Effect of Life skills on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship In Uganda:

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of life skills on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship in Uganda. It focused on 12 community-based associations recognized by the Community Development Offices in Busoga Region including Bugiri, Mayuge, Luuka, Bugweri, Buyende, and Kaliro. The specific objectives were; (1) to determine the relationship between the personal skills developed and youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship; (2) to assess the relationship between developed social roles and youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship; and (3) to analyze the effect of common family values on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship. A survey questionnaire approach was used for data collection from the different youths who were registered members in 12 community-based associations. The study reveals that social roles developed have a positive and significant influence on youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship (β = .662, t = 5. 636, p = 0.0001). Similarly, family values were found to have a significant influence on the youth empowerment to practice entrepreneurship (β = .370, t = 3.311, p < 0.0001). On the contrary, it is also revealed here that the current personal skills emphasized in the youths today have a negative influence on their empowerment to practice entrepreneurship (β = -.318, t = 6.576, p < 0.0001). It was concluded therefore that there is need for both parents and educators to integrate life skills which focus on problem solving, decision making, creative and critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, self-awareness, coping with stress and emotions, among others. Meanwhile, both the government and parents have a gargantuan task to ensure that appropriate personal skills relevant to entrepreneurship practice are inculcated in the youths because the present have negative impact on entrepreneurship development initiative. Keywords: Life skills, Entrepreneurship, Social Roles, Personal Skills, Family Values