Ernestina: Rural girls’ dreams are valid and achievable
For rural girls, seeing someone who has overcome similar challenges gives them hope and direction. I am proud to be that example in my community.
International Youth Day 2026
This International Youth Day, join us to celebrate the power of peer mentorship and the impact of our sisters in the CAMFED Association, who are inspiring the next generation of learners.
Young women supported through school by CAMFED are now leading change in their communities. As Learner Guides (trusted peer mentors) they are helping girls to stay in school, grow in confidence, learn life skills, and create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Together, I believe we can create something that genuinely changes the path for the next generation.Fadila, CAMFED Association member and Cambridge MPhil graduate, Ghana
Fadila: Without a visible role model, you cannot dream beyond what you see
My first posting as a Learner Guide was in a tight-knit community where I worked hard to build trust with my students. They confided in me in ways they did not always feel comfortable doing with their teachers.
Early on, I noticed that one of my students always missed the first lesson. She explained that every morning she helped her mother prepare and serve food to sell, and couldn’t make it to class on time.
I visited her mother and built a relationship with her. Together, we agreed that the student would come to school first and then help her mother during the morning break. It worked and she was able to attend school for the full day.
Being a Learner Guide strengthened my confidence in ways that formal education alone never could. It taught me how to solve problems, approach difficult situations with patience, manage a classroom, and engage partners. These are life skills that I use in every role I have taken on since. Serving as a Learner Guide shaped me in ways that I will carry for the rest of my life.
Hear more from FadilaAs Learner Guides, CAMFED Association members run life skills and wellbeing sessions using a workbook called My Better World — CAMFED’s life skills and wellbeing program. Learner Guides deliver the My Better World program in weekly sessions as part of the school timetable, providing support to 40-50 children. The program is designed to improve students’ confidence, resilience, and autonomy, encouraging children to become more aware of their rights, responsibilities, and values. It is tailored to local needs, including life skills, sexual and reproductive health, literacy and study skills.
Discover more about CAMFED’s Learner Guide model
What we do
Wezzie: Helping girls re-write their stories, just like I did
As a trained Learner Guide, I volunteer regularly at my local school, delivering sessions with My Better World (CAMFED’s bespoke workbook), in sexual and reproductive health, and supporting students with mentoring and life skills. Having faced challenges to education myself, I am a relatable role model and trusted ‘big sister’ for them.
There are a lot of important themes in the book of My Better World and we use it as a life guide. It helps students transition from one point in life to another.
One student I helped is called Debora, she was not attending primary school because she lacked school supplies and the required uniform. Together with the Teacher Mentor at the school, Gertrude, we discussed with the School Based Committee and were able to secure funds to buy her a new uniform and exercise books. Together, we visited her home and spoke to her mother to check everything was well, and then brought her back to school.
Assisting girls brings me joy because I want every girl and young woman to be successful, to be working and relying on herself.
Hear more from Wezzie
Madonna: Creating an impact in the lives of the next generation
My journey as a Learner Guide started in 2020, while in my second year of college, through the influence of my Learner Guide from high school.
Being in this role taught me the essence of giving back to my community, and the power of being resilient. The role helped build my confidence and presentation skills and made me feel fulfilled because I was creating an impact in the lives of the next generation.
I remember there was a very timid girl who always had her head on the table and would not contribute in class. One day, when school was over, I sat with her to probe further.
She had lost both her parents and was living with her aunt, and they were facing challenges at home. This caused her to be afraid to talk in public and afraid to make mistakes in class.
As her Learner Guide, I encouraged her to learn and speak up and I shared with her that no one has all the answers. I also asked a teacher to counsel her aunt on supportive behaviors at home.
Today, that learner is in high school and thriving. I have volunteered my time, knowledge and experience as a form of commitment to the Learner Guide program and this is because it can make an impact in the lives of learners.
Hear more from MadonnaHear from more young leaders inspiring the next generation
Catherine: I identify children facing challenges and step in
The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the transformative impact of educated young women taking collective action with and for their communities.
CAMFED’s Learner Guide Hub – Sisters in Ctrl
This short documentary, made possible by our partners at the Yidan Prize Foundation, explores how technology built with and for youth mentors (CAMFED Learner Guides) in rural Africa is helping young women keep vulnerable children in their communities in school.