Experiences of peer educators in a high school sexual and reproductive health peer education programme in Rwanda

Background: To contribute to a reduction in teenage pregnancy among in-school adolescents in Rwanda, a sexual and reproductive health peer education programme (SRHPEP) was developed and implemented. Reflecting on the unique characteristics of this newly implemented programme, and understanding peer educators’ (PEs) and facilitators’ perspectives, can provide insights into the programme’s effectiveness and feedback to improve the programme in the future. This study explored the experiences of being a PE in the SRHPEP from the perspectives of PEs and facilitators. Design: Qualitative exploratory design. Setting: Data collection took placed in three public high schools in Rwanda. Method: Three focus group discussions (FGDs) with 22 PEs and 5 in-depth interviews with facilitators were conducted. Results: Thematic analysis identified the benefits of being a PE, including increased competence, enhanced relationships and an improved society’s understanding of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). PEs faced challenges, however, including bullying, limited resources and time constraints. A support system (comprising PEs themselves, facilitators and school leadership) and refresher training made being a PE easier. Study participants suggested allocating enough time, training larger numbers of PEs and the provision of contextually relevant educational materials to improve the programme. Conclusion: Findings from this study can be used to guide the development of future ways of strengthening the SRHPEP in schools. They can also help to ensure that PEs are adequately supported in their roles and the needs of the students are met.