Neftaly Pre-Camp Phase
Designing the Skill Development Curriculum
January SCDR.4.9.4 – 5-Day Skill Development Camp
Focus: Life and Social Skills Development
Objective:
To design a practical, youth-centered, and inclusive curriculum that equips participants with essential life and social skills through engaging, interactive learning experiences. This curriculum must be relevant to the real-life challenges faced by young people in various South African contexts and adaptable for both in-person and online delivery.
1. Collaboration with Experts
Curriculum Development Team:
Neftaly will assemble a diverse group of specialists, including:
- Youth Development Practitioners
- Educational Psychologists
- Life Skills Coaches
- Social Workers and Counselors
- Neftaly Alumni and Peer Educators
Collaboration Methods:
- Virtual and in-person design workshops
- Curriculum brainstorming sessions with a focus on relevance and innovation
- Review of existing Neftaly programs and international best practices
2. Curriculum Design Principles
A. Learner-Centered
- Designed around the needs, interests, and realities of youth aged 15–24
- Incorporates youth input from pre-camp surveys and community assessments
B. Skills-Based
- Focused on functional life skills and interpersonal competencies
- Emphasizes real-world application over theory
C. Interactive and Inclusive
- Encourages learning through participation, games, discussion, and reflection
- Adaptable for different learning styles and literacy levels
D. Scalable and Flexible
- Suitable for both face-to-face and virtual formats
- Modular design allows for easy customization
3. Key Curriculum Themes
DAY 1: Personal Development & Goal Setting
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Vision boarding and personal goal planning
- Activities: Identity collage, life journey map, SMART goals challenge
DAY 2: Practical Life Skills
- Budgeting and financial literacy
- Time management and prioritization
- Activities: Budget simulation, time-blocking games, personal planner creation
DAY 3: Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Critical thinking and evaluating consequences
- Making ethical and informed choices
- Activities: Scenario-based simulations, debate circles, group problem-solving tasks
DAY 4: Communication & Active Listening
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Listening to understand, not just to respond
- Activities: Role-plays, feedback games, empathy circle exercises
DAY 5: Conflict Resolution & Teamwork
- Managing emotions during conflict
- Working with diverse personalities
- Activities: Team-building challenge, conflict resolution role-play, leadership rotation game
4. Instructional Approach
Core Methods:
- Experiential Learning: “Learn by doing” through structured activities
- Facilitated Discussions: Reflection-based conversations to deepen insights
- Peer Collaboration: Group work and shared problem-solving
- Storytelling: Real-life youth success stories to inspire
Daily Components:
- Ice-breaker or energizer
- Thematic skill-building session
- Interactive exercise or simulation
- Group discussion or peer debrief
- Personal reflection and journaling
5. Supporting Materials
Participant Resources:
- Workbook including exercises, tips, and worksheets for each skill
- Planner and goal-setting templates
- Certificate of completion and action plan sheet
Facilitator Resources:
- Detailed session guides with objectives, timing, materials, and methods
- Suggested reflection questions and debrief tips
- List of adaptations for online facilitation
6. Curriculum Validation
Pilot Testing:
- Curriculum modules are piloted with a small group of youth before camp
- Feedback used to refine timing, clarity, and relevance
Approval Process:
- Final curriculum reviewed by Neftaly’s leadership and education quality team
- Aligned with Neftaly’s developmental framework and youth empowerment strategy
Key Deliverables:
- Complete 5-day curriculum with session plans, resources, and assessments
- Facilitator toolkit and digital copies of participant materials
- Pre-camp briefing with facilitators to ensure uniform understanding
- Pilot report and refinement notes
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