SOYVDA, a local partner with Creative Associate International, conducted Life Skill for Success Training for local youth in Hirshabelle. Life Skills for Success (LS4S) is a common approach that aims to develop foundational skills, competencies, behaviors, attitudes, and unique qualities that enable young people to be useful in navigating their environment, working well with others, performing well, and achieving their goals. The LS4S Training focuses on five sets of transferable skills. These skills include Communication skills, Higher order thinking Skills, Positive self-concept, Self-control, and social skills.
To empower the targeted youth students in four districts (Balcad, Jowhar, Mahas, and Moqokori) in Hirshabelle state, SOYVDA provided life skill for success (ls4s) training to 162 youth clients from 13 schools which includes both BAB and Non-BAB school. Out of which 57% were male and 43% were female as shown below. During the two days of training, SOYVDA also provided sensitization sessions on adolescent, sexual and reproductive health, and gender-based violence to help youth make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and develop coping and self-management skills that may help lead a healthy and productive life and make a successful transition to adulthood and break the cycle of poverty.
The main objective of the training was
- To inform youth about soft skills that they need in life
- To enable youth clients to effectively navigate their environment, build networks, and improve their employability opportunities
- To receive 5 sets of transferable skills which include communication skills, problem-solving, Self-control, Positive self-concept, and social skills
Training Methodology
The training employed participatory and adult learning approaches to transfer knowledge and skills to the participants. The training also used small group discussions, pairing, and action planning to allow for the critical interchange of ideas, to stimulate learning. The following methodology was actively exercised:
Brief key messages and active participation: During the training session, the facilitators encouraged the participants to participate in each session actively. To improve their active participation, an icebreaker was used in each session to create a comfortable environment where all youth can express their ideas and actively contribute to the session.
Brainstorming and Role Plays: The facilitators also used to apply adult learning methodologies which included brainstorming and role plays. Before the beginning of each session, participants were used to discuss in advance about the session and brainstorm their ideas. Further, role plays were also used to motivate and engage students. Moreover, as an effort to enhance current teaching strategies, role plays provide a real-world scenarios to the participants.
Group work and discussion: Group work and plenary discussions were also other key methodologies that were used during training period. Group discussion provided students with an opportunity to listen to the ideas of others carefully and to understand them, through this, youth will be able to think critically, listen carefully. It also promoted their confidence level when they have peer to peer group discussion.
Stories & Drawings: During the training period, the facilitators employed storytelling in training session. Storytelling in training makes for a more immersive learning experience. Youth have demonstrated more passion about Stories during the training session. And the main aim of using this methodology was to help young people to connect with the topic of the focus, and have the power to inspire and motivate. Ultimately, stories that are relevant to the topic have enhanced the learning experience of the youth.
During the training period, the following topics were covered which are in line with Save the Children’s Life Skill for Success training curriculum: –
- Introduction to LS4S
- Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence
- Career Mapping
- Time and Stress Management
- Effective Communication skills
- Goal Setting
- Problem-Solving
- Action Planning
During the last day of the training, the training participants were asked to develop “Youth Action Plan” and during this session, youth were also asked how they are benefited the training. One of the participants who named as Daud, highlighted that during the training period, he gained a lot of soft skills. He emphasized that he benefited a lot from the 5 set of transferable skills more specifically the communication skills.
Training Duration: Overall, the content of the training guide is planned to adequately cover within the 2 days training duration. Hence, it was executed as it was planned.
Pre-test/Post-test Evaluation: The evaluation of the training used pre and post-tests. The evaluation focused and measured on how the trainees understood the soft skills. In addition, it also focused on five core domains of transferable skills. Pre-test and post-test questions were distributed to the participants and requested not to write their names on the evaluation papers.
