Following the successful work with high school students in the first semester, the “Peer Education School against Peer Violence” program of YMCA continued into the second semester with a new focus: upper-grade primary school students. Out of the ten primary schools in Bitola, nine joined the initiative by selecting two to three motivated students from 8th and 9th grade to participate in the program. Their enthusiasm reflected the relevance of the topic – peer violence and the need to talk more openly about it.

Over a period of two months, participants were divided into two groups and went through four thematic modules, adapted to their age and understanding. The topics mirrored those used with high school students: communication styles, the concept of power and influence, types of violence (physical, psychological, social, and cyber), and non-violent communication as an approach everyone can learn and apply in daily life. Each session offered space for reflection, learning, and building empathy among peers.

The creative expression workshop looked a bit different from the one for older students. Instead of guided meditation, younger participants were encouraged to select an image that reminded them of peer violence or its consequences and then represent it through drawing and personal interpretation. The goal was to express their emotions and experiences in a safe and creative way.

All sessions were facilitated by a psychologist and youth worker from the YMCA with support from a local artist during the art workshop.

After completing the four modules and the art session, the trained students (now peer educators) carried out presentations and workshops in their own classrooms by the end of May 2025. These peer-led activities were well received by school staff, psychologists, and, most importantly, the students themselves. At the end of the school year, a formal certificate ceremony was held to recognize their efforts and completion of the program. The students also proudly exhibited their artwork from the creative session as testimony of their work and dedication.

Twenty students completed the program, reaching over 350 peers in primary schools across the city. The experience helped them grow as leaders and advocates for a more supportive and safer school environment.

The project “Peer School Against Peer Violence” run by the YMCA is a continuation of the peer education initiative at the Youth Center in Bitola on topics related to mental health, relevant to young people and the Municipality itself. The project is supported by  Signs of Hope (CVJM) and the Municipality of Bitola and is implemented in cooperation with nine primary schools in the city.