Nairobi – Kenya: From 28th April to 2nd May 2025, Don Bosco Tech Africa organized a life skills training for 12 trainers representing the 11 countries under the Global Programme. Facilitated by Br. John Njuguna and Mr. Cletus Etukakpan, the five-day training was designed to equip participants with essential life skills, recognising that in today’s world, technical expertise alone is not enough.
Life skills like communication, resilience, teamwork, and leadership are the heart of success in the TVET sector. They transform knowledge into action, helping young people not just find jobs, but build meaningful, dignified lives.
The topics covered included: personal and professional development, effective communication and interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, decision making, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, work ethics and professional adaptability. The sessions employed a dynamic methodology that combined PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, brainstorming, real-life experience sharing, and interactive training games.
In his opening remarks, Fr. Maximus Okoro, Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, reminded participants that they are more than just trainees; they are multipliers, entrusted with the mission of transforming lives. Emphasizing the power of life skills, he noted that these are not just techniques but the breath that turns knowledge into wisdom and training into transformation. “Through life skills, we breathe life into others, awaken potential, inspire resilience, and ignite hope,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Justin Koku shared that the training offered valuable tools for communication, emotional intelligence, stress management, and decision-making, skills they now feel empowered to share with TVET trainers and youth. He praised the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that defined the sessions and affirmed that the experience has strengthened their confidence and vision for the future. “The impact will go beyond us, it will shape our work, our relationships, and the lives of the young people we serve,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Br. John Njuguna, Deputy Director of Don Bosco Tech Africa, reminded the participants that their mission does not end with the training, but truly begins as they return to their respective countries and institutions. He urged them to model the values they wish to instill and to integrate life skills into every lesson, workshop, and interaction. Br. John emphasized that life skills are the bridge between technical expertise and personal growth, and through them, trainers can shape learners into ethical, emotionally intelligent, and socially responsible citizens. “Let your centres become spaces where competence meets character, and learning is anchored in excellence, faith, and purpose,” he concluded, encouraging the multipliers to carry forward the mission with collaboration, creativity, and a deep sense of calling.
The training, which is part of the Global Programme was funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Germany through Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn.
Original article from Don Bosco Tech Africa
