Introduction
Conscientization is an ongoing process by which a
learner moves toward critical consciousness. The English term
"conscientization" is a translation of the Portuguese term
conscientizacao, which is also translated as "consciousness raising"
and "critical consciousness". The term was popularized by Brazilian
educator, activist, and theorist Paulo Freire in his 1970 work Pedagogy of
the Oppressed.
This process is the heart of liberatory education. It
differs from "consciousness raising" in that the latter may involve
transmission of preselected knowledge. Conscientization means breaking through
prevailing mythologies to reach new levels of awareness—in particular,
awareness of oppression, being an "object" of others’ will rather
than a self-determining "subject. The process of conscientization involves
identifying contradictions in experience through dialogue and becoming part of
the process of changing the world.
As part of our B.Ed. curriculum, we organized a
conscientization programme during our first phase of school internship
programme in Vimala Hridaya Higher Secondary School for Girls, Kollam for the
students of standard IX. We eleven teacher trainees of different optional from
Karmela Rani Training College were there and each of us selected eleven
different topics. My topic for the Conscientization programme was “Self-Sufficient
Adulthood” and the topic covered facts about the necessity of being
self-reliant, self-sufficient, curious, independent and dedicated to one’s goal
in life. It promotes the habit of building self esteem and courage in students
to face the real world crisis. My Conscientization programme was conducted on 19th
of January 2023.
| Self-sufficiency is defined as the ability of
individuals to attain an acceptable level of functioning regarding specific
life-domains, such as daytime activities and social support. This ability could
either be achieved by the person him/herself or by adequately organizing help
from formal or informal care providers . Enhancing self-sufficiency in emerging
adults may contribute to a more successful transition from adolescence to
adulthood . This transitional period is typically defined as a separate phase
of emerging adulthood, a stage between adolescence and adulthood, which
primarily exists in Western countries. |
In this phase, adolescents transition from lower
secondary school to further education or the labor market. Moreover, a
transition occurs from dependence on parents to more autonomy and financial independence
and from youth health care to adult health care. These transitions induce
challenges for emerging adults in different life areas, e.g. finances,
education and employment, leisure time activities, and physical and mental
health behaviors. These challenges might account for a decline in health status
along with an increase in mental health problems and behaviors risky to health,
such as binge drinking, smoking, and being physically inactive.
Furthermore, the aforementioned transitions may result
in a gap between the (health care) needs of emerging adults and the provision
of care Therefore, having a critical awareness regarding self-sufficiency and
potentially associated (risk) factors could inform the development of programs
that aim to empower young adults’ functioning in daily life.
Objectives
· To
promote an awareness regarding the importance of socio-economic and cognitive
development in adulthood.
· To
help build self esteem and thereby promoting the polishing of underlying skills
in learners interest areas.
· To
ensure healthy transition from adolescence to adulthood.
· To
construct a strong foundation based on facts in preparing the individuals in
facing the challenges life offers.
· To
generate confidence in exploring the different arenas of life according to
their own choice.
What is Self-Sufficiency?
Self-sufficiency is the quality of feeling secure and
content with oneself, a deep-rooted sense of inner completeness and stability.
On a superficial level, it’s similar to secure self-esteem — it’s an estimation
of oneself as a worthy and decent person. But it goes deeper than secure
self-esteem, in that it’s not just a cognitive but also an affective state —
that is, it’s a feeling of fundamental wholeness and well-being.
Rather than thinking in terms of high or low — as with
self-esteem — it seems more appropriate to use the terms weak and strong for
self-sufficiency. People with strong self-sufficiency aren’t too concerned with
other people’s opinions of them. Slights don’t affect them so much, because
they have a deep-rooted sense of their own worth. Conversely, praise and blame
don’t affect them too much either, so that they never become too carried away
with their own good fortune or self-importance.
Ways to achieve Self-Sufficiency
 |
When you're getting your day started, are you thinking
about what you need to accomplish today, or are you solely focusing on what
others are doing? If you feel like your thought process has become dependent on
other people's actions, you should know that there are some ways to be more
self-sufficient.
·
Increase Your Self-Esteem
Sometimes
becoming more self-sufficient means you need to look deep inside yourself. You
can empower yourself by increasing self-esteem and self-compassion. Doing this
while working to master new skills can help to reinforce that you have the
ability to provide for your own well-being, making you more self-sufficient.
·
Learn To Be Comfortable With Your
Independence
As you grow up, you may go through some tough
obstacles that will make you a strong, independent person. But sometimes life
happens and you lose your sense of independence. Learn good self care habits
including getting enough sleep, eating well, taking time for yourself, and
having a good work or school, and life balance.
·
Be More Assertive
If we assert
our feelings by telