Reasons for our campaign

More and more young people are starting their education lacking the fundamental skills of speaking and listening.

When children start out in life lacking these skills, the effects can follow them right through their development and even to job recruitment. Employers say that many university leavers lack the necessary teamwork, leadership and communication skills.

Our research showed that less than 50% of young people felt that adults were listening to them and acting on what they’d said.

Research by UNESCO shows that young people who develop their life skills will see many benefits:

• Improved social behaviour
• Decreased negative, self-destructive behaviour
• Improved self-image, self-awareness, social and emotional adjustment
• Decreased violent behaviour
• Increased acquisition of knowledge
• Improved classroom behaviour