Comprehensive Life Skills Education (CLSE) Orientation for Government Officials in Noakhali District
Date: 17th-19th May 2024
Venue: NICE Guest House in Maijdee, Noakhali
Concerned Women for Family Development (CWFD), a non-political and non-profit organization run by and for women in Bangladesh, initiated a project to address reproductive health and gender-based violence issues. From May 17 to May 19, 2024, CWFD, with support from UNFPA, conducted a three-day Comprehensive Life Skills Education (CLSE) orientation for government officials in Noakhali. This orientation aimed to enhance officials’ ability to implement and integrate CLSE principles into their work, thereby promoting personal, professional, and community development.
Objectives
- Improve the capacity of government officials to understand and apply CLSE principles in their roles.
- Increase awareness of CLSE’s importance for personal and professional growth.
- Empower officials to develop life skills related to gender sensitivity, conflict management, adolescent sexual and reproductive health, and mental health.
- Promote the integration of CLSE into existing curricula and initiatives.
- Establish a network for sharing best practices among officials.
Methods
The training featured interactive methods, including presentations, group discussions, role plays, and relaxation exercises. These activities aimed to foster an engaging learning environment.
Training Details
The orientation took place at the NICE Guest House in Maijdee, Noakhali, involving 20 participants from the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs (MoWCA), the Department of Youth Development (DYD), and the District Education Office (DEO). The program was facilitated by the Alapon team and included two additional days of focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) with head teachers and students.
Agenda
Day 1 (May 17, 2024)
The orientation commenced with registration, opening speeches, and an introduction session. Participants engaged in discussions on adolescence and reproductive health, gender roles, and violence, followed by a brainstorming session on education policy led by the Director of the Noakhali District Education Office. The day concluded with sessions on relationship management and conflict resolution, incorporating role plays and interactive activities.
Day 2 (May 18, 2024)
The day began with a recap of the previous day’s sessions. It featured a presentation on adolescent sexual and reproductive health by a UNFPA representative and a session on child marriage strategies conducted by the Deputy Director of MoWCA. The afternoon included discussions on mental health, stress management, and self-care, utilizing group work and interactive methods to explore these topics.
Day 3 (May 19, 2024)
Participants reviewed previous content and engaged in group discussions to consolidate their understanding. The Director of Training from the Directorate of Education provided insights, and a UNFPA representative discussed climate change impacts on sexual and reproductive health. The day concluded with information on youth policy from the Deputy Director of DYD and a self-care session led by the Alapon team. A post-evaluation questionnaire provided feedback on the training.
Participants’ Feedback
Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the training in enhancing their knowledge and skills. Officials appreciated the interactive nature of the sessions and the opportunity to apply learned concepts. They expressed enthusiasm about sharing acquired knowledge with others and integrating it into their work.
Outcome
- Participation and Learning: All 20 participants attended, with 19 completing pre-test and post-tests. Analysis revealed that 85% of participants showed positive changes in their understanding, with an average score improvement to 9 out of 10.
- Knowledge Gains: Participants gained valuable insights into adolescence, reproductive health, gender roles, violence, and strategies to prevent child marriage.
- Practical Tools: Sessions on mental health and self-care equipped participants with practical skills for personal well-being.
Conclusion
The CLSE orientation was successful in enhancing the capacity of government officials to implement life skills education principles. The training provided valuable insights and practical knowledge, fostering a network of officials ready to advocate for and integrate CLSE into their work. The initiative is expected to positively impact CLSE programs in Noakhali and Bhasan Char, contributing to better support for sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence prevention.
