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Life Skills
Section 5: Community and Environment
Module 1:

Community Participation & Change Makers

What You'll Learn?

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

Explain the meaning of community participation and active citizenship.
Identify key community actors supporting education and welfare.
Demonstrate respectful collaboration with community structures.
Plan and implement small, positive actions that make a difference.
Materials
Chart paper
Markers
Sticky notes
Community structure pictures (e.g., Mothers’ Clubs, Councils, SMCs)
Sample community map

Methodology

  • Storytelling
  • Group discussion
  • Mapping exercises
  • Role-plays
  • Action planning

Introduction

Community participation means everyone working together for a shared environment. Students, teachers, and families all have vital roles. In The Gambia, Mothers’ Clubs support feeding and hygiene, and Change Maker Clubs encourage youth leadership. Learners identify needs, engage community structures, and carry out small projects — for example, cleaning school compounds, mentoring, and awareness sessions.

Activities

Activity 1: Story — The Change Makers Club in Bansang

Students noticed litter and blocked drains. With Mothers’ Club support, they did a clean-up, made “Keep Our School Clean” signs, and involved the town council.

  • What steps made the activity successful?
  • How did they involve adults?

Activity 2: Mapping Our Community

Draw a map of your village or town, labelling structures like the Alkalo, councillor, Mothers’ Club, youth groups, and SMC. Show how each connects with the school.

Activity 3: Role-Play

Groups act out how students can engage community elders respectfully to suggest improvements.

Key Ideas

Active Citizenship:Participating responsibly in community life.
Community Structures:Groups or leaders that guide and support local development.
Volunteerism:Offering time and effort for the common good.

Key Messages

  • Every student can be a Change Maker.
  • Working together builds stronger communities.
  • Respectful engagement creates lasting partnerships.

Assessment and Reflection

AreaTool / MethodExamples / Indicators
KnowledgeOral quizDefine community participation; list two community structures.
AttitudesObservation / journalShows enthusiasm for helping others.
Skills / BehaviourDemonstrationParticipates in school or community activity.
Follow-upOne-week reviewReports progress on individual or group actions.

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

Practice questionsNext module