ENHANCING NURSING EDUCATION THROUGH THE LIFE SKILLS APPROACH

The life skills approach is an interactive educational methodology aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, attitudes, and interpersonal skills necessary to make informed and responsible choices. Its primary goal is to enhance the ability of youth to resist negative pressures, avoid risky behaviors, and adapt positively to life’s challenges. This approach employs youth-centered, gender-sensitive, and participatory teaching methods such as group work, brainstorming, role-playing, storytelling, debates, discussions, and audiovisual activities. Evidence from research indicates that life skills are critical for fostering resilience and promoting healthy decision-making among adolescents. Several programs have successfully implemented life skills education, particularly in the context of HIV prevention, demonstrating improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Lessons from these programs are broadly applicable to sexual and reproductive health education and other youth-focused interventions. By integrating life skills into educational curricula and health programs, stakeholders can support adolescents in developing essential competencies for personal and social well-being, ultimately contributing to healthier and more responsible future generations