GLOBAL LIFE SKILLS DAY - 10/17/24

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 10/14/2024

Global Life Skills Day is celebrated internationally on the third Thursday of October. Everyday life skills go beyond academic knowledge and prepare learners to navigate modern life successfully. From communication and problem-solving to emotional intelligence and financial literacy, these skills are essential for growth, resilience, well-being, and success.

Many believe this education happens at home or school. But, as we’ve seen worldwide, it does not. Between busy schedules, student activities, and tech fascination, many of us learn life skills the hard way – through trial and error – in the School of Hard Knocks. Or defined as regressive life skills learning - the process where individuals acquire essential life skills through challenging and negative experiences. Despite the difficulty, these experiences serve as powerful opportunities for growth and skill success.

The Global Presence founded by Marlaine Cover, 2009, stands as an inspiring movement of grassroots efforts promoting life skills. This volunteer network (12,000 professionals in 100+ countries) is providing vital training for successful adulthood. Marlaine's adulting journey, shared in her book "Kissing the Mirror," transparently reveals pivotal events that shaped her drive and focus. She transparently walks through personal events of understanding, growing, surviving, and succeeding today. Her story opened a deeper understanding for me and solidified my commitment for LifeSkills Academy.

How We Each Can Participate:

1. Volunteer and Mentor:
   • Offer time and expertise to mentor young people or participate in community programs that focus on life skills development.
   • Share practical knowledge related to communication, financial literacy, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence.
     
     
2. Advocate for Curriculum Enhancement:
   • Encourage schools and educational institutions to incorporate life skills training into their curriculum.
   • Attend school board meetings or engage with educators to emphasize the importance of these skills.
     
     
3. Organize Workshops and Webinars:
   • Host community workshops or webinars on topics like time management, stress reduction, and decision-making.
   • Collaborate with local organizations or online platforms to reach a wide audience.
     
     
4. Support Nonprofits and NGOs:
   • Donate, volunteer, or participate in fundraising events.
     
     
5. Be a Lifelong Learner:
   • Continuously develop your own life skills.
   • Read, take online courses, and attend seminars to expand your knowledge.

Additional Resources:

• 7 Life Skills for Career Success (And How To Improve Them)
• Building the Skills Adults Need for Life: A Guide for Practitioners

Why Life Skills Education?

1. Empowers Individuals:
   • to make informed decisions, manage stress, communicate effectively, and build healthy relationships.
   • to enhance the adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, enabling us to thrive in diverse contexts.
     
     
2. Addresses Challenges in an Interconnected World:
   • Community organizations, mentorship programs, and online resources all play a part in equipping individuals with these practical skills.
   • Youth, in particular, play a crucial role in peacebuilding and sustainable development.
   • Life skills are essential to collaboratively impact global priorities, social inequality, and conflict resolution.

Global Life Skills Day is about nurturing well-rounded, resilient individuals who can thrive in an ever-changing world. Let us consider the power of everyday life skills and commit to a more inclusive, sustainable, and engaged future for all.

“Learning never stops, and neither does our journey
toward becoming better versions of ourselves!”
- Unknown

Additional Resources:
2. UNESCO-UNEVOC: World Youth Skills Day
3. UNESCO: World Youth Skills Day 2024
1. UNESCO's Global Skills Academy | UNESCO
1. The promising progress of the Global Skills Academy, a mission to ...
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LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce.

LifeSkills Academy features online learning for:

• Etiquette/Social Intelligence
• Financial Skills
• Adulting Practices.

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