Empowering Curriculum

  1. Think of the youths in your context and list their characteristics in terms of their life needs. List these needs on paper and discuss with your colleague who is also a teacher, or someone working in education. You can also consult employment survey reports from the relevant government ministry in your country, like the Ministry of Labour, to understand skills gaps in the economy.
  2. Draw up a list of suggested offerings for open schooling in your country based on the identified needs of youth and on skills gaps identified.
  3. Share your list in the chat forum, and read the lists of other students. Are there needs that you want to add to your list?
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In Kenya there are many private and government projects in the construction field. There is high demand for plumbers but there few youths with skills in plumbing and pipe joining. This is a skill gap that can be filled through vocational and skill development programme.

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Life needs for youths in Fiji may include the following
A. Access to quality education, vocational training, and relevant skills development.
B. Support for cultural preservation and identity.
C. Access to technology and internet for learning and communication.
D. Awareness and training in environmental sustainability.
E. Opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.
F. Mental health and well-being support due to the stresses of modern life.
G. Engagement in community and civic activities.

Following are some ways in which open schools in Fiji can provide the life skills needed for youths.

  1. Access to Quality Education and Skills Development:
  • Open schools can offer a wide range of courses and learning resources, ensuring that students have access to quality education.
  • They can provide vocational training programs to equip students with practical skills that are relevant to the job market.
  1. Support for Cultural Preservation and Identity:
  • Open schools can incorporate culturally relevant content into their curriculum to help students maintain their cultural identity.
  • They can host cultural events, activities, or virtual gatherings to celebrate diversity and cultural heritage.
  1. Access to Technology and Internet:
  • Open schools can offer online classes and resources, making technology and the internet readily accessible for learning and communication.
  • They can work to bridge the digital divide by providing devices and internet access to students in need.
  1. Environmental Sustainability:
  • Open schools can integrate environmental education and sustainability topics into their curriculum.
  • They can organize virtual or in-person eco-awareness events, tree-planting campaigns, or community clean-up activities.
  1. Internships, Apprenticeships, and Job Placements:
  • Open schools can collaborate with local businesses and organizations to facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for their students.
  • They can maintain a network of potential employers and create pathways to employment.
  1. Mental Health and Well-being Support:
  • Open schools can offer counseling services and resources for students dealing with mental health issues.
  • They can promote well-being through stress management and mindfulness programs.
  1. Community and Civic Engagement:
  • Open schools can encourage students to engage in community service and civic activities.
  • They can organize virtual or local community projects and partnerships to foster a sense of responsibility.
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Characteristics of youths in PAPUA NEW GUINEA in terms of their life needs.

  1. Quality Education system
  • offering relevant couses in vocational and technical schools with best delivery of content knowledge with suitable resources to promotes quality and advanced learning various Topics.
  1. Conduct skillful training
  • trained every individual students with life skills which they can be able to face the challenges of every day living.
  1. Engagement in community activities
  • involved them in any event or awareness activity in the community to participate and feel responsible
  1. Proper counseling
  • provide counseling to every individual students on how they should live and what they should do to become good citizens of the country.
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Characteristics of youths in Fiji in terms of their life needs are as follows:

  1. Need for a quality and accessible education
    • Open schools can offer a great many courses and learning assets, guaranteeing that understudies approach quality training. They can give professional preparation projects to furnish understudies with viable abilities that are pertinent to the gig market.

  2. ICT convenience and training
    • Open school can provide basic ICT train to youth that will enhance computer literate and also provide basic technology that will boost learning.

  3. Career Awareness
    • Open School can offer career awareness that will enlighten young mind to choose their right career path.

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Some mandatory life needs for youths include;

  1. Use of mass media or technologies for better understanding.
  2. Access to fair, quality education and implementation of relevant skills.
  3. Awareness of cultural preservation and identity of each youth.
  4. Practicing environmental sustainability.

Following are some ways open schools can provide the life skills needed for youths.

  1. Use of mass media or technologies for better understanding:
    Open schools can use E-Learning methods so that students will be attentive.

  2. Access to fair, quality education and implementation of relevant skills.
    They were ensuring that all students get equally treated either inside the classroom or outside the classroom.

  3. Awareness of cultural preservation and identity of each youth.
    Celebrations of cultural events and enforcement of vernacular classes.

  4. Practicing environmental sustainability.
    Awareness of preserving our environment and elaborating on the importance of sustaining our mother nature.

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Important characteristics of youths/students life needs include:

  1. Access to quality education
  2. Access to technology
  3. Careers Expo or Open Day
  4. Job Practical’s/Apprenticeships

Following are some ways open schools can provide the life skills for youths.

  1. Access tp quality education
    Open schools to offer wide range of courses in vocational schools/Tvet and youths to be equally treated during their duration at school.

  2. Access to technology
    Open schools tp provide trainings to youths to make them computer literate via online classes or E-learning.

  3. Apprenticeship/Job Practical’s
    Open school can liaise with the relevant stakeholders/business/factories to allow their students to get apprenticeship and on job site training which will boost their job skills.

  4. Open Day/Careers Awareness
    Open schools can organize open day for youths so that they can choose the right career path.

