Life Skills Workshop

On November 16th, 2009, a co-worker of mine and I went to 5 primary schools within one of eight sub counties with the intent of finding one school to host a life skills talk show forum. After we found one school to host the event, we traveled to four other primary schools to inquire whether or not they were interested in participating. All four schools all said 'yes'. We then asked each school to choose 10 students (5 boys and 5 girls) along with one teacher to represent the school and participate in this workshop.

On November 20th, 2009, we conducted the workshop. The main purpose of this training was for the children to talk to each other about the skills that they use in every day life to make healthy, proactive decisions. Each school had compiled a form of presentation for this training; therefore, each school had a turn in presenting information. The first school conducted a mock/role play where the moderator asked questions regarding life, AIDS and safety to the different characters, who took on the roles of LC's (Local Council), teachers, church figures, parents, police and so on. Each character answered in the appropriate manner. Another school presented a short song. One school offered a beautiful spoken word/song expounding that they are the youth of the nation and how much their safety means to them. This presentation in particular made me cry it was so touching. The other two schools shared small skits. After the schools were finished presenting, RACOBAO put forth three small skits and had a discussion regarding peer pressure. I drew a diagram of the bridge model and asked the children to contribute appropriate behaviors in order to successfully cross the bridge.

It was made quite apparent that these children were bright and eager to make their footprints in the world; however, it also depended my understanding that while these children might already embody vital information regarding safe life decisions, that with time, opportunities will arise that will change the perspectives of the youth. So while my organization and I were able to provide these children with a forum for which they could learn, I have discovered that it is going to take a lot more than sporadic workshops to instill a positive and proactive change within the community.