Today’s episode will focus on communication skills

Why do you think we choose this topic? This week we are focusing on communicating which will help us to make the most of our new critical thinking skills. By understanding different communication styles we will be able to better understand how other people communication with us and how we can communicate well with others.

After this episode, you will be able to:

1) Define communication

2) Explain how the power of actions and the power of words

3) List different types of communication styles

4) Explain how communication styles affect our lives

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The show is coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today’s episode will focus on Girls’ Changing Bodies and Menstruation

Can you guess why I chose this topic? That’s because it is important for girls and boys to learn about the menstrual cycle at this important stage of your lives. The menstrual cycle and other changes that girls experience with their bodies are a key aspect in getting pregnant and having a baby.

But this lesson is not only for girls - all boys should take part too, because you need to understand the menstrual cycle too! It is better for everyone be informed than to remain unaware of each other’s experiences.

After this episode, you will be able to:

1) Define the term menstruation

2) Explain the process of the menstrual cycle

3) Describe how girls can manage their menstruation

4) Describe how you can support a girl beginning her menstruation

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra  Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching  Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of  Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today’s episode will focus on Critical thinking

As you grow during adolescence you are faced with new situations, feelings and choices. Parents and role models may struggle to guide you in a changing world. You need tools to learn the facts. Asking questions encourages thinking and helps you make the right decision. You need to know how to get trustworthy answers. You need to think through the consequences. Without critical thinking, rumors, superstitions, and fear could lead to risky behavior and poor decisions.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

i) Define the term critical thinking

ii) Explain the five steps to SMART thinking

iii) Use critical thinking to make a choice

Today’s lesson will focus on Critical thinking?

As you grow during adolescence you are faced with new situations, feelings and choices. Parents and role models may struggle to guide you in a changing world. You need tools to learn the facts. Asking questions encourages thinking and helps you make the right decision. You need to know how to get trustworthy answers. You need to think through the consequences. Without critical thinking, rumors, superstitions, and fear could lead to risky behavior and poor decisions.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

i) Define the term critical thinking

ii) Explain the five steps to SMART thinking

iii) Use critical thinking to make a choice

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra  Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching  Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of  Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on New Ways of Doing Things.

Why do you think we chose topic?

With schools closed, we have had to adapt to new ways of doing things, like listening to our lessons on the radio rather than from our teachers in the classroom. In this lesson, we will explore how thinking in new ways, and using our SMART thinking skills helps us to look for many different ideas and answers that are possible, not just looking for one correct idea. This way of thinking will help you consider your options before making decisions.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra  Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching  Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of  Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Personal Hygiene.

Why do you think we chose topic?

When we become adolescents, our bodies change in so many ways. One of the big body changes that boys and girls experience is that they often sweat more and grow pubic hair. When this happens, it becomes very important that we take good care of our bodies by maintaining personal hygiene.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's lesson focuses on decision making skills for adolescent boys and girls. 

Why do you think we chose this topic? 

Making good, responsible decisions are a very important skill that we develop during adolescence. During adolescence, we develop our critical thinking skills and these help us to understand consequences - the results of our decisions. This is very important at times of crisis, like the during coronavirus pandemic, when our decisions can help keep us, our families and our community safe.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

*This podcast is created from recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today’s lesson will focus on reproductive parts in girls and boys

What do you think we chose this topic?

It can be embarrassing to talk about our bodies and sexuality. However it is important to understand how the reproductive system works internally and externally in both the male and the female bodies. Both male and female parts of the reproductive systems are essential in making a baby. Once we understand our own body parts we can ensure we maintain our health and hygiene and we are better able to make informed choices about engaging in sex and starting a family.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

i) List the names and functions of female and male sexual body parts

ii) Explain what are wet dreams that boys experience

iii) Explain what is menstruation and some coping strategies

iv) Identify truths and lies related to male and female reproduction

*This podcast is created from recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today’s lesson will focus on Adolescents' Changing Bodies

Why do you think we choose this topic?

During puberty, our bodies transition from a child’s body to an adult’s body. This is also the time in life when boys’ and girls’ bodies become sexually mature, where you can make babies. During adolescents our bodies go through physical and emotional changes. It is important to understand that these changes are normal and they are all part of growing up.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

i) Describe how maturity affects girls and boys, physically and emotionally

ii) Understand that body changes, new feelings and sexual desire in adolescents are normal and healthy

iii) Explain how teenage boys and girls can manage the bodily changes that happen as they grow

*This podcast is created from recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today’s lesson will focus on the qualities that guide us.

Why do you think we chose this topic?

Qualities that we admire are the things that we like and respect about people that we know or see around us. When we can understand why we admire certain qualities in other people, it can help us to better understand how we see ourselves. We can then decide on the kind of person that we want to grow up to be.

After this lesson, you will be able to:

*This podcast is created from the recordings prepared for the Sierra Leone Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Radio Teaching Programme. The programme is co-ordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.