1. The Pro-Skills’ background theory & philosophy

2. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy World rapid change requiring more special competences + Global financial crisis = Large number of vulnerable people at great risk of inactivity, social exclusion and social benefits’ dependence!

3. These people are not unskilled but, because being victims of specific conditions or entire society, perceive themselves as powerless. It’s fundamental to offer them the opportunity to work on and enhance basic skills.  Empowerment The aim is to empower and connect people to take active part in changing conditions in their life. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

4. WHO definition: abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life important protective factors to help people not to get lost in adversity maintaining self-esteem and self-confidence, internal locus of control and a sense of life purpose as well as social support from family, friends and community may be directed towards personal actions or actions towards others, as well as towards actions to change the surrounding environment making it conducive to health Life-skills Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

5. It is demonstrated that life-skills programmes improve learning processes and teaching methods. Life-skills education is based on studies conducted on the way human grow and learning, acquisition of knowledge, attitudes, skills and behave… Life-skills in Lifelong Learning Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

6. life-skills education improves self-efficacy self-efficacy as self-confidence towards learning self-efficacy is not an innate capacity but it is learnt during life-time, can increase or be reduced depending on life-events life-long learning process Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

7. Empowerment empowerment Maintain social support LIFE-SKILLS Learning LIFE-LONG LEARNING Coping life-events SELF-EFFICACY EMPOWERMENT Change situation Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

8. Life-skills are related to the sense of empowerment “the process by which people increase control over events that influence their lives” SELF-EFFICACY Self-regulation Self-efficacy and self-regulation are strictly related to the possibility to use one’s own competences and resources and activate life-skills. On the other hand life-skills are necessary to be able to face problems and situations and improve self-efficacy. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

9. The focus on personal key competences to manage life-events also affects the capacity of organizations, groups with similar interests and community to influence life-environment and health behaviour. Pro-Skills’ interest is also in the change of societal structures. Pro-Skills training of basic skills in socially disadvantaged adults aims at promoting an “inclusive” perspective into society. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

10. This specific view of society and human beings makes Pro-Skills concept based on certain ethical, philosophical and pedagogical aspects. These views must be communicated to our participants to obtain legitimacy, as a first step towards learning. Every human being has the right to decide about his own process of development and learning. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

11. These philosophical and ethical principles also guide Pro-Skills’ methodology and concept of Lifelong Learning. This coherence can help a change in learning process and societal structures, not only get people ready for the market. Our aim with Pro-Skills training is to add value in life and in health. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

13. Pro-Skills concept is a piece of work in progress that needs further development and improvement. We are aware that it should be integrated into a wider programme of interventions, enhancing stakeholders' involvement and social dialogue at different levels between public services (social and health), education and training providers to address the high goal of a more fair and healthy society. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy

14. By testing this training proposal, trainers who want to embrace the Pro-Skills concept and philosophy could have the opportunity to discuss and reflect upon their role within the complex learning and social needs of this changing world. Pro-Skills’ background philosophy