Youth Development through Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) in Sindh: Indigenous Approaches for Teacher, School, and Community Empowerment through Customized Training

Abstract

Life Skills-Based Education (LSBE) has emerged as a critical educational paradigm to address gaps in holistic youth development, particularly in socio-cultural contexts marked by limited skill-based learning opportunities. In Pakistan’s Sindh province, 60% of the population is under the age of 25, yet the secondary education system remains dominated by rote memorization, academic content delivery, and minimal integration of problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence training. This mixed-methods study, conducted through the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Karachi, evaluates the current implementation of LSBE in secondary education, explores indigenous approaches, and proposes a framework for customized teacher and community training to strengthen LSBE delivery. The study engaged 277 undergraduate students via structured questionnaires (Cronbach’s α ranging from .783 to .877 across LSBE skill dimensions) and 12 in-depth interviews. Quantitative analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression modeling, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results revealed strong positive correlations among self-awareness, problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal skills, and emotional development. Significant differences emerged across school boards for self-awareness and decision-making skills. Thematic findings highlighted LSBE as largely absent from secondary schooling, with barriers rooted in cultural constraints, insufficient facilities, untrained teachers, and lack of community engagement. The paper proposes policy, curriculum, and teacher education reforms grounded in indigenous pedagogical approaches and supported by community-school partnerships. Recommendations align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing quality education, gender equality, and youth empowerment for sustainable socio-economic progress in Sindh