The Training of Trainers Manual - UNFPA

Training topic
Techniques for building skills
Objective of the session
To help participants understand why skills-building is an essential component of
a health education programme. It provides an opportunity to explore the concept
of life skills and to experience common techniques for building skills with young
people.
Training note
Introduction
Various studies have shown that knowledge alone does not lead to behaviour
change. Most people know, for example, that cigarettes can cause lung cancer.
But that does not necessarily keep them from starting to smoke or continuing
the habit. In the same manner, being
aware of how HIV and other STIs
To adopt and practise safe sexual
behaviour, young people need to develop
important life or behavioural skills, such as:
▼ Self-awareness
▼ Decision-making skills
▼ Assertiveness (for example, to be able to
resist pressure to use drugs or to have sex)
▼ Negotiating skills (to insist upon
protected sex)
▼ Practical skills (for efficient condom use)
▼ Recognizing, avoiding, or managing situations
that may lead to violence or abuse
are transmitted or knowing how to
protect oneself does not always lead
to safer behaviour. So, activities that
only impart information should not
dominate a training programme.
Knowledge is only a base upon which
to build positive skills, attitudes,
and values.
Word sense
Life skills are abilities for
adaptive and positive behaviour
that enable individuals to deal
effectively with the demands and
challenges of everyday life.
72 Training of Trainers Manual