Life Skills Training in Rural Development Centers

Basic life skills are fairly common for most “normal” people. For the more vulnerable members of society, even the most basic life skills may be foreign concepts. Growing up impoverished and lacking access to even the most basic amenities has been shown to prioritize a different set of life skills.

For individuals who have grown up homeless or impoverished, especially for those who have been living in abject poverty for multiple generations, lacking access to education and basic necessities, developing certain life skills is crucial for achieving stability and improving their quality of life. These life skills can help them navigate everyday challenges, secure employment, and build a foundation for future success.

This is not to say that these people are incapable of understanding their needs, but merely that, if and when they are reintroduced into modern society, there will be additional challenges some of them may not be adequately prepared to deal with.

There are proponents in the United States and other industrialized nation who sincerely believe that just providing the homeless with homes would solve all their problems.

Sadly, nothing meaningful in life is ever so easily resolved.

One of the first things people need to understand, is the difference in the educational systems. In the United States, a University is a collection of colleges, and the citizenry is constantly reminded how most of the world has a college education.

In Korea, for one example, it is generally considered to be an insult to ask someone if they went to college.

Why?

Because in many parts of the world, what is known as “College” would be equivalent to a High School in the USA, though this is being changed in the Philippines at present. Asking a University Graduate, especially someone with a post-graduate degree whether or not they have passed, or whether or not they have the capacity to pass a high-school level course is an insult to them personally, and not without cause.

A basic College Degree, or high school diploma for the readers in the US, is also required for the purpose of attaining employment. While the costs for education are minimal compared to the thousands of dollars in taxpayer money spent on the largely failed basic or K-12 educational system in the US, these costs are substantial enough to prevent the most vulnerable members of society from gaining even a basic formal education, and prevent them from attaining even entry-level jobs, never mind any real opportunity for advancement or any real hope of financial independence.

And yes, before anyone argues the point, there are, as always, exceptions to this rule, though they remain just that; exceptions.

There is an old adage about giving a man a fish, and allowing him to eat for a day, or teaching a man to fish and feeding him for a lifetime. Basic life skills. Right?

While it may seem a bit cliché, the old adage remains just as true today as it ever was, and is cliché specifically because of that reasoning. If there is to be any meaningful hope for the future generations of the most vulnerable members of society, there is no simple fix. There is however, a systemic solution to this complex, systemic, and very challenging scenario.

Education is, of course, the key to the ultimate success of all these programs. However, it is imperative to remember and to understand that not everyone will learn in the same method. Individual aptitudes are equally relevant. Why would anyone willingly enter into any program where they were destined to fail? Why should anyone be denied the opportunity to enter into a field of study where they have a much better chance of success, and will be able to witness and even enjoy their own journey of personal growth and improvement?

There was a day when those who were not adequately suited for more academic and scholastic pursuits were given options in the school systems of the USA. Woodworking classes, metal shops for machining, and even auto-mechanics were all offered back in times of old, when old fogies like me were still young and full of vim and vigor.

The educational offerings for both the children and adults must be focused on their individual aptitudes, offering them a choice of training options based on their personal skills, and allowing them the opportunity to enter into fields where they will be capable of seeing both short-term and long-term improvements in their personal skills and their median quality of life.

While the following list is not comprehensive, it does provide a basic overview of the “standardized” programs for the most vulnerable members of society, when they elect to participate in the reforestation or other programs. Bear in mind, that the initial efforts will focus largely on homeless and indigent families selected in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Liaisons currently working in literally every local government unit, and who already have an intimate knowledge and understanding of their unique circumstances. Single individuals may be selected, though ideally this will be the exception rather than the norm.

It is also imperative, at least in the early phases of operations, to avoid those families who are torn apart by debilitating conditions such as alcoholism, drug addictions, or even gambling problems. At such a time as a sufficient level of economic maturity has been reached by the foundation, the investment accounts will be established to ensure full and complete funding for health and medical care and treatment, as well as for the necessary facilities to offer psychological, psychiatric, and other assistance programs for those who do require added assistance in life.

It is imperative to remember, that poverty is an exceptionally devastating condition, especially where resources and other support systems are already strained beyond a functional operating capacity. An impoverished family who already owns their own home or lands but lacks any means to provide financially, may partake in small business operations.

However, when livestock or agricultural crops are harvested, the lack of any means for safely handling and storing the food will precipitate the need for them to sell everything at a loss or risk complete loss through rot. Basic life skills such as proper food storage and handling, are, in far too many cases, not even relevant in their current circumstances.

It is possible of course, that one could simply install Rural Improvement Programs to fix up their properties and to provide them with the means to support themselves a bit better, but now their property values are increased, and they lack the means to pay the increased tax liabilities that have been introduced to facilitate a better life, ultimately leaving them homeless.

It may perhaps, be more ideal to provide them first with direct access to these facilities in a modern, safe, secure, and clean environment, to offer them the life skills training and relevant guidance necessary to improve their median quality of life, and then to allow them the opportunity through paid employment and business ownership opportunities, to gradually work their way into becoming productive and contributing members of society.

Thus the need for both the Rural Development Centers and the educational opportunities, requisite life skills, training and employment in the foundation-owned commercial operations, the provision of tools, and paid employment and business ownership opportunities that will be offered through these programs. It is equally important to remember that each local community is economically, environmentally, and socially unique. Each family unit will be unique. Also, as I like to remind people, you as an individual are unique – just like everyone else.

