It started as a small initiative in the form of a pilot project covering 4200 girls in 43 RMSA hostels located in 8 districts of Indore Division. Based on positive results from this pilot project implemented by State Resource Centre, a sub -unit of BGMS, the state initiated the introduction of LSE in school settings in a phased manner in the year 2017. Similarly, the Directorate of Skill Development, MP also initiated the integration of LSE in all the government ITIs from the year 2018.

The present project entitled “Implementation of Life Skills Education Programme in State Board Schools and ITIs of Madhya Pradesh” is aimed at providing support in institutionalizing Life Skills Education in all Government High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools in the state by making use of standard-specific modules for class 9^th  till class 12^th and also, in all the  Industrial Training Institutes, ITIs,  by way of a manual specially developed in order to promote an enabling teaching-learning environment in schools and ITIs that results in informed, responsible and healthy behavior among adolescents and youth.

Aims and Objectives

The project is being implemented with the following objectives.

1. Build life skills among adolescent students enrolled in Government High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools and Industrial Training Institutes to achieve their goals and to make informed decisions for better health and well-being.
2. Address harmful social practices like child marriage, gender inequality, dowry through well informed and skilled adolescents and youth.

In the High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools through the initiative named “UMANG”

1. Strengthen mechanisms and systems within the Education Dept. in MP to institutionalize LSE in government secondary and higher secondary schools across the state.
2. Identification of 52 schools for being established as model schools for LSE.
3. Build Capacity and skills of master trainers as trainers and mentors for life skills education-based program – ‘Umang’.
4. To strengthen mentoring and support mechanisms and to offer guidance to teachers for effective transaction of life skills education sessions in schools.

In the Industrial Training Institutes through the initiative named “JEEVAN TARANG”

1. To strengthen the mechanisms and systems within the Skill Development department of MP to institutionalize LSE in all government ITIs of the 8 districts which fall in Indore zone through the program called – ‘Jeevan Tarang’.
2. To build capacity and skills of trainers to provide LSE to adolescents and youth enrolled in the government ITIs.
3. To strengthen mentoring and support mechanisms and to offer guidance to teachers for effective transaction of life skills education to ITI students.

Approach and methodology

The flowchart below shows the overall processes and methodology followed.

Outreach

The project is providing support in implementing the basic Umang manual (developed for 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th grade) in all 9,228 government high and higher secondary schools in the state along with implementing the manual developed for grade 12^th in 1,874 schools situated in the district headquarter blocks. Thereby, the program will impact approximately 2.5 million adolescents enrolled in schools.

The project also aims to provide support in implementing the LSE based module developed for the government industrial training institutes in 46 ITIs of 8 districts – Alirajpur, Barwani, Burhanpur, Dhar, Indore, Jhabua, Khandwa, and Khargone – of Indore zone.

Implementation highlights

1. Orientation of Principals of Govt. High and Higher Secondary Schools

To ensure active involvement of Principals of schools, 2 nodal Principals were trained from each district who in turn conducted orientation programs for Principals of schools in their respective districts. This resulted in their increased participation in monitoring and subsequently, there was marked improvement in conduction and reporting of sessions by teachers in their schools.

2. Launching of Umang Mobile Application

A Mobile Application for real-time reporting of sessions was developed and launched on 28^th June, 2019 which has proved to be extremely useful in monitoring processes. Field situation has been analysed using the App data, also helping to take corrective measures and refining program strategies.

3. Review of program and information sharing with District officials

Mechanism was set up to regularly review the program at state level through video conferencing and at district review meetings. Data from mobile App on session reporting has been shared with district officials and MTs on weekly basis which was highly beneficial in ensuring follow-up and building accountability. It also inculcated a spirit of healthy competition among the districts which again has benefitted the program.

4. Monitoring by teacher mentors

Rigorous monitoring of the program by the officials, MTs and Principals greatly contributed in ensuring effective implementation of the program at school level. Mentoring support was also provided to such nodal teachers who were not able to take the LSE sessions properly. This led to enhancement in their ability to take sessions.

5. Designing of courseware, illustrative aides like literature, Videos and Animations

a. Development of Umang manual for 9, 10,11 and 12

Manuals on LSE were designed with the help of subject experts based on need of adolescents. The sessions have been designed in user friendly manner and act as step-by-step guide for the teachers. These contain a variety of activities for evoking active participation of students. Printed copies are available with nodal teachers whereas softcopies are hosted on portal of Education Department ‘Vimarsh’.

b. Handouts for Students

Based on the findings of Implementation Research conducted in 2018, handouts were developed for ready reference for students complementing the classroom sessions.

c. Animation Videos

As part of audio-visual material, a set of 24 videos as part of 2 D animation series was developed on various themes included in LSE to substantiate the classroom sessions using Umang manual for imparting LSE.

6. Development of Career Guidance Book ‘Avsar’

A book containing information on 16 different career streams and associated courses was developed based on need expressed by students to help them choose a stream and access relevant information about career options and courses available. Schools have been provided copies of the book for reference of students and teachers.

7. Setting up tele-counseling services Umang Helpline

Tele counselling was initiated by School Education Department, Govt.of MP as an off shoot of the LSE program based on demand from the field owing to increasing awareness and confidence among students and teachers due to LSE sessions. It was realized that students had issues and queries that could be handled only by trained and qualified counsellors and mental health professionals and therefore, this initiative was taken.

Achievements

Districts and Schools covered, Principals and Teachers trained in LSE

Districts	51
Schools	9,228
Principals	92
Master Trainers 9th	288
Master Trainers 10th	184
Master Trainers 11th	173
Block Trainers 9th	921
Nodal Teachers 9th	5,800
Nodal Teachers 10th	1,771
Nodal Teachers 11th	972
Wardens	193
Number of students reached with LSE	20,76,300