Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit Hosts Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education in Collaboration with PAHO

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH

AND HUMAN SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: On 25 February 2025, the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit within the Ministry of Health and Human Services successfully hosted a hybrid Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education, equipping participants with the skills to educate and empower youth and communities on key health and social issues.

The training was facilitated online by experts from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), including:

• Dr. Anton Best, Advisor for Health Systems and Services, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
• Ms. Sandra Jones – Advisor, HIV/STI, TB and Viral Hepatitis, Sub Regional Programme based in PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands
• Mrs. Tanya McFall-Major, Communications Consultant, PAHO/WHO Office for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands

Deputy Permanent Secretary Howell-Robinson delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening peer education as a key strategy for health promotion.

PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. Eldonna Boisson commended the Ministry of Health for its leadership in peer education, emphasising the vital role of trained youth in promoting health, bridging awareness gaps, and advancing Universal Health Coverage.

Dr. Anton Best further reinforced the importance of this initiative, stated,“This training programme underscores our collective commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health promotion and education. By targeting vulnerable individuals, including youth, we are laying the foundation for healthier communities and a more resilient public health system.”

This Master Training of Trainers for Peer Education is the first step in a larger initiative to expand peer education programs across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The trainers who successfully completed this programme will go on to train student peer educators within their respective schools and organisations, ensuring that youth are empowered to lead health promotion efforts among their peers.

Representatives included members from the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit, the TCI Health and Wellness Foundation, the Edward Gartland Youth Centre, the Cadet Corps, and guidance counsellors from primary and secondary schools, as well as Department of Education Officer, Ms. Stacey Jogie.

Schools represented included: Primary Schools: Ianthe Pratt Primary, Oseta Jolly Primary, Enid Capron Primary, Thelma Lightbourne Primary, Eliza Simons Primary, Ona Glinton Primary, Iris Stubbs Primary, Doris Robinson Primary, and Adelaide Oemler Primary.

High Schools: Raymond Gardiner High, Helena Jones Robinson High, Marjorie Basden High, Clement Howell High, and A. Louise Garland Thomas High.

The workshop covered critical topics to enhance peer education, health promotion, and community outreach, including:

• Peer Education Strategies – Leadership and effective facilitation skills.
• Communication Skills – Active listening, assertiveness, and empathy.
• Conflict Resolution & Peer Support – Mediation and negotiation techniques.
• Health Education – Sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS prevention, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Mental Health Awareness – Reducing stigma, self-care, and well-being strategies.
• Self-Care & Stress Management – Building resilience and coping mechanisms.
• Substance Abuse Prevention – Understanding peer influence and legal/social consequences.
• Gender Equality & Social Justice – Preventing gender-based violence and fostering inclusivity.
• Digital Literacy & Online Safety – Responsible social media use and internet safety.

Reflecting on the success of the workshop, Dr. Camelia Clarke, Director of Health Promotion, emphasised, “Empowering our trainers with the knowledge and skills to educate others is a key step in fostering healthier communities. Through this initiative, student peer educators will play a crucial role in supporting and guiding their peers, creating a ripple effect of positive change across the country.”

 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Astwood added “Peer education is a powerful tool in public health, especially among youth. By equipping young people with accurate health information and essential skills, we are not only empowering them to make informed decisions but also fostering a culture of prevention and wellness. This initiative strengthens our healthcare system by promoting early intervention, reducing health disparities, and building healthier communities from the ground up. Investing in peer education today means a healthier, more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands tomorrow.”

The Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to advancing peer education and youth empowerment, ensuring that young people are equipped to promote health and well-being within their schools and communities.

For more information please visit the Ministry of Health’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tciministryofhealth/.