Abstract
M.A.
The purpose of this study is to gather information about the prevalence and use of peer
helping programmes in tertiary institutions in South Africa. A survey instrument will be
developed to gather information about the prevalence of peer helping programmes, the
model of training used to prepare peer helpers, the roles that the peer helpers are
supposed to fulfil, the nature of the supervision provided, the kind of remuneration (if
any) and the acceptability of the programme on campus. It is necessary to do such a
study because of the shortage of professional counsellors at higher education
institutions. The diverse student population with a variety of needs, makes it imperative
for the existing counsellors to train students as lay counsellors. Research has indicated that the peer help programme has been successful in helping
young people deal with alcohol and drugs (Yaccarino, 1995; Black & Tobler, 1998) and
suicide (Lewis & Lewis, 1996). It has also been used in conflict management through
peer mediation (Lupton-Smith et al., 1996) and has historically been helpful in
academic assistance (Foster, 1992). There are numerous advantages to this
programme and its use at institutions of higher learning will not only benefit the peer
helpers themselves (Letsebe, 1988; Carr, 1987), but also the general student
population (Myrick & Ernay, 1985; Cowie & Sharp, 1996).