Bridging Differences: ESTM’s Peer Support Program

Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico has taken strides in fostering inclusivity within its student body through its innovative peer support program. Led by dedicated educators and compassionate students, this initiative aims to empower all learners, including those with special educational needs, to thrive in a supportive environment. These initiatives caught the attention of the Ministry of Education through its More Campaign. For this reason, we made them this week’s look on the Bright Side. Here’s Sabreena Daly with that story.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

At Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. Through a groundbreaking peer support program, students like Jocelyn Moreno are breaking barriers and fostering connections that transcend labels and limitations.

 

Jocelyn Moreno, Student, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico
“I represent the special needs beyond my half because I know how it is because I suffer with one of their conditions and I know how it is to feel like one of them.”

 

Moreno’s empathy and understanding make her a valuable resource to her colleagues. As a peer helper, she offers practical advice, a listening ear, and unwavering support, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

 

Jocelyn Moreno

“If they need any support, I’m there. If they want to talk to me, they come and they talk to me. I just give them a little advice. Like if they want to know what to do if they’re having a nervous breakdown or when they’re nervous and they have a presentation, I give them some tips.”

 

Arleen Pelayo, a counselor at ESTM, speaks passionately about the program’s mission to empower students with special educational needs.

 

Arleen Pelayo, Counselor, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico
“For the past two years, we have included some SEN students in the program. And the main purpose of the program is to have them work and develop skills and attitudes in order to be able to interact with other students and to be agents of hope, encouragement, and change. It is very important for our students to be equipped with skills, so that they can then in turn act as coaches. Especially here at Escuela Secundaria México, our student population is very big, and so with Shera working in the counseling area, they then allow us the opportunity, or they help us in helping other students when it comes to having that support, no?”

 

Efforts such as those undertaken by Escuela Secundaria Tecnica exemplify a commitment to doing more, reflecting the principles of the Ministry of Education’s More Campaign. Acting Principal Giannie Gomez, elaborated on the approach, noting that teachers carefully draft lesson plans tailored to accommodate students with special needs.

 

Giannie Gomez, Acting Principal, Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Mexico

“We’ve been a school of inclusion from day one. We’ve had teachers actually that have tried to find a way to include students that are special needs. We don’t necessarily have the training per se, but every year we have assistance from the Ministry of Education. For example, Ms. Rancharan that comes in and would assist us. Assist in one way or another if teachers have concerns on how to work with special needs students. And Ms. Pelayo is a very important asset when it comes to training and helping teachers and trying to help them to facilitate certain students in the classroom.”

 

As ESTM continues to champion inclusivity through its peer support program, it serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when differences are celebrated and connections are forged.

 

Jocelyn Moreno

“I’m very proud of being a part of the ESDM school body as being a peer helper.  I like to voice out my opinions and  being one of them is a very honor.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.