7th National Y-PEER Meet
A total of 110 youth from 14 Y-PEER Networks are attending the 7th National Y-PEER Meet at the College of Science and Technology organized by Youth Center Division, Department of Youth and Sports. The three-day meet which has begun yesterday has been an annual event organized since 2016 to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, ideas, skills and experiences among Y-PEER members from various networks. Based on the theme, ‘Solidarity through Volunteering’, this year’s Meet is designed to provide a platform for the Y-PEER members to come together, share good practices and learn from each other’s experiences.
Y-PEER is a network of youth peer educators specialized in the promotion of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among young people through peer-to-peer approach. Currently, there are 19 networks based in various RUB colleges and technical training institutes.
On the first day, the youth participants shared their achievements and experiences through video presentations, discussed emerging issues related to SRHR in the society such as unintended pregnancies, drug and alcohol abuse, cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, gender-based violence etc. and explored strategies to address them in their own ways as peer educators of SRHR. They also took part in interactive activities that were organized to foster bonding and team work among the members of different Networks.
The participants shall continue to deliberate on youth issues in Bhutan and how they can play their roles as agents of change in the society. They shall also participate in various competitions like quiz on SRHR, debate on social issues, thematic drama and cultural contests that will be organized as part of the Meet. On the final day, the networks shall develop their new action plans for 2023.
The Meet will end on December 25 and is supported by UNFPA.