Here is a poem which eloquently explains why it is important that our schools teach our children life skills, so that we can empower them to make smarter, healthier life decisions.
Parents, youth leaders and community leaders and also have an important role to play in teaching/empowering our children.
Being empowered will go a long way towards making sure that our children do not engage in risky sexual behaviour, and do not have multiple concurrent partners.
You taught me the names of the cities of the world
but
I don’t know how to survive the streets in my own city
You taught me the minerals that are in the earth
but
I do not know what to do to prevent
my world’s destruction
You taught me how to speak and write in three languages
but
I do not know how how to say what I feel in my heart
You taught me all about reproduction in rats
but
I don’t know how to prevent pregnancy
You taught me how to solve math problems
but
I don’t know how to solve my own
Yes, you taught me many facts and thank you
I am quite clever now
but
Why is it I feel I know nothing?
Why do I feel I have to leave school to go and learn about coping with life?
By Anonymous
Source: The poem was published in the Soul City Life Skills Grade 9, Teacher’s Guide
