Life Skills – FAQ
What are life-skills?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined life skills as abilities for adaptive and positive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life.
(Reference: Life skills education for children and adolescents in schools, Program on Mental Health, World Health Organization)
Why are life-skills important now?
Through the 18th century, the world (both developed and developing) has moved from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy and then into the information age. The challenges of these economies were known, and education was tailored to deliver a skilled workforce to meet economic needs. Schools evolved from educating classes to including the masses with a one-size-fits-all education approach.
The 21st century is poised to be the conceptual age of creators and collaborators. Given the rapid pace at which technology and globalization are growing, and the increasing demand on natural resources, the future challenges for the next generation are largely unknown. How, then, do we prepare this generation to face such unknown challenges?
We do know that, in the 21st century, individuals will need to quickly locate and assess new information, communicate effectively, collaborate in multicultural environments, remain adaptable, creatively solve problems, innovate, and view systems holistically. These skills will enable the next generation to manage the demands and challenges of everyday life, reinforcing the importance of life skills education as defined by WHO.
Who should learn life skills?
Life skills are essential for everyone. A common misconception is that life skills are intended only for the elite. Research demonstrates, however, that when children from poorer backgrounds have access to life skills education, their life outcomes significantly improve.
Why start at school age?
Life skills are abilities that children should acquire through school, at home, or within their communities. Contrary to the misconception that life skills are optional and should only follow basic education if resources permit, integrating life skills with academics (such as math, language, or science) at a school-age level helps children apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations from an early age. Delaying life skills education can result in children becoming passive recipients of information who develop civic interaction behaviors merely by imitating adults. Early life skills education positions children for lifelong learning and emotional well-being as they grow into adolescence and adulthood.