Focus on Youth – Alex Witvoet
“Girls call me all the time for advice because of the listening skills I learned through Peer Helping. I’m not saying that’s good, but it’s not exactly bad.
“I’ve definitely made more friends, both male and female, because of this training. It helps me to build and maintain stronger friendships, too.”
Alex turns 15 this week, and has participated in peer helping programs since Grade 6. He knew he wanted to be a Peer Helper through his attendance at the Hope Centre’s after school care program during fourth and fifth grades, and so joined PHIT (Peer Helpers in Training) as soon as he was old enough.
Empathetic listening skills have been the most important aspect of Teen Peer Helping training for him, but Alex said he’s used the conflict resolution training countless times, too. When asked whether he thinks of Teen Peer Helping as training or as fun, he responded, “I consider it training, but it’s always lots of fun and I’ve always felt really lucky to be able to participate.”
If you’re a teen contemplating getting involved when the program reopens, he offered, “You should go for it – it’s an opportunity like no other.” Alex sees himself as either a surgeon or a teacher in adulthood, and believes his peer helping skills will be highly beneficial in either profession.
To Partner in Prevention and help start Teen Peer Helping up again in September, phone Alice at the Hope Centre, 250-247-8730.