Harvard Peer Education Systems
Settings & Audiences for Peer Education
Faith-Based Organizations
Most would agree that the pursuit of physical and emotional health is in line with faith-based organizations' goals of promoting spiritual well-being among their congregants. Combined with the fact that in some countries churches, mosques, and other places of worship can provide unparalleled access to adults and children, FBOs' shared objectives with health promotion programs make them a prime setting for peer education.
Peer education curricula in FBO settings must strike the delicate balance of being couched in the language and teachings of the particular faith, while providing factual health information and promoting critical consideration of issues among participants. The fact that sessions are facilitated by trained peers (as opposed to church leaders), and that the program takes place with the FBO's backing and supervision enhances the likelihood that this balance is attained. If appropriately done, peer education in an FBO setting has the potential of enhancing congregants' engagement both with their faith and their health.