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Youths in Fiji

According to the current economy demand and employment system. Some of the needs that we should into consideration for our youths are:

Easy access to quality training system (which should focus on variety of skills that is relevant in our job market like for example all the trade courses plumbing, carpentry, farming, welding, and mechanic etc.

Since we have seen lot of youth are dropout in Fiji so this kind of vocational training can be running in schools. to cater for dropouts.

Next, is the Discipline of our youths are also another of the factors to consider since the crime rate in Fiji is also high. moral education which should go with vocational system and all schools where professional like police, social welfare officer carries out teaching and learning process on moral education.

Survival Skills is next which should come in schools’ system. like for example joining military service as we all know some of the countries like Korea, Israel has a law that youths at certain age to take military training to cater some of the serious matters on youths in the nation.

And lastly,

Sustainable Environment/practices
this is the most important concept which has to be taught to our young generations for the betterment of the nation and future generations to come. in schools like gardening, planting topic of its own should be introduced to inform youths what is right and wrong to follow and how it affects them directly and indirectly.

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Kiribati youth life needs for the 21C would I believe be something like:

  1. Skills and knowledge with online usage, concepts guidelines and policy
  2. Skills and understandings of advanced technology, their functionalities and internet
  3. Vocational training for appropriate and applicable skills set for one’s life need.

The pace of online learning is evident fraditional classroom is soon disappear. Thus for youths of Kiribati be somebody, the list above is a must.

Open school at all possibility.must see that necessary online learning are provided at zero cost or at the most affordable to all. Online learning can be:

  1. Building
  2. Power supply
  3. Technology tools and equipment
  4. Internet or Service providers
  5. People of applicable professional skills
    The list is …
  1. Characteristics and Life Needs of Youths in Fiji:

a. Access to Quality Education: Many Fijian youths require better access to quality education, especially in remote areas.
b. Digital Literacy: In today’s world, digital skills are essential for employment and personal development.
c. Employability Skills: Youths need skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork to enhance their employability.
d. Financial Literacy: Understanding personal finance is crucial for their future financial well-being.
e. Health Education: Access to health education is vital to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent health issues.
f. Cultural Awareness: Fiji’s multicultural society requires a strong understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.
g. Environmental Awareness: Fijian youths need to be educated on environmental issues due to the vulnerability of the country to climate change.
h. Mental Health Support: With the increasing stressors of modern life, mental health support is vital.
i. Entrepreneurship Skills: Encouraging entrepreneurship can boost economic growth and job creation.
j. Career Guidance: Youths require guidance on career choices and pathways.

  1. Suggested Offerings for Open Schooling in Fiji:

a. Online Learning Platforms: Develop accessible online platforms for quality education, focusing on areas with limited access to schools.
b. Digital Skills Programs: Offer courses on digital literacy, coding, and computer skills.
c. Vocational Training: Provide open schooling for vocational skills and employability training.
d. Financial Literacy Courses: Offer modules on personal finance and money management.
e. Health and Wellness Courses: Develop programs focusing on physical and mental health education.
f. Cultural Sensitivity Courses: Promote understanding of Fiji’s multicultural society and heritage.
g. Environmental Education: Offer courses on climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainability.
h. Mental Health Support Services: Provide counseling and support services for youths.
i. Entrepreneurship Programs: Create courses to nurture entrepreneurial skills and encourage startups.
j. Career Guidance Services: Develop career counseling programs to help youths make informed career choices.

These offerings for open schooling would cater to the diverse needs of Fijian youths and contribute to their personal development, employability, and well-being.

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Open schooling can go a long way in providing basic skills in plumbing, Sammy. Do you have open schooling in Kenya?

You all make sound suggestions in terms of possible offerings in open schooling in your countries. The skills you mention seem to be common - plumbing, building, house electrification, environmental management, etc. You will probably agree that apart from offering those vocational/technical subjects, open schools help keep youth away from the streets where they become vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse.

In a rural school setting like Khalsa College in Ba, Fiji, students may have unique needs and skill requirements. Here are some areas where students in rural schools might need specific skills:

  1. Technical and Trade Skills: Developing skills in trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work can provide valuable career options, considering the demand for such skills in rural communities.

  2. Language Skills: Developing proficiency in multiple languages can enhance communication and cultural understanding, which is important in ethnically diverse rural areas like Fiji.

  3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Even in rural areas, digital literacy is becoming increasingly important for various aspects of life, including education and communication.

According to the Fiji National Curriculum Framework in Fiji it sets out the early childhood to form 7. Through the years it has been evident that there need for a change in the curriculum because the expectation of the students, society and job market has been changed. However there is a need to properly design and develop a curriculum that will prepare our childrwn for the future and meet the needs of the diverse learners. In this 21st cwntury the youths of Fiji has given the 3 phases of learning that is the early childhood where the foundation stage is, Primary education that is the basic education stage and lastly the secondry education and vocational educational training which is the payhwys to future work stage so that no child is behind and everyone is employed to become the better citizens of Fiji.

