The first ever pilot training following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak was carried out on Peer Experiences Empower Recovery (PEER) Course for participants from Asia and Africa. The training was held via Zoom platform from 26 May – 03 June 2020.

PEER course is developed for those who already are working or want to work as a peer support professional and who are in sustained recovery for a minimum of 2 years from a SUD. This course is also designed for those whose lives have been seriously impacted either directly or indirectly by a behavior of an individual with a SUD and who have embarked on their own journey of recovery as a result.

The scheduled training was 5 training days each separated by a non-training day to allow for homework and group work. The course included 14 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Maldives, Bhutan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It was facilitated by Ms. Nancy Dudley, Ms. Rachel Elerson and Dr. Hendree Jones from the University of North Carolina (USF).

The format of each day began with each person sharing on gratitude, followed by didactic education and then a discussion of the exercises. Large group discussions allowed maximum participation from all trainees. There was also time for Q&A from the trainers to the participants and the reverse. Participants were passionately engaged and were on time and prepared. Now in the post-pilot training phase, participants are active on WhatsApp and a PEER recovery private network on the ISSUP website. The Post Test Score was 13.3 against the Pre Test Score which was 6.8, revealing that the first ever virtual Pilot training of DAP has been successful.