AFTER the success of its computer literacy programme, the Rotary Club of Durban North has officially started a life skills course at the North Crest Primary School.

The eight week course is about giving opportunities to people and a chance to plan their lives. Activities include teaching people about interpersonal skills, positive communication, financial competency, CV compilation and interview techniques as well as advice on planning their lives accordingly.

Rotarian, Jason Stevens, who takes three classes on how to get into the job market, said courses such as these were critical to help in life skills development.

“Life skills aren’t taught to you at school or at university level. It’s about exploring the concept of who am I and assisting in vocational development. We’ve had tremendous feedback from people who’ve attended the classes and most importantly we’ve heard the course has changed their lives,” Stevens said.

“We’ve run two life skills courses this year and hopefully we’ll be able to offer two more next year. I’m confident, through word of mouth, the classes will be as successful and beneficial as this years.”

Northglen News spoke to some of the students about their experiences over the eight week course.

Durban North resident Gloria Shanmugam said she was sceptical when enrolling for the programme. “Before I started the life skills course I was very quiet, intimidated and was scared to talk to strangers. And I wasn’t sure how the course would help benefit me. However through the different classes I began to feel empowered.

“I realised whatever I set my mind to I can achieve. I can certainly say I’ve walked out the class a different person,” she said.

Another student, Zamo Zulu, said she decided to join the class because she wanted to grow personally.

“I recognised that I needed to grow as a person, but didn’t have any avenues to explore. That was until I started the course. I’m currently studying social work and I’ve definitely felt more confident and I feel I know which direction my life needs to take.
“In the first class we had to write out a personal mission statement which has helped me focus on achieving my goals and planning my life accordingly,” Zulu said.

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