Course Overview

Research suggests that a well articulated and efficiently implemented life skills curriculum, successfully addresses a number of societal issues and pressures and acts as a direct investment in a nation’s human capital. The implementation of a life skills course has increasing significance for a society undergoing social and economic transformation and who is committed to improving the quality of life of its people. This training creates an opportunity for the inculcation of fundamental life skills for operating successfully at home, in the world of work, as well as fulfilling the demands of a changing society. The Life skills course is directed toward increasing the individual’s ability to engage in balanced and fulfilling activities outside of work that contribute to developing a well‐rounded person. Life skills courses have been successfully implemented in many countries, such as, Zimbabwe, India, Thailand, Mexico, United Kingdom, Canada, USA, South Africa, Costa Rica and Columbia, to address particular social challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that enhance and undermine self‐esteem and of how self‐esteem affects their behaviour. Create an appropriate artefact to evaluate self‐worth, strengths and weaknesses. Examine the nature of
a their self‐image and strengthen their sense of self‐worth, become more aware of their strengths and plan to work on their weaknesses.
2. Analyse the values they hold dear and check if decisions made are consonant with these.
3. Identify, prioritise and list personal needs, and demonstrate the capacity to use coping, social and cognitive skills to handle dilemmas. Use self‐awareness skills to identify personal qualities. Identify rights and responsibility of self, and make
suggestions for improvement of self.
4. Develop action competencies and produce a personal plan, related to eating and fitness for an active lifestyle and to build individual capacity to make healthy eating choices to reduce the risk of developing lifestyle diseases.
5. Describe and explain factors that influence physical activity choices. Define good health.

Syllabus

1. Self-esteem and self-improvement
2. Values clarification
3. Goal setting and time management
4. Nutrition
5. Fitness
6. Drug education
7. Parenting