Peer to Peer training means the provision of training, support and basic rehabilitation for people with a disability by those with a similar disability. In the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) context this covers wheelchair mobility skills, health, disability awareness, relationships and sexuality.
Motivation Australia is working with the Spinal Injuries Association of Fiji to run a Peer to Peer pilot, beginning with a one week residential course for six women and six men with an SCI or other mobility disability. The course will be delivered by two experienced Motivation Australia volunteer peer trainers; using a training package developed by the Motivation Charitable Trust (UK based disability and development organisation) modified for the context. SIA and PDF staff will participate in delivering specific sessions, and will also observe the course with a view to assessing how this approach could help to add to the scarce rehabilitation opportunities in Fiji and the Pacific Region.
Following the course, participants will be mentored to plan and implement their chosen Peer to Peer project/s. Funds to carry out the chosen Peer to Peer project/s will be provided via a sub-grant managed by the SIA; with approval for each project required from both Motivation Australia and the SIA. Approval criteria will include sustainability indicators and gender equity.
This project is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), through the Australian Non-Government Cooperation Programme (ANCP) as well as funds raised by Motivation Australia through the Australian public, including a grant from the June Canavan Foundation.
The Project duration is August 2014 – June 2015. For more information, contact Kylie Mines