Life skills training conducted for the 6th time

UN cares Ethiopia conducted its life skills training for the 6th time for hundred and twenty adolescent children from August 8-12, 2016. The training had thirty volunteers from last year for facilitating and assisting the trainers’. UNCARES Ethiopia’s life skills training intervention for adolescent age group is a comprehensive behaviour change approach. The training focused on the development of the skills needed for life such as self–esteem building, relationship skills, communication, decision–making, critical thinking and problem solving, managing emotions, assertiveness, resisting peer pressure, and setting boundaries to facilitate successful and smooth transition to adulthood. In addition, the training also addressed reproductive health issues including prevention of HIV infection and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

The life skills training promoted open mindedness, good leadership and respect while emphasizing the need to halt destructive behaviours such as bullying, stigma and discrimination. 

On the last day of the life skills training a parenting session was organized for 37 staff parents. Based on the feedback received from the adolescent children, the parenting session tried to address key issues and concerns raised by the children. Some of the key issues that emanated from the discussion include communication gap and inadequate bonding time between parents and children. 

Parents also shared their experiences on how to best address concerns raised above. They recommended participatory family time where the kids and family eat together; supporting children in their academics and limiting the use of electronic media such as movies, games and mobile applications.