On successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:  

• Discuss the underpinning values, principles and unique attributes of peer education approaches in the context of youth work  

• Summarise the qualities, skills and role of the peer educator in working with peer groups of young people in youth work contexts  

• Analyse the key issues affecting young people (12-22 years) in contemporary Ireland with a specific focus on how youth work seeks to respond to those issues  

• Discuss the key elements that contribute to effective communication in groups of young people to include tools and techniques to enhance that communication 

• Employ a range of social research and analysis skills to include searching for, sourcing, evaluating, compiling and presenting material from a range of sources suitable for peer education projects that engage with the issues that affect young people  

• Design a series of energisers, ice-breakers, warm ups, warm downs and small group exercises that can be used in working with groups of young people  

• Implement a peer education process, to include its planning and review, that responds to the identified needs of young people  

• Apply good practice in relation to the core values and principles of peer education processes  

• Critically reflect on the potential of peer education approaches to enhance young people’s personal, social and civic development  

• Examine own values, strengths, challenges, boundaries, role and participation in peer education processes under the direction of a supervisory youth worker  

• Work effectively and ethically as a peer educator under the supervision of a youth worker in youth work context.