Life Skills

There is no definitive definition of life skills, although UNICEF refers to them as psychosocial and interpersonal skills.  The choice of life skills covered in training is determined by the needs of the group and the local issues.

Interpersonal communication skills

  • Verbal/non-verbal communication
  • Active listening
  • Expressing feelings; giving feedback (without blaming) and receiving feedback

Negotiation/refusal skills

  • Negotiation and conflict management
  • Assertiveness skills
  • Refusal skills

Empathy

  • Ability to listen and understand another's needs and circumstances and express that understanding

Cooperation and Teamwork

  • Expressing respect for others' contributions and different styles
  • Assessing one's own abilities and contributing to the group

Advocacy Skills

  • Influencing skills & persuasion
  • Networking and motivation skills
Decision making / problem solving skills

  • Information gathering skills
  • Evaluating future consequences of present actions for self and others
  • Determining alternative solutions to problems
  • Analysis skills regarding the influence of values and attitudes of self and others on motivation

Critical thinking skills

  • Analysing peer and media influences
  • Analysing attitudes, values, social norms and beliefs and factors affecting these
  • Identifying relevant information and information sources
Skills for increasing internal locus of control
  • Self awareness skills including awareness of rights, influences, values, attitudes, rights, strengths and weaknesses
  • Goal setting skills
  • Self evaluation / Self assessment / Self-monitoring skills
  • Self esteem/confidence building skills

Skills for managing feelings

  • Anger management
  • Dealing with grief and anxiety
  • Coping skills for dealing with loss, abuse, trauma

Skills for managing stress

  • Time management
  • Positive thinking
  • Relaxation techniques