Empowering Students through Life Skills: A Step Towards Brighter Futures
On this National Children’s Day, the Giving Is Healing Foundation proudly extends its support to Link Right College in Ibadan, Oyo State by providing essential educational materials. In addition to this, we conducted a transformative orientation for students, emphasizing the importance of Life Skills Training. Our goal is to equip these young minds with the vital “soft” or “non-cognitive” skills they need to successfully navigate life’s challenges.
Why Life Skills Matter
Life skills, as defined by UNICEF, refer to “a group of psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills that help people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships, empathize with others, and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner.” These skills empower individuals not only to manage personal actions but also to interact with others and influence their environment in a positive way.
As the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights, a robust Basic Life Skills curriculum offers youth the emotional, social, and intellectual tools necessary for success in life. These tools are critical not only for personal growth but also for thriving in communities and workplaces. By fostering these competencies, we enable students to develop essential skills such as:
- Problem-solving: The ability to find solutions to complex issues.
- Critical thinking: Analyzing and evaluating information to form a reasoned judgment.
- Communication: Expressing oneself clearly and listening to others effectively.
- Decision-making: Making thoughtful, informed choices.
- Creative thinking: Approaching problems with innovation and new ideas.
- Interpersonal relationships: Building and maintaining healthy social connections.
- Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
- Empathy: Recognizing and considering the feelings of others.
- Stress management: Handling pressure and challenges in a healthy way.
Shaping Future Leaders
The Giving Is Healing Foundation believes that education goes beyond textbooks. It’s about equipping students with the right mindset and life skills that will shape them into resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals. Through this initiative, we are actively contributing to the holistic development of students, preparing them not just for academic success, but also for life’s inevitable challenges.
As we continue to support educational institutions like Link Right College, we remain committed to fostering environments where students can grow into thoughtful, capable, and well-rounded leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can make a lasting impact on their development and future success.
Let’s keep working toward a future where every child is empowered with the life skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.