PEER EDUCATION

childlineadmin@xsinet.co.za

LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

In 2004 Childline Mpumalanga implemented a pilot youth development project to provide a positive outlet for local township youth to become active in the community and express themselves.  Through this effort Childline Mpumalanga has begun to take a proactive approach towards improving the conditions of South African youth. 

 As Childline limits its services to children aged 0-18 years, it was decided to amend this programme to become a Teenage Life Skills Development Program. The purpose of this programme is to help teenagers develop the skills necessary to proactively respond to social conditions in their communities that contribute to high prevalence of crime, HIV/AIDS, unemployment poverty and child abuse.

The need to develop life skills seems to have emerged from the previous programme with the youth and it will focus on developing new groups in other areas in the province, as well as keep on developing the new teenagers joining the existing groups. Topics like communication, conflict management, relationships (personal, family and community related), sexuality and responsible sexual behaviour will be included into this.

Teenage Life Skills Development project

The project will be conducted over 8 structured sessions and feedback and evaluation will be recorded after every session.

Project planning will provide guidelines for implementation and monthly reports by staff will evaluate progress and impact. Feedback from teachers and pupils involved in the group will also guide the process. The service will thus be monitored and adjusted to assure that the goals set out for the project are reached.