How life skills club transforms errant students in Karamoja school

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Life skills clubs are essential in secondary schools as they equip students with vital competencies to navigate the various challenges they face during and after their education.

At Kanu Secondary School in Abim district, located in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, the life skills club is helping transform students into responsible young people.

One such student is Reagan Joram Njaye, 20, a Senior Three learner. He used to consume alcohol and engage in sexual activity with multiple partners from the age of 13.

However, his behaviour changed when he joined the life skills club. He says, “My mentors counselled me. I stopped drinking and fornicating. I am now concentrating on my studies. I also abandoned the bad peers.”

In the club, Njaye says they also learn practical skills such as making arts and crafts, tablecloths, rosaries, pottery, and liquid soap. He plans to take these skills back to his community in Mbale district.

Winnie Paska Ayoo, 19, the head girl, also testifies to the positive impact the club has had on her life.

Joyce Atimango talking to Life skills club students at Kanu SSS in Abim District.

“I joined the club in 2023 after seeing how it was changing other students,” she says, adding, “I had bad manners. One day, my classmate had her period and stained her uniform. Instead of helping her, I alerted the boys, and we laughed at her. I realised my mistake when I joined the club.”

Ayoo says she is now a changed student. Back home, she looks out for young girls who engage in sex with older men and speaks to them.

Caroline Auma, 17, also has a story to tell.

She joined the life skills club in 2023, but before that, she says, “I would put on the sanitary pad for the whole day. I learnt that it’s unhygienic. I now change at least twice a day. I have also learnt to make reusable pads.”

For Innocent Okwii Owilli, 18, he was once an alcoholic and also abused drugs, but this stopped when he joined the club.

“I dropped all the bad friends. That is how I stopped drinking. This club has also taught me a lot about my body,” he says.

“I no longer fear when I get wet dreams because it’s normal.”

Every school needs a life skills club

Joyce Atimango, executive director of Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation (TMF), says life skills clubs help create gender-responsive schools that are safe and free from all forms of violence against children.

They also encourage student participation in matters that concern them. In doing so, students are better able to handle academic pressure, social issues, mental health concerns, and the influence of technology.

These clubs empower students to become more confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals with strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

“It is one of the safe spaces where learners are given information, tools, and skills they need to navigate life challenges,” she says.

Beatrice Auma, a senior woman teacher at Kanu SSS, says they started the club in 2023 with 37 students. Before that, many learners would escape from school and engage in illicit activities. That has since changed, thanks to the sessions and activities that boost students’ confidence.

Joseph Isaac Opia Onzia, a mentor and programme officer with TMF, says they use the life skills toolkit provided by the Ministry of Education and Sports. It contains several modules designed to address the critical needs that adolescent girls and boys face. The students also elect their own leaders.