Life Skills Education In Schools Bears Fruit

Life skills education is improving the lives of over 6,448 pupils in West Pokot, Samburu, Narok, Garissa, Bungoma, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. 

This results from the sensitisation of headteachers and teachers in 120 schools across these counties. The training, conducted by Youth for a Sustainable World under the Daisy project supported by UNFPA, aimed at improving the delivery of life skills education, with a focus on Female Genital Mutilation, Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, and school re-entry for adolescents. This was done in collaboration with the county departments of Education and Health. 

Among the critical results is the integration of life skills education in the majority of the schools. Besides class lessons, life skills are taught in guidance and counselling clubs, weekly school meetings, and assemblies. In addition, the schools have formed or strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, including religious leaders and healthcare workers, to provide SRHR and life skills information to learners every week. They have also continuously engaged parents through different platforms to shape children’s behaviour, especially at home. 

From the sessions, teachers have reported that learners are now able to express themselves freely and openly to their teachers on SRHR issues they are facing, including menstruation, defilement and domestic violence.  

This has contributed to reduced absenteeism in schools, improved educational outcomes, and a reduction in teen pregnancies. For example, Chesoi Comprehensive School reported zero pregnancy cases in the third term.   

Following the sensitisation on the return-to-school policy, schools are working closely with parents and local administration to ensure that learners who dropped out return to school. Two schools in Baringo have already readmitted six (3M,3F) learners between September and October this year, and one is expected to readmit one girl early next year after she delivers her child. 

The schools committed to continuing with life skills education, offering the needed support to learners and parents, and strengthening and establishing LSE-specific clubs.