It is because of the unique nature of the individual human experience, their individual perceptions and perspectives, and the esoteric and existential state of human nature, that these programs must be decentralized and operated locally, with coordination and guidance alone being offered at the domestic or international level. It is wholly unreasonable to expect that any individual will ever be completely honest with a foreigner or even an outsider to their very personal plight and challenges.

Because of this, local Social Support Services teams will be elected by the local recipients and beneficiaries of the programs put in place. They will assist in the selection of new commercial ventures being introduced by the foundation, being given a more heavily weighted vote in that selection process. They will offer an enforceable voice for the local beneficiaries at the national and international level. They will also, by mandate, be held to the account by the local beneficiaries and recipients of assistance.

In this way, it will become possible to provide the variance necessary for the local context at the local level, and for the national center to coordinate programs and operations specific to the local communities and the local population, without introducing blanket solutions that lack any meaningful comprehension of the unique local context required for success. Collectively, and with a solid foundation for providing the requisite life-skills for an improved median quality of life, in conjunction with the training, tools, and paid opportunities made possible through the foundation, it is in fact possible, and given a successful beginning, inevitable, that the eradication of poverty will spread and grow exponentially, not only in any given nation, but around the world.

Basic Literacy and Numeracy

Importance: Fundamental reading, writing, and arithmetic skills are essential for communication, understanding written instructions, and managing daily tasks.

Application: Reading signs, filling out forms, following written instructions, and handling money.

Financial Literacy

Importance: Understanding basic financial concepts is crucial for managing personal finances, budgeting, saving, and avoiding debt.

Application: Budgeting for daily expenses, saving for emergencies, understanding interest rates, and managing credit.

Job Skills and Employment Readiness

Importance: Developing skills that are in demand in the job market and understanding how to search for and secure employment.

Application: Resume writing, interview techniques, job search strategies, and basic work skills like punctuality and teamwork.

Personal Hygiene and Health Care

Importance: Maintaining good health and hygiene is essential for overall wellbeing and employability.

Application: Understanding basic hygiene practices, accessing health care services, and managing chronic conditions.

Time Management and Organization

Importance: Being able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and stay organized is critical for personal and professional success.

Application: Scheduling appointments, meeting deadlines, and balancing multiple responsibilities.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Importance: Effective communication is key to building relationships, resolving conflicts, and working collaboratively.

Application: Active listening, clear and respectful communication, and understanding nonverbal cues.

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Importance: The ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and develop practical solutions is vital for overcoming obstacles.

Application: Making informed decisions, thinking creatively, and adapting to changing circumstances.

Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies

Importance: Building emotional strength and resilience helps individuals cope with stress, trauma, and setbacks.

Application: Stress management techniques, seeking support from others, and developing a positive mindset.

Housing and Independent Living Skills

Importance: Understanding how to find and maintain stable housing is essential for long-term stability.

Application: Navigating rental agreements, maintaining a household, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.

Social and Community Integration

Importance: Building a support network and engaging with the community can provide resources and opportunities.

Application: Networking, participating in community activities, and accessing social services.

Digital Literacy

Importance: In an increasingly digital world, basic computer and internet skills are necessary for many aspects of life, including education and employment.

Application: Using computers and smartphones, accessing online resources, and understanding online safety and privacy.

Language Skills

Importance: Proficiency in reading, writing, and communication is fundamental for personal and professional success. Language skills enhance the ability to understand, express, and interact effectively.

Applications:

Reading: Comprehending written material, which is essential for learning, following instructions, and staying informed. Examples include reading job postings, instructions, and legal documents.

Writing: Conveying information clearly and effectively through written communication. This includes writing resumes, emails, and formal letters.

Oral Communication: Articulating thoughts and ideas verbally, crucial for job interviews, professional interactions, and social engagement. This includes public speaking, active listening, and effective dialogue.

Verbal Communication: Encompassing both oral and written communication, ensuring the ability to use words effectively in any context. This includes all the elements of oral communication plus the ability to write clearly and coherently.

Understanding Modern Appliances and Amenities

Importance: Proficiency in using modern appliances and amenities is essential for managing a household efficiently and safely.

Applications:

Appliance Use: Understanding how to operate household appliances such as ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. This includes reading manuals, setting appropriate temperatures, and using energy efficiently.

Maintenance: Basic knowledge of how to maintain and troubleshoot common appliances, including cleaning and minor repairs.

Safety: Recognizing potential hazards and practicing safe usage to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of appliances.

Safe Food Handling and Storage Practices

Importance: Proper food handling and storage are critical for preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring food safety.

Applications:

Hygiene: Practicing good personal hygiene, such as washing hands and cleaning surfaces before and after handling food.

Storage: Understanding how to store different types of food to prevent spoilage and contamination, including refrigeration, freezing, and using airtight containers.

Preparation: Knowing safe cooking temperatures, avoiding crosscontamination, and properly handling raw and cooked foods.

Waste Management: Recognizing expiration dates, properly disposing of spoiled food, and minimizing food waste through proper meal planning and storage techniques.

Nutrition and Cooking

Importance: Knowing how to prepare nutritious meals is important for maintaining health and reducing food insecurity.

Application: Planning and preparing balanced meals, understanding nutritional needs, and budgeting for groceries.

Developing these life skills can empower individuals who have grown up homeless or impoverished to achieve greater stability and improve their quality of life. Support from community programs, educational initiatives, and social services will play a crucial role in providing the necessary training and resources to allow for the ultimate eradication of poverty.