Doha: The Behavioral Health Care Center (Daam), a part of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work under the Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF), organized a conference focused on the role of peer educators in social upbringing and care.
According to Qatar News Agency, the conference, held under the patronage of HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, aimed to enhance how peer educators can contribute to social stability. Rashid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Center, emphasized that peer education is crucial in helping youth build a promising future. This approach encourages engagement, interaction, and motivation across different age groups, fostering a safe environment for individuals from various social and cultural backgrounds.
Al Nuaimi highlighted the significant impact peer educators have in equipping youth to tackle challenges such as social violence, family disintegration, addiction, and smoking, which adversely affect young people and children. D
irector of Community Awareness at Daam, Jawaher Abu Alfain, noted that the conference marked a new era of collaboration and innovation, aiming to produce practical recommendations for a more cohesive and advanced Qatari society. Participants recommended enhancing the role of peer educators through digital innovation, creating platforms for easy access to psychosocial support.
The conference also advocated for activating a national team initiative for peer educators and introducing annual awards to recognize educators’ extraordinary contributions to community advancement. The event included critical panel discussions, such as the transition of social upbringing to skill development in social care and the peer educators’ role in promoting values and providing psychosocial support.
A session titled “From Training to the Latest Trends: Challenges and Best Practices” addressed the challenges faced by peer educators and reviewed best practices to enhance their effectiveness. The conference served as a platform fo
r cooperation among social development professionals, offering new visions and practical solutions to improve social care programs for peer educators.
An exhibition titled “Interactive Journey Toward Positive Change” accompanied the conference, showcasing success stories of individuals who benefited from peer educators in overcoming psychosocial challenges. The exhibition also launched “Hope’s Footprint” stories, which received significant engagement from attendees, underscoring the vital role of peer educators.