Investing in our future leaders: RefugePoint’s Life Skills Training Program

RefugePoint’s Life Skills Training Program, part of our Urban Refugee Protection Program (URPP) in Nairobi, Kenya, teaches children and young adults critical life skills such as self-awareness, emotional intelligence, effective communication, decision-making, and goal-setting. These skills help youth to make informed decisions and tackle life challenges they may face. In the long run, life skills contribute to self-reliance by enabling young refugees to understand themselves and their potential, build networks with their peers, learn to utilize available resources to solve problems and contribute to the stability of their families and communities.

During the four-day training, young adults (both refugees and Kenyans) participate in interactive sessions, group chats, and role-playing exercises. Each year, RefugePoint reaches about 200 teens and young adults through the Life Skills Training Program.

“Life Skills Training provides a safe place for children to be seen and heard. Within this safe place, they discover their identities, learn new skills to cope with everyday challenges, and participate in activities that enhance their social connection with their peers,” Clotilda, RefugePoint’s Counseling Manager, shared about the program. 

RefugePoint’s most recent Life Skills Training, in May 2024, reached 30 young adults, who gathered at a local church. 

When asked about their experience in the training, many participants shared that they enjoyed learning life skills through interactive educational games and activities designed to provoke critical thinking. They also appreciated the opportunity to meet and interact with people from different cultures.

“I enjoyed learning about interpersonal relationships and healthy ways of initiating, maintaining, and ending relationships. When trying to resolve a conflict, I have learned that it is important to respond to, and not react to issues,” one participant shared. 

 “This training allowed us the opportunity to build our confidence while learning and practicing communication skills. I can now effectively use verbal and nonverbal communication,” another trainee added.

“This Life Skills training gave me the opportunity to view things from other people’s perspectives. Now, I understand the need to treat people with empathy,” an attendee shared.  

Want to learn more about our programs or get involved? Check out our website at https://refugepoint.org/resources/impact-reports/  and learn how we’re transforming the refugee response system.

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