Grapevine

Government pushes for life skills training in schools

The Ministry of Education has called on educational institutions to prioritise life skills training to equip adolescents with essential soft skills that will help them overcome challenges that could derail their education and health.

Speaking at a symposium for the Adolescent Girls Education in Crisis Initiative (AGENCI) project held in Kampala on September 25, Ms Angella Nansubuga, the programme assistant for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Education and Sports, emphasised the importance of life skills in unlocking the full potential of adolescents and young people.

“As they grow, adolescents face increasing challenges. They need skills like confidence, self-esteem, effective communication, self-awareness, critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience to navigate daily life. Academic knowledge alone is not enough to help them stay in school and complete their education successfully,” she said.

Ms Nansubuga added: “They must speak out with confidence and self-esteem when confronted with violence or sexual exploitation, which could lead to teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/Aids. Ethical decision-making and empathy can also foster community development and promote tolerance, ensuring a harmonious society.”

She revealed that the ministry has already integrated life skills training into the curriculum, but stressed that a more comprehensive, whole-school approach is needed, involving learners, teachers, and other school structures.