An Exploration of Life Skills Programme on Pre-School Children in Embu West, Kenya

Abstract

The Life Skills Programme, which is one of the newest programmes in the Kenya Preschool educational system was
explored to establish the impact it had on the lives of preschool children in Embu West, Kenya. A primary school that
is perceived as having well-disciplined children was purposively selected. The sample consisted of 39 students, 43
preschool teachers and 31 parents. The data collection methods included use of a questionnaire, interviews,
observations and a documentary analysis. A content analysis was used to examine the data collected. A main finding
was that, teachers and parents seemed to cherish the Life Skills Programme as a subject that enabled children to acquire
relevant skills for their growth, development and survival. Another finding was an indication of a link between children
who had mastered the life skills and academic performance. The study recommended the need to develop clear policy
and supervisory guidelines to allow the effective implementation of the Life Skills Programme to benefit all children.