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Life Skills
Section 4: Skills for Life and Work
Module 1:

Decision-making & Leadership

What You'll Learn?

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Explain what decision-making and leadership mean.
Identify steps in making responsible decisions.
Demonstrate inclusive and accountable leadership.
Show fairness and empathy when leading or participating.
Materials
Story handout “Haddy’s Choice at Brikamaba School”
Flipchart
Markers
Leadership cards
Decision Steps worksheet

Methodology

  • Storytelling
  • Group discussion
  • Role-play
  • Reflection journals
  • Peer exchange

Introduction

Decision-making and leadership are foundational life skills that shape how young people handle everyday choices from schoolwork to friendships. In adolescence, peer influence and social expectations can make decisions difficult. This lesson helps learners understand that every decision has consequences and that leaders use fairness, empathy, and responsibility to guide others. Students explore real-life dilemmas such as copying homework, supporting a friend in trouble, or leading a school project. They learn that good decisions follow a logical process: identifying the issue, considering options, weighing outcomes, acting wisely, and reflecting afterward. Leadership is presented not as control but as service to others.

Activities

Activity 1: Story – “Haddy’s Choice”

Haddy, a class monitor, refused to mark friends present when they were late. Her fairness earned respect. Discuss what pressures she faced and what made her a good leader.

Activity 2: Decision Ladder Simulation

Groups act out dilemmas (peer pressure, cheating, bullying) using the five decision steps.

Activity 3: Leadership Tree Exercise

Each student draws a tree with roots (values) and branches (actions) to show how honesty or teamwork supports growth.

Reflection: Share a time you made a difficult decision and what you learned.

Key Ideas

Decision-Making:Choosing the best action after thinking about consequences.
Leadership:Influencing others positively through respect and fairness.
Teamwork:Working together toward a shared goal.
Responsibility:Owning your actions and outcomes.

Key Messages

  • True leaders serve, not rule.
  • Every choice has consequences.
  • Integrity and empathy build trust.

Assessment and Reflection

AreaTool / MethodExamples / Indicators
KnowledgeOral quiz / worksheetIdentify the five decision steps; describe qualities of a good leader.
AttitudesReflection journal / sharing circleShows fairness and empathy when making choices or leading a group.
Skills / BehaviourRole-play / observationApplies decision steps in peer scenarios; demonstrates team leadership and accountability.
Follow-upOne-week reviewThe teacher notes examples of students taking initiative or showing responsible leadership in class activities.

Finished this lesson? Mark it complete, then try the practice questions.