For many years, education systems have largely measured success through grades, exams, and pass rates. While academic results matter, this strong focus can leave little room for teaching the practical life skills young people need to handle real pressures such as stress, peer influence, conflict among others. Without these skills, some learners struggle to cope, lose motivation, miss school, perform poorly, and in some cases drop out before completing their studies. 

To address this gap, Enabel, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) and the Private Education Development Network (PEDN), successfully implemented the first phase of a major life skills education initiative.  

Launched in In June 2024, the initiative aimed at integrating life skills into the school environment using the life skills toolkit of the Ministry of Education and Sports. Through this approach, 10,000 learners across 43 schools in the Rwenzori and Busoga regions were empowered to develop the competencies needed to navigate adolescence and contribute positively to their communities. 

The completion of this first phase was marked the Life Skills Convention held on February 14th2025, at the National ICT Innovation Hub Nakawa-Kampala. The event brought together education stakeholders to reflect on progress, share lessons, and reaffirm their commitment to strengthening adolescent well-being and school completion.

Speaking at the convention Nicolas Oebel, the Country Director of Enabel in Uganda, commended stakeholders noting that life skills are as vital as academics because they build the resilience young people need to thrive.  

"By completing this first phase, we are not just celebrating numbers, but the 10,000 learners who now possess the skills to make informed decisions, stay in school, and shape their own destinies. This achievement is a testament to the collective power of our 250 facilitators, 43 headteachers, and dedicated district leaders who are transforming the educational landscape of Uganda." 

Oebel explained that the programme supports education reforms aimed at giving learners quality opportunities that prepare them for school, work, and life. He noted that the life skills programme empowers learners with 10 key competencies, including communication and self-expression, leadership and influence, problem-solving and conflict management, creativity and innovation, among others. He added that these competencies help learners become agile and adaptive citizens able to face personal, academic, economic, social, and environmental challenges. 

He added that the first phase provided valuable lessons, and the next target is to reach 20,000 new learners with life skills education this year an expansion that will require even stronger commitment from all stakeholders.
 
Michel Dewez, the Belgium head of Cooperation emphasised the need for continued teamwork and the key role teachers play in developing learners beyond academics.  

“Life skills education allows us to contribute to the holistic development of young people, and teachers play a central role in nurturing these skills preparing learners to navigate the personal, social and academic challenges they will face,” he said. 

Enabel remains committed to working closely with the Ministries of Education and Health to ensure that young people are equipped to stay in school and thrive. 

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