United International School (UIS) conducts workshop on life skills for degree students
Bangalore : A 2-day Life Skill workshop was organized at the United International School in Bengaluru to teach Degree students important facets of managing complex realities of life. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Shobitha Shanthakumari, Principal of Global School of Counselling and Gaurav Dalal, Assistant Professor, Global School of Counselling and attended by I & II semester Degree students. Dr. Roopamala Koneri, Principal, United International Degree College was instrumental in planning this workshop.
Life Skills is today defined as, ‘A group of psychosocial competencies and interpersonal skills that help people make informed decisions, solve problems, think critically and creatively, communicate effectively, build healthy relationships empathize with others, and cope with and manage their lives in a healthy and productive manner.’ The primary objectives of this workshop were multiprong from improving team building and leadership skills to developing problem solving skills. The focus was also on kindness, emotions and knowing each other.
The facilitators used activities like games, mimes, team activity, brainstorming and discussion to help the group learn the concept of life skills and different skill sets as per WHO. A lot of group activities like chart work, roleplay, removing the knot, etc were conducted to draw out innate abilities hidden in the students.
Dr. Roopamala Koneri, Principal, UIDC says that, ‘Students need to learn these life skills so that when they leave college, they are ready to take on the world. This is the reason why we brought experts to teach our students these skills.’ Likewise, Dr. Shobitha Shanthakumari, Principal of Global School of Counselling says, ‘Life skills are abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enables humans to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of life. The subject varies greatly depending on social norms and community expectations but skills that function for well-being and aid individuals to develop into active and productive members of their communities are considered as life skills.’
Students were thrilled to gain such skills. Anna Grace, BCA Semester I says, ‘This workshop not only encouraged me but also gave us all a chance to know our classmates and understand them.’ Daisy Priya, another student from BCA Semester I said, ‘The activities were chosen excellently and they were a great example to show that every small activity or even a small talk can have a great impact on us all.’