We Structure It
• Selection: head teachers and youth leaders nominate responsible students.
• Training: short sessions on positive peer support, referral basics, and safeguarding.
• Activities: check‑ins with mentees, study circles, and term‑start re‑enrolment drives.
• Support: a teacher focal point meets mentors monthly to troubleshoot challenges.
Leadership Beyond School
Youth leadership extends to community service—organizing book drives, assisting at distributions, and speaking at churches about the importance of staying in school. These roles build confidence and agency while reinforcing community norms around protection [2][3].
Measuring the Effect
We track mentee attendance and exam participation, mentor retention, and teacher observations of classroom engagement. Short reflection notes—written by mentors—capture practical insights we use to adjust activities. The data are light; the changes are visible.
Endnotes
[1] UNICEF — Adolescent participation and life‑skills approaches (education and protection outcomes). (UNICEF Adolescent Development)
[2] UNESCO — Youth engagement and school participation evidence in Sub‑Saharan Africa. (UNESCO Education)
[3] Kenya Ministry of Education — Guidance on co‑curricular and student leadership roles. (Kenya Ministry of Education)