Definitions

Life Skills are psychosocial competences which enable an individual develop adaptive and positive behaviour so as to deal effectively with challenges and demands of everyday life. The development of Life Skills is a life long process that starts in early childhood and continues throughout ones life}}

• Psycho

Those skills that deal mainly with the mental functions and processes, such as the problem solving skills. Social Those skills that deal with one’s interaction with self, others and the environment.

Life Skills Education is the study of abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and the challenges of everyday life.

Challenges facing the youth

• Psychological e.g. preparing for examinations, peer pressure, etc.
• Social e.g. peer pressure, inter-relationships, etc.
• Economic e.g. lack of resources (such as finance, basic necessities), excessive resources.
• Emotional e.g. anger management, hormonal influences, etc.
• Spiritual e.g. exposure to conflicting religious beliefs.
• Etc.

Categories of Life Skills

CATEGORY 1: SKILLS OF KNOWING AND LIVING WITH ONESELF

• Self awareness
• Self esteem
• Coping with emotions
• Coping with stress

CATEGORY 2: SKILLS OF KNOWING AND LIVING WITH OTHERS

• Empathy
• Effective communication
• Conflict resolution and negotiation
• Friendship formation
• Assertiveness
• Peer pressure resistance

CATEGORY 3: SKILLS OF EFFECTIVE DECISION MAKING

• Critical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Problem solving
• Decision making