LIFE SKILLS

We all experience the adolescent stage in our life cycle. We can recount the problems, dilemmas, stress and excitement that we experience as a young person. Today adolescents are living in a more complex world, which has resulted in increased stress, a phenomenon that is directly related to their health. They need to have a number of skills to function as individuals and as members of social groups. Effective acquisition of life skills can influence the way adolescents cope with stress and face the challenges present in their lives.

The life skills approach not only focuses on transmitting knowledge but also aims to shape attitudes and develop interpersonal skills. The main goal of the life skills approach is to enhance adolescent's ability to take responsibility for making healthier choices, resisting negative pressures and avoiding risk behavior.

Over the years, the educational program has focused on life skills development, which has contributed to the reproductive and sexual health of adolescents and young people around the world.

Exploring Life-skills

Young people have a right to life skills education, since it provides them with knowledge and enables them to acquire appropriate skills to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.

UNICEF, UNESCO and WHO list the ten core life skill strategies and techniques as: Problem solving, critical thinking, effective communication skills, decision-making, creative thinking, interpersonal relationship skills, self-awareness building skills, empathy, and coping with stress and emotions.

They can be categorized under three main categories: