The Life Skills Training Program that our orphan boys attended offered five days full of important and useful experience to them. The program provided instructions on and space to practice using the important skills required to succeed in today’s world. After the program, our boys were fully equipped with skills to thrive. The topics covered in the workshop were relevant and required for anyone who wants to fit in today’s world.
The boys were exposed to many useful topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, dream mapping, financial education, HIV/AIDs and reproductive health. Many people in the Tanzanian culture lack knowledge about these topics, and this program has ensured that our boys received an education on these essential life skills.
After learning about financial education on day one, many of the boys in their evaluation said that they will change their practices and attitudes towards money. They have learned the importance of wise money management by budgeting and saving.
Day two focused on helping our boys learn to better understand how to make healthy choices when forming relationships. In dream mapping, they learned that setting realistic goals allows for achieving one’s dreams. At night, they watched a movie called Gifted Hands which was selected to inspire them that they can be anything they want to be.
Day three taught the boys about entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Prior to the program, many of our orphan boys believed that entrepreneurs apply knowledge they have already been given. What they learned was that many successful people employ themselves, create their own path and adapt their existing skills for success in areas where they didn’t already have knowledge and/or skills. Now, many our boys want to use the skills which have been provided by this program to become entrepreneurs. The boys have also committed to transferring this knowledge to their cousins and others in the future.
On day four, the boys learned about their rights and the rights of girls and how to protect themselves from being accused of sexual offenses or themselves becoming the victims of sexual abuse. The day ended with a movie that taught the boys the importance of standing up for what is right.
Day five, concluded the program, with education on human development, allowing the boys to better understand themselves. This will help them to achieve their dreams, as they have gained a better understanding of who they are and what their purpose is in life. The program concluded with awarding of certificates.
In the program evaluations completed at the close, many of our boys expressed how the life skills program opened their eyes on how they can make significant improvements in their lives.
29 MAY 2018