What Are Life Skills?
Life skills are the psychosocial and interpersonal abilities that help individuals navigate everyday challenges, build healthy relationships, and contribute to society. According to WHO, UNICEF, and UNESCO, core life skills include:
- Stress management
- Decision-making
- Problem-solving
- Critical and creative thinking
- Effective communication
- Empathy
- Emotional regulation
These skills are not “soft”—they’re foundational. They shape how young people respond to pressure, conflict, and uncertainty.
The Global Skills Crisis
Despite rising school enrolment, many youth lack the skills needed for work and life. A 2022 UNICEF report found:
- Digital literacy and emotional resilience are among the most urgent gaps
- Nearly 3 in 4 youth aged 15–24 lack essential skills for employment
- Girls are disproportionately affected, especially in low-income and conflict-affected regions
Evidence of Impact
Structured life skills programmes have shown measurable benefits. According to the UNFPA–UNICEF Global Programme to End Child Marriage:
- Confidence increased by up to 32%
- Communication improved by up to 28%
- Leadership strengthened by up to 25%
These gains were observed across multiple countries in Eastern and Southern Africa, where girls participated in community-based life skills training.
Why Life Skills Matter More Than Ever
In today’s world, academic knowledge alone doesn’t guarantee success. Life skills help youth:
- Navigate peer pressure and social media
- Cope with trauma and mental health challenges
- Lead change in their communities
- Transition into adulthood with clarity and purpose.
They’re especially critical for girls, who often face intersecting barriers of gender, race, and socioeconomic status.
Black Eve’s Contribution
Black Eve delivers life skills education tailored to girls of African heritage. Through interactive modules, mentorship, and community-building, girls learn to:
- Speak with confidence
- Think critically and creatively
- Lead with empathy
- Manage emotions and stress
- Make informed decisions
These skills empower girls to thrive—whether in school, at home, or in society.