Why focus on teaching life skills?

 

Youth are taking more risks with their health, lives and futures than ever before. The cost of these actions to their personal well being and our society is staggering, not only in the present, but for years to come. As the Washington Post editorial columnist William Raspberry has written:

Too many young people -- including some with the potential to elevate themselves, rescue their families or change the world -- allow themselves to be dragged down by the curse of low expectations.

Often these young people lack opportunities to be taught the life skills necessary for success, and as a result give up on school and their futures. Because they often lack character-building experiences related to learning life skills, they also can fail to promote good citizenship within our society.

While some believe that the teaching of these skills is solely the job of parents and should be done in the home, what if parents are unable or unwilling to fulfill this role because of a lack of time, knowledge or desire? Are these youths doomed to a life of low expectations, health-compromising behaviors and empty futures?

Our life skills programs can enhance competence and positive development. We provide an environment where, through learning and applying life skills, participants experience success and learn to believe in themselves.