Independent evaluation of the SAPLER peer counselling programme
It is abundantly clear from interviews and other feedback given by stakeholders (learners, pioneers, guidance teachers, principals, and other community members) that the Sapler programme is very highly regarded.
In the view of these stakeholders, Sapler has a proven, locally developed intervention strategy and although there are some frustrations (for example with too short placements of pioneers at schools) the major issue is how and how rapidly the programme can be implemented at additional schools and in other districts.
Although part of the enthusiasm for Sapler’s work is perhaps due to a willingness in an under resourced community to accept whatever is offered, the detailed and sophisticated ways in which various stakeholders spoke about Sapler’s strengths suggest that this is by no means the only factor in the widespread support the programme enjoys.