Life Skill meanings

Definition of Terms

"Life skills-based education"
A term often used almost interchangeably with skills-based health education. The difference between the two is in the type of content or topics that are covered. Not all program content is considered ''health-related." For example, life skills-based literacy and numeracy, or life skills-based peace education, or human rights.

"Skills-based health education"
A combination of learning experiences that aim to develop not only knowledge and attitudes , but also skills (i.e., life skills) which are needed to make decisions and take positive actions to change behaviors and environments to promote health and safety and to prevent disease.

"Life skills"
This term refers to a large group of psycho-social and interpersonal skills which can help people make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and develop coping and self-management skills that may help them lead a healthy and productive life. Life skills may be directed toward personal actions and actions toward others, as well as actions to change the surrounding environment to make it conducive to health.

"Livelihood skills"
Capabilities, resources and opportunities to pursue individual and household economic goals. Livelihood skills relate to income generation and may include technical/vocational skills (carpentry, sewing, computer programming), job seeking skills such as interviewing, business management skills, entrepeneurial skills, and skills to manage money.

"Knowledge"
The terms "knowledge" and "information" will be used almost interchangeably in this site. In general, however, "information" may describe what is communicated about a particular fact or subject; something you receive or are told. "Knowledge" refers to the state or condition of understanding that fact or subject, and being able to apply it.

"Attitudes"
The term "attitudes" is used throughout this site to encompass the broad domain of social norms, ethics, morals, values, rights, culture, tradition, spirituality and religion, and feelings about self and others.

"Health"
WHO's broad view of health as "the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being" is assumed here. Using this definition, social and economic conditions and the broader environment are considered key determnants of health.

"Health Promotion"
The process of enabling people to increase control over and to improve their health. Health Promotion not only embraces actions directed at strengthening the skills of individuals, but also action directed towards changing social, environmental and economic conditions so as to alleviate their impact on public and individual health. (from WHO Health Promotion Glossary)

(pasted from: http://www.unicef.org/lifeskills/index_7308.html; 230109:10.50)