LIONS-QUEST SKILLS FOR ADOLESCENCE



Skoun, has initiated a two year project of piloting Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence in 9 participating schools in Lebanon. This project begins in September 2005 and ends in June 2007. The participating schools will be monitored and the effectiveness of the program assessed. Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence will then be translated into Arabic following the pilot year so that it can be used in all types of schools in Lebanon and the region. This project is funded by Lions Clubs International Fund and Safadi Foundation.

Lions-Quest Skills for Adolescence is a comprehensive positive youth development and prevention program designed for school and classroom implementation in grades 6 through 8 (10 to 14 year olds). It involves educators, parents, students, and the community in order to develop in young adolescents:

- Social and emotional competencies
- Citizenship skills
- Strong and positive character
- Skills and attitudes consistent with a drug free life style
- An ethic of service to others within a caring and stable environment

Implementation
This classroom curriculum is delivered by the classroom teacher for one academic year. The learning model utilizes inquiry, discussion, presentation, group work, and skills building through practice. Skills for Adolescence supports emotional learning, drug prevention, service learning, and character education.

Benefits
- Nurturing school and classroom environment
- Youth empowerment through service learning
- High expectations towards boundaries concerning high risk behaviors including drug use
- Commitment to learning
- Social competencies: Self discipline, self awareness, self confidence, interpersonal communication, decision making, anger and conflict management, problem solving and critical thinking, goal setting, and drug resistance skills.
- Positive identity: optimism about potential for the future.

How it Works
Skills for Adolescence has a five component structure.
- Classroom Curriculum: 30 skills building lessons.
- Parent and Family Involvement: Parents participate through shared homework, parent meetings, parent book, and direct participation in activities.
- Positive School Climate: Whole school shares in the community service efforts
- Community Involvement: School, staff, parents, Lions Clubs, other organizations, and youth groups participate in efforts and projects.
- Professional Development: teachers who will implement the program must pass through a 1-2 day training workshop.