I am Somebody (Life Skills 9-13)

Today's episode will focus on What is Stress? Why do you think we choose this topic? As you become more independent you have to make decisions that will affect your future and you can also be under pressure from friends and family and schoolwork. All these things can have an impact on your happiness. It is important that we learn to recognize signs of stress and find ways to manage our stress in healthy ways. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define the meaning of stress 2) Name things in your life that can cause feelings of stress 3) List the physical and emotional signs of feeling stress 4) Practice self-care skills to reduce your feelings of stress *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's lesson will focus on Mental Health matters Why do you think we choose this topic? We chose it because mental health is one of the least understood parts of our health and yet it is important to each one of us. Many people have mental illnesses and are treated badly by others and made to feel different because many people are afraid of mental illness and do not understand it. Young people can be champions in removing this stigma and the first step is by understanding mental health. After this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Define the meaning of mental health 2. Describe how we can respond when we see someone showing symptoms of a mental illness 3. Explain that mental illness is no different from illness in other parts of the body *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Education is for every child Can you guess why I chose this topic? The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education announced that they would continue to strengthen the free quality school education. They will reach out to children who have never been to school and those that have dropped out and make schools more welcoming to invite them to rejoin schools again. You can also do your part to help include children in your community to join school, no matter their background or situation. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define what is meant by the term Radical Inclusion in Education 2) Explain why banning pregnant girls from school in not effective 3) Describe ways to support pregnant schoolmates to continue their education *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Gangs are dangerous Can you guess why I chose this topic? It is important for young people to understand how peer pressure can cause them to act in a dangerous or harmful way. We will talk about why some people join a gang so that we can remove the myths associated with being in a gang. When we understand the negative impact of gang membership, we are more likely to be able to resist joining a gang. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define the term peer pressure 2) Describe some of the signs of gang membership 3) Consider why some young people may want to join a gang but most others do not 4) Explain some of the consequences of gang membership *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode is called Respect all families Can you guess why I chose this topic? It is natural for adolescents to notice differences and similarities between your family and other families in your community. All families are unique! In this episode we will learn not to be judgmental of these differences, but instead we will learn to accept and celebrate all the different types of families in Sierra Leone. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Describe different kinds of families 2) Name roles of family members 3) Consider how young people might feel being left out 4) Show respect for different kinds of families *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Girls and Boys Voices Why do you think we choose this topic? In previous episodes we learned about rights and responsibilities. Today we will hear about girls and boys who used their voices to claim their rights. We hope these examples will inspire you to claim your own rights and to be a voice for girls and boys in your own community. After this episode, you will be able to: 1. Explain that girls can make a difference in their community and country 2. Inspire boys to work for change for girls, too! 3. Describe actions that girls and boys can take to make a difference in their community *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on More about money Why do you think we chose this topic? As a young person, you need money to stay safe and healthy as money helps you buy things like you need like food, sanitary napkins, and soap. It is important to learn the difference between needs and wants and to consider some of the safe and unsafe ways you can get money. Once you know about money, you can make wise decisions about earning, saving and spending money, without putting yourself at risk. . After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Name different ways that children and adolescents use money 2) Explain the difference between needs and wants 3) Evaluate whether certain ways of earning money are safe or unsafe for adolescents 4) List some tips for selecting safe work *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Learning about money Why do you think we chose this topic? We chose this topic because it is important to have the knowledge, stills and attitudes to manage money well. When we are young, it can be difficult to get money for all the things we need. As we get older and we take on more responsibility, we may start having access to our own money and can make decisions about how to get it and spend it. Young people who have these skills make wise decisions about spending. They know when and how to save. They can use money to make more money and can use money to manage emergencies. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Practice counting and adding numbers 2) Name different ways of exchanging money between people 3) Explain that both boys and girls can be responsible for money 4) Practice planning for a savings goal *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's lesson is called Respect all families Can you guess why I chose this topic? It is natural for adolescents to notice differences and similarities between your family and other families in your community. All families are unique! In this lesson we will learn not to be judgmental of these differences, but instead we will learn to accept and celebrate all the different types of families in Sierra Leone. After this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Describe different kinds of families 2. Name roles of family members 3. Consider how young people might feel being left out 4. Show respect for different kinds of families *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on: Setting a goal Why do you think we choose this topic? In previous episodes we have introduced you to new skills such as smart thinking and listening skills to help you cope with the challenges of growing up in Sierra Leone. Adolescents can also use life skills to set goals for themselves which can help them fulfil their dreams in the future! Everyone sets different goals for themselves at different stages of their lives and this is very useful. Understanding how to set a goal makes it easier for a person to set the right goals for themselves, at the right time. