Anitha, Diane, and Nepo are agents of change, serving as peer educators who tackle harmful sexual myths across local communities and schools in Bugesera and Gatsibo districts, equipping adolescents and young people with accurate sexual health information.
These young peer educators step forward to nurture informed generations through the Grow Up Smart curriculum, which comprises 9 structured modules on comprehensive sexuality education.
They lead sexual and reproductive health clubs across schools and communities, creating safe spaces for learning, reflection, and dialogue on sexual and reproductive health and rights.
As young champions, they empower their peers with knowledge and confidence, guiding discussions on puberty, reproductive health, gender equality, and responsible decision-making, equipping young people with the tools to make informed choices about their lives and bodies.
I remember a young girl who came to me, falsely believing that unprotected sex could cure facial acne.
Anitha, 20
Confronting harmful misconceptions in communities
At just 20 years old, Anitha leads an out-of-school youth club of 40 members, with 15 boys and 25 girls, in a rural community in Bugesera. With education materials always in hand, she dreams of a society free from teenage pregnancy.
During her peer education work, one deeply troubling misconception strengthened her resolve to never give up.
I remember a young girl who came to me, falsely believing that unprotected sex could cure facial acne. I educated her and helped change her mindset. That experience broke my heart, but it also strengthened my determination to continue this mission,” Anitha shares.
This encounter fuelled her commitment to dismantling dangerous myths that place young lives at risk.
There is no way for our society to challenge harmful sexual misconceptions except through consistent education and breaking the silence.
Diane, 21
Together with Diane, 21, another dedicated peer educator, Anitha works tirelessly to reshape attitudes towards sexuality, enabling adolescents to become informed, confident decision-makers.
“There is no way for our society to challenge harmful sexual misconceptions except through consistent education and breaking the silence. That is what we stand for as we convene every week,” Diane adds.
Through their collective efforts, peer educators aim to correct misinformation, instil dignity, self-respect, and resilience, and empower young people with the knowledge, confidence, and protection they deserve.
Knowledge cascading through schools
Seventeen-year-old Nepo, a secondary school student in Gatsibo, leads his school’s reproductive health club, Urumuri, which brings together 50 members, including 18 boys and 32 girls.
He explains that the club’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, reaching families and the wider community.
“Through our school club, we have learnt how to protect ourselves from sexually transmitted infections and harmful temptations. Most importantly, we take this knowledge home and educate our parents,” says Nepo.
At first, his parents doubted the club’s value, fearing it might encourage negative behaviours. Today, through his persistence, they recognise its importance, demonstrating how young peer educators are transforming schools and influencing families and communities.
Why young people need allies
Robert Mugabe, a 32-year-old teacher, mentors both school and community clubs. He emphasises the vital role of adult allies.
Our reproductive health club confronts silence head-on, empowering participants to speak out.
Robert, 32
“Many children and young people, especially adolescent girls, suffer in silence. It is difficult for them to share the hardships they face. They need trusted adults to listen and guide them. Our reproductive health club confronts this silence head-on, empowering participants to speak out,” he explains.
As a mentor, Robert has witnessed remarkable change, students breaking their silence, gaining confidence, and becoming advocates for their rights.
Olivia, a 22-year-old mother, testifies to this impact. “Today, I understand the changes in my body and know my rights. I have broken my silence alongside my peers. This knowledge has empowered me to protect myself and speak out when necessary. Knowledge has given me strength.”
About the project
In partnership with Plan International Rwanda through sponsorship funds, the Association des Guides du Rwanda (AGR) is implementing a three-year project, “Girls Decide in Supportive and Protective Communities”, in Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Nyaruguru districts.
The project aims to reduce early and unintended pregnancies while strengthening adolescents’ capacity to make healthy, informed decisions.
To date, the initiative has trained 194 peer educators – 131 females and 63 males – and engaged 4,850 participants through school and community clubs, including 3,395 females and 1,455 males. In addition, 81 mentors – 56 females and 25 males – are supporting the implementation.
Peer educators, primarily selected from sponsored children, undergo intensive three-day training in each district, equipping them with facilitation skills, communication strategies, and the confidence required to lead sensitive and transformative discussions.
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