- Nearly half of all schoolgirls do not possess the
necessary
life skills to survive in the modern world, according to a survey.
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- The research, commissioned by the Girl Guide Association,
revealed that basic skills such as money management, simple cookery and
even conversation were lacking in girls aged between eight and 15.
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- The report found that 40% of the girls questioned had
never even boiled an egg.
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- In the past, such skills were traditionally taught either
at school or in the home.
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- But new curriculum guidelines and more mothers going
out to work has meant less emphasis has been placed on basic life
skills.
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- The Guide Association will use the results from its
research
to develop and modify the activity programmes it organises for the benefit
of young girls.
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- Conducted over two months involving more than 400 girls
the main findings showed that:
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- * 40% of girls have never boiled an egg
* Nearly 50% of girls never learn about budgeting at home
* Nearly 50% never learn about saving or spending money at school
* And less than 2% of girls save any of their pocket money.
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- The survey also found that:
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- * 20% of girls never have a conversation with their
family
* 10% have never written a letter.
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- Finally, it was also revealed that only 20% have any
cooking responsibilities at home.
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- Caroline Waldegrave, principal of Leith's School of Food
and Wine in London, said she thought a "practical skills" course
at school could redress the balance.
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- "I would teach people simple things like jointing
a chicken, filleting fish and making pastry," she told BBC Radio 4's
Today programme.
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- "If you have practical skills, you are going to
save yourself a lot of money and give yourself an immense amount of
pleasure."
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- Feminist writer Yvonne Roberts said cookery had no place
in school and life lessons like those highlighted by the Guides' report
could be learned "in the home".
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- The Guide Association aims to redress the balance and
is looking for more leaders who will be able to pass on these basic life
skills to the future generation.
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- Denise King, chief executive of the Guide Association,
said: "Many of these skills are very important in enabling young girls
to go on and lead independent lives."
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- For more information on becoming a guide leader call
0800 169 5901. http://new
s.bbc.co.uk
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