Just call ‘em leaders among their peers.
Boasting wide smiles and clutching diplomas, a group of 15 young women from Red Hook received a jumpstart in the workforce when they graduated from the second-tier of a four-part health education program, presented by Red Hook Initiative.
The proud grads, aged between 14 and 18 years, were hailed for completing level two of the non-profit service organization’s Peer Health Educator (PHE) program during a ceremony at its office, 595 Clinton Street.
Participants were required to study reproductive health education, and social and emotional health, in addition to producing workshops for local youngsters, ranging from puberty and relationship issues to gang activity and sexual assault.
At the next level, the adolescents will explore community organization and social justice, followed by a summer internship to put their knowledge to use and initiate change within their community, said a PHE spokesperson.