SUPPORT ADOLESCENT'S SKILLS DEVELOPMENT FOR LEARNING, PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT, LIFESKILLS, ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY - LESOTHO

1. BACKGROUND

Adolescents today live in a world of challenges and opportunities, including new technologies, changing labour markets, conflict, and environmental and political changes. To succeed within this current and future environment, adolescents need access to quality education and learning that develops skills, knowledge, attitudes and values and enables them to become successful life-long learners who can learn, un-learn, and relearn; find and retain productive work; make wise decisions; and positively engage in their communities.

Out of Lesotho's population of about 2 million people, adolescents aged 10-19 years of age make up 21 per cent of the Lesotho Population and Housing Census 2016. About 66,000 of children of primary and secondary school-going age are not in school which is around 12 per cent of children 6-17 years of age. 76 per cent of adolescents and youth in age group 18-24 years are also not in school with 74 per cent having dropped out and 2 per cent never attended school Education Sector Analysis Report 2020.

Of those enrolled in school, results show that they are not learning effectively as only less than half of children aged 7-14 years are able to read at grade 3 level and only 1 in 6 have the requisite numeracy skills at grade 3 level Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2018. The significant number of children who are out of school, the poor learning outcomes for those who are in school, and the divide brought by technology all pose a great challenge for the future of Lesotho as the country needs skilled youth who can contribute towards economic growth and poverty reduction. 

2. SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of the assignment is to seek quality proposals from potential institutions (NGOs and private development institutions/organizations) that have the resources and experience to provide their

professional services in advancing skills for adolescents. The programme aims to implement a comprehensive adolescent skills programme through radio and in-person trainings based on a validated and approved life-skills training manual that will be developed through adaptation of already-existing materials. A thorough review of existing materials including the gaps highlighted in the Situation Analysis of Adolescents and Youth will serve as a guide to the final life-skills training manual that will be developed which will include modules on civic engagement, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and digital skills in line with 21st century demands.

A series of Training of Trainers workshops of Ministry of Gender and Youth officers as well as peer educators will lead to execution of a life-skills camps for 250 adolescents to ensure they acquire essential 21st century skills. The component of positive parenting for adolescents will be incorporated in the life-skills radio programs.