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define what is meant by goal setting 2) Explain the difference between short term and long term goals 3) Describe the six steps to reaching a goal 4) Reflect on some of the challenges in setting a long term goal *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Say no to Drugs! Why do you think we choose this topic? We chose it because it is important for young people to understand the facts about drugs and alcohol, including the risks involved in using them, so that they can make good decisions for their health and wellbeing. After this episode, you will be able to: i) Define terms such as drugs, dependence, and addiction ii) Recognise what are legal and illegal drugs iii) Explain some of the negative impacts drugs and alcohol can have in your life iv) Reflect on how peer pressure can negatively influence young people's choices about drugs and alcohol *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode is called Smoking Kills Why do you think we choose this topic? We chose it because it is important for young people to understand the facts about cigarettes and diamba, to understand the negative impacts that smoking has on your health and to be able to say no when people around you pressure you to smoke. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) List the substances in cigarettes and diamba that harm our health 2) Explain how smoking damages our lungs 3) Describe how you can say no to peer pressure to smoke *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on HIV Awareness Why do you think we choose this topic? In recent episode we learned about prevention of teenage pregnancy and some of the consequences of engaging in early sex, including early motherhood. Today, we will learn more about one of the health impacts of engaging in early sex called HIV, how this can be prevented and the consequences of getting a HIV infection from sex. This information will help you make informed decisions to delay sex and to help you know the facts in the future. After this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define the term HIV 2. Explain how to seek HIV testing and treatment 3. Dispel some myths about HIV 4. Understand how to prevent getting HIV *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on how Sex can cause sickness Why do you think we choose this topic? In recent episodes we learned about prevention of teenage pregnancy and some of the consequences of engaging in early sex, including early motherhood. Today, we will learn more about some of the health impacts of engaging in early sex, how these can be prevented and the consequences of getting an infection from sex. This information will help you make informed decisions to delay sex and to help you know the facts in the future. After this episode, you will be able to: i) Understand what is meant by the term Sexually Transmitted Infection/STI ii) List some of the Signs and Symptoms of STIs iii) Describe how to prevent the spread of STIs iv) Explain some of the consequences of STIs *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on more about contraceptives Why do you think we choose this topic? In our previous lessons we started to learn about how to prevent teenage pregnancy. In today's lesson we will continue to learn about ways that mature couples plan their families in Sierra Leone. When you plan your family, you can completed your education, achieve your goals and begin a family when the time is right. Today we are going to learn more ways to prevent pregnancy, which is information that will be useful to you in the future. This doesn't mean you are ready for sex, it just means that you are old enough to learn more about prevention. After this episode, you will be able to: i) List the ABCDEs of sex ii) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of the pill iii) Explain the advantages and disadvantages of contraceptive injections iv) Know where to get advice on family planning options *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on stop gender based violence Why do you think we choose this topic? In previous episodes we learned the about gender and that double standards means that men and boys are treated differently than woman and girls. Many children, both boys and girls may think it is okay to beat children and women in Sierra Leone. In this episode we will learn that any form of violence breaks the human rights of women and girls and that it is also against the law in Sierra Leone. After this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define the term gender based violence 2. Describe different forms of violence that women and men, boys and girls can experience 3. Understand that it is against the law to use violence against women and girls 4. Explain what you can do to protect yourself from violence We know that this is a very sensitive topic and there will be some difficult issues discussed in the following segments. If anything makes you feel upset, please find somebody you trust to speak with. *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Condoms for prevention Why do you think we choose this topic? In our last episode we started to learn about how to prevent teenage pregnancy. In today's episode we will continue to learn about ways that mature couples plan their families in Sierra Leone. When you plan your family, you can completed your education, achieve your goals and begin a family when the time is right. Today we are going to learn more ways to prevent pregnancy, which is information that will be useful to you in the future. This doesn't mean you are ready for sex, it just means that you are old enough to learn more about prevention. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) List the ABCDEs of sex 2) Define the term contraceptives 3) Explain the six steps of using a condom correctly 4) List the advantages of using condoms to prevent pregnancy and STIs *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Friendship and Shunning Why do you think we choose this topic? In the past few weeks we have been learning lots of new life skills like listening and smart thinking. These life skills will help us to be a good friend and to make good friends. It is important to make good friends when you are an adolescent, as you spend so much time together and rely on your friends for advice and guidance. When you know what makes a good friend, you will be a better one and you will choose your friends wisely. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Describe the qualities that make a good friend 2) Explain five different ways of resolving a conflict with friends 3) Understand why people talk about others 4) Practice including peers who have been shunned *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 Pregnancy prevention Why do you think we choose this topic? In the past few weeks we have been learning about what is sex, we have learned about friendly and romantic relationship and we have learned about the consequences when children get pregnant. Today we are going to learn about ways to prevent pregnancy, which is information that will be useful to you in the future. This doesn't mean you are ready for sex, it just means that you are old enough to learn more about prevention. