For every generation and in every geography, being a teenager is a challenging, tumultuous, and unique experience.
And no one understands adolescents better than their peers. According to Rudoba Mamadbogirova, program officer at Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Tajikistan, evidence shows that mentors who are also adolescents are better equipped to understand the challenges teens face and have a greater impact with their peers.
As youth mentors, Pokizamo (in orange) and Gulbahor (in blue) engage and train their peers to be better prepared for all of life’s changes as teens transition from childhood to adulthood. They are leading their peers through group activities and interactive sessions on subjects like conflict resolution, managing finances, gender stereotypes and gender-based violence, and leadership skills.
Both said they had always aspired to lead others, and with training provided by AKF Tajikistan through the Foundations for Health and Empowerment (F4HE) program, were able to improve communications, facilitation, and planning skills while gaining confidence as peer mentors.
Supported by AKFC and Global Affairs Canada, F4HE takes aim at improving health and wellbeing at all stages of life, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. This includes enhancing the equitable development and empowerment of women and girls, by improving access to health knowledge, expertise, mentorship, and peer support.
Learn more about the program.