In the case of Fiji I have listed some offerings that is being offered by the Governments and Private Sectors Based on the information I found, some of the suggested offerings for open schooling in Fiji are:

  • Courses on leadership and decision making, financial literacy and management, entrepreneurship, civic engagement and participation, and crime and policing. [These courses aim to empower youths to pursue their passions and bridge existing and future skills gaps.

  • Courses on technical-vocational education and training (TVET) in areas such as automotive engineering, building civil engineering, commerce, electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, hospitality tourism, and agriculture.
    These courses aim to provide youths with practical skills that are in demand in the labor market.

  • Courses on climate change and disaster risk management, which are relevant for the Pacific region.
    courses on climate change and disaster risk management, which are relevant for the Pacific region. These courses aim to foster youth engagement and awareness on environmental issues and initiatives.

  • Courses on information and communication technology (ICT), which are essential for the digital age. These courses aim to enhance youth knowledge and skills on using various ICT tools and platforms for learning, communication, and innovation.

These courses aim to enhance youth knowledge and skills on using various ICT tools and platforms for learning, communication, and innovation.

  • Courses on creative arts, such as music, dance, drama, visual arts, and literature.
    These courses aim to nurture youth talent and expression, as well as promote cultural diversity and heritage.
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Life needs for youths in Fiji may include the following
A. Access to quality education, vocational training, and relevant skills development.
B. Support for cultural preservation and identity.
C. Access to technology and internet for learning and communication.
D. Awareness and training in environmental sustainability.
E. Opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.
F. Mental health and well-being support due to the stresses of modern life.
G. Engagement in community and civic activities.

Following are some ways in which open schools in Fiji can provide the life skills needed for youths.

  1. Access to Quality Education and Skills Development:
  • Open schools can offer a wide range of courses and learning resources, ensuring that students have access to quality education.
  • They can provide vocational training programs to equip students with practical skills that are relevant to the job market.
  1. Support for Cultural Preservation and Identity:
  • Open schools can incorporate culturally relevant content into their curriculum to help students maintain their cultural identity.
  • They can host cultural events, activities, or virtual gatherings to celebrate diversity and cultural heritage.
  1. Access to Technology and Internet:
  • Open schools can offer online classes and resources, making technology and the internet readily accessible for learning and communication.
  • They can work to bridge the digital divide by providing devices and internet access to students in need.
  1. Environmental Sustainability:
  • Open schools can integrate environmental education and sustainability topics into their curriculum.
  • They can organize virtual or in-person eco-awareness events, tree-planting campaigns, or community clean-up activities.
  1. Internships, Apprenticeships, and Job Placements:
  • Open schools can collaborate with local businesses and organizations to facilitate internships, apprenticeships, and job placements for their students.
  • They can maintain a network of potential employers and create pathways to employment.
  1. Mental Health and Well-being Support:
  • Open schools can offer counseling services and resources for students dealing with mental health issues.
  • They can promote well-being through stress management and mindfulness programs.
  1. Community and Civic Engagement:
  • Open schools can encourage students to engage in community service and civic activities.
  • They can organize virtual or local community projects and partnerships to foster a sense of responsibility
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Life Needs would include the following:
• Education and skill development for employment.
• Financial Literacy
• Numeracy Skills
• Literacy Skills
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Use of technology and digital literacy
• Environment awareness and sustainability
• Traditional and Cultural practices
• Sustainable Farming techniques
• Basic skills such as cooking, gardening, fishing, building and maintenance
Suggested offerings for open schooling
• Vocational Training programs to develop skills in demand in the job market.
• Flexible Learning that caters for the needs of youth through part – time , online and evening classes.
• Financial Literacy to prepare youths for financial independence.
• Digital Skills Training to thrive in the digital economy.
• Careers Counseling for them to make informed educational and career choices
• Environmental Education to create environmentally responsible citizens.
• Cultural Programs to support and celebrate diverse cultural backgrounds.

Life needs for youths in fiji
Awareness and training
Mental health and well-being support
Quality education systems conduct training

Someways in which schools in fiji can provide the skills to youths are
Quality education
Provide wide range of courses and learning resources
Can provide vocational training

Have acess to internet
Conduct skillful training
Students can have face to face training daily

Proper counseling
Should be taught how to beome good citizen of the country

Fiji is currently facing a massive labour shortage in construction, hospitality and agricultural industry. Majority youths want a white collar job and unfortunately, not everyone is academically inclined. Those who fail in their endeavors do not wish to pursue any other alternative.

I strongly believe that Fiji needs to focus on a vocational centered open school curriculum to empower our youths to pursue blue collar jobs. Instilling vocational skills will help the youths find employment and contribute positively towards Fiji’s economic growth. Some areas of focus could be:

  1. Tile laying/carpentry/joinery/ electrician/ car mechanics
  2. caregiving courses
  3. housekeeping courses.
  4. textile/ food and beverage

Cheers
Deepak

some characteristics and life needs of youths in Fiji

characteristics

  • communication skills
  • self motivation - they need to be motivated
  • digital literacy - the need to be digital literate

life needs
accessible resources
mentorship and guidance from teachers, parents to plan their goals
inclusivity - addressing the unique needs of youths with disabilities
provide flexible assessment methods to cater for diverse learning styles and ability

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