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define the word prevention and understand who is responsible for pregnancy prevention 2) Describe the ABCDEs of sex 3) Define the term contraception and list facts about captain band *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 Thinking Why do you think we choose this topic? In the past few weeks we have been learning about smart thinking, communication and decision making These lifeskills will up to apply new ways of thinking. We will focus on how to come up with many different ideas about something, so that we can find solutions to challenges you face in life. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define new ways of thinking 2) Practice coming up with new ideas and new ways to think 3) Practice coming up with ideas to make new things *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Female Genital Mutilation - FGM harms girls Can you guess why I chose this topic? Female genital mutilation, which we also call FGM or Bondo, affects a lot of girls and women in Sierra Leone and indirectly impacts us all, whether you are a girl or a boy, a man or a woman. It is important for young people, such yourself, to learn what FGM is and why it is very harmful to girls. It is also important for us to think about common beliefs about FGM so that you can understand which ones are false and which ones are true. We will also consider what you as a young adolescent can do to stop FGM in your home or community. FGM is a very sensitive topic and we will be discussing some difficult issues. If you feel upset by anything in the segments, please find somebody you trust to speak with. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Explain what we mean by female genital mutilation and the different types that are practiced 2) Distinguish between facts and false beliefs about FGM 3) Understand why FGM is a human rights violation 4) Reflect on what you can do to stop FGM in your home or community *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on What is a relationship? Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because it is important for girls and boys to learn about sex and understand the positive and negative impacts that it can have on young people's wellbeing. It is also important to know how we can make clear and smart decisions regarding sex that we can apply in our lives as we grow up. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define what a relationship is 2) Recognise signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships 3) Explain how an unhealthy relationship can damage a person's self-worth 4) Describe ways of showing affection within a relationship that do not involve sex *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Clear Communication Why do you think we choose this topic? In the past few weeks we have been learning about listening and how to communicate with elders. We are continuing with communication this week. The focus for today will be on different communication styles and how we can become clear communicators with our friends and people around us. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Recognise how your actions and words can be used positively and negatively 2) Explain how communication styles can change the meaning of what we are saying 3) Apply strong communication styles in your lives *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Win-Win Communication Can you guess why we chose this topic? When we have disagreements, we have to work hard to prevent losing our friendships and relationships, so it is important for adolescents to learn WIN-WIN ways to listen and communicate – where both people are satisfied with the results. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Recognise how to clearly communicate your emotions 2) Apply the “Four Steps” model to resolving conflicts 3) Reflect on how to use a “Win-Win” approach to resolving conflicts with another person *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on When Children Get Pregnant Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because it is important for girls and boys to learn understand sex and the positive and negative impacts that it can have on young people's wellbeing. It is also important to know how we can make clear and smart decisions regarding sex that we can apply in our lives as we grow up. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Discuss sexual intimacy and the reasons why people become intimate 2) Evaluate your own and others' decision-making related to sex 3) Reflect on the physical, social and emotional consequences of teenage pregnancy *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on an Say no to Sex/ Say no to Mami-Dadi Business Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because as girls and boys grow up, it is natural to be more curious about sex and want to understand what it is. However as you learn about sex, it is essential that you learn the correct facts about sex and why it is important for children to not have sex until they are 18 years old or older. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define mami-dadi business 2) Recognise the responsibilities of being a mother or father 3) Explain reasons for why sex is for adults 4) Name two laws that protect children from unwanted sex *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Double Standards Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because it is important for girls and boys to learn how beliefs and judgements from our community about how girls and boys should behave can impact our lives. By becoming aware of this, we can find ways to make a positive difference to people around us. In today's lesson, we will be building on what we learned in our previous lesson “What is Gender”. We encourage you to think for yourselves about your views, especially regarding gender, and learn to apply critical thinking to test your assumptions. So we will not be focusing on what is the right or wrong viewpoint but encourage you to question your own ideas. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Recognise and define the term “double standards” 2) Reflect on Ella Koblo Gullama's story on how people around us can change double standards” 3) Consider how beliefs and judgments about boys and girls hinder their development *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on What is gender? Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because it is important for girls and boys to learn about the difference between sex and gender and to question our views about how girls and boys should behave. When we talk about sex and gender, these are topics that a lot of you will already have your own thoughts and views about. We want to encourage you to think for yourselves about your views, especially regarding gender, and learn to apply critical thinking to test your assumptions. So we will not be focusing on what is the right or wrong viewpoint but encourage you to question your own ideas. After this episode, you will be able: 1) To explain how girls and boys can do and feel the same things 2) Consider if boys and girls are able to do the same things 3) Rethink beliefs and judgments about boys and girls *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on communicating with elders Why do you think we choose this topic? We previously learned about listening skills and how listening is important to communicate well with friends. Now we are focusing on communicating with elders by using our listening skills and our critical thinking skills. Learning to communicate well and have a good relationship with elder is very important during adolescence and will help you cope with the changes that are taking place in this stage of life. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Consider some of the roadblocks when communicating with elders 2) Explain the 6 steps for effective communication with elders 3) Practice smarts ways to communicate with parents and elders *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's lesson will focus on listening skills Why do you think we choose this topic? Well we hope that you are all great listeners all ready, tuning into our programme every week. Listening skills are an important life skill that you continue to develop good communication with your peers and adults. How well you listen affects what you know and how you live. Good listening is a skill that takes practice. After this lesson, you will be able to: 1. Explain why listening skills are important 2. Practice listening skills with friends 3. Communicate well with elders *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's lesson will focus on New feelings in girls and boys. Can you guess why I chose this topic? That's because girls and boys around your age begin to experience stronger emotions and changed ways of behaving as they mature and become more aware of their presence and those of others. After this lesson, you will be able to: 1) Explain why girls' and boys' emotions and behavior change as they mature 2) Recognise and distinguish between Good Touch and Bad Touch 3) Demonstrate how and when to say “No” to Bad Touch *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on SMART Thinking. After this lesson, you will be able to: Define the term smart thinking Use smart thinking to make a choice Inspire other young people to question things Why do you think we chose this topic? It is important for both girls and boys to learn how to think carefully and weigh up the possible positive and negative effects of their actions, so that they can make good decisons. *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 episode will focus on Personal Hygiene. Why do you think we chose this topic? When we grow up and become adolescents, it becomes very important that we take good care of our bodies and keep ourselves clean. We can do this by maintaining personal hygiene. During times like the coronavirus pandemic, maintaining good personal hygiene can keep us, our families and our community safe and healthy. After this lesson, you will be able to: Describe what a germ is and how it is spreads Explain how hand-washing protects you from the spread of diseases Describe how to keep your body clean *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 episode will focus on Menstruation matters 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 in a girls' life. 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 episode is not only for girls - all boys should take part too, because you need to understand the menstrual cycle too! It is better to be informed than to remain unaware. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define the meaning of menstruation 2) Explain the process of the menstrual cycle 3) Understand how girls can manage their 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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode is titled: Girls and boys changing bodies Can you guess why I chose this topic? In Sierra Leone, it is often taboo for your parents to talk to you about your body, menses and other changes that happen as you grow. This is a time in your life when lots of body changes happen and you don't need to be afraid. All of these changes are normal and healthy. When you know about how your body matures and develops during adolescence you will be more prepared and less fearful. Our episode today will help you to gain this new life skill. After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Name the changes we can see in girls' and boys' bodies that happen as they grow 2) Explain that body changes in boys and girls are normal and healthy 3) Describe how boys and girls can manage the bodily changes that happen as they grow

Today's episode will focus on Qualities in me Why did we chose this topic? In this episode you will learn how to recognize the qualities you have. This is an important life skill because how we feel about ourselves affects our lives. When we respect ourselves and know the qualities that are important to us, we can make good friends. With self-respect, we believe we can! After this episode, you will be able to: 1) Define what is meant by the word quality 2) Describe the things you like about yourself 3) Identify things or qualities you like in other people *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode is titled: Welcome to I am somebody! Can you guess why I chose this topic? That is because life skills are very important to help you deal with the challenges of everyday life. As you listen to the episodes, you will get to know more about your own skills and abilities and will learn about many topics that are very important to adolescents. When we know life skills, we are better able to cope with all of the physical, emotional and social changes that happen as you grow into an adult. After this episode, you will be able to: 1. Define what is meant by the term life skills 2. Describe the four SAFE rules for the lifeskills show 3. List some life skills you would like to improve on 4. Consider how life skills can help us Our episodes will be a mixture of songs, stories, games and discussion to help you learn all about life skills while enjoying our show! *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.

Today's episode will focus on Child Rights and Responsibilities Why do you think we choose this topic? In previous episodes we learned about different laws that protect girls and boys from violence in Sierra Leone, including the Domestic Violence act and the Sexual Offences. Today we will look at the main legal protection for children, the Child Rights Act and we will learn about the wide range of rights afforded to children through this act. After this episode, you will be able to: 1. Explain what is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 2. List important parts of Child Rights' Act of 2007 3. Explain how rights come with responsibilities 4. Describe how to take action if your rights are not respected by adults *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 coordinated by the Directorate of Non-Formal Education, with support from UNFPA and Irish Aid.