Incorporating Life Skills in School Children: A Guide for Teachers

Life skills can be learnt, modified and improved as a person develops and adjusts to life's challenges. There is also the conviction that all young people should be prepared for life at all levels ¿ physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially ¿ if society is to consist of mentally healthy and balanced individuals capable of contributing to a strong nation (Brownell, Craig, de Haas, Harris & Ntshangase, 1996:1). Life skills education helps the learners to meet the demands of the society by giving effective responses to the challenges posed. Providing learners the life skills education will help the learners coping successfully with any problems during life time. Life skills education is aimed at encouraging learners to explore and develop the skills necessary for successful living and learning. The more coping skills that learners have, the better their chances of an improved quality of life and better social functioning (Rooth, 1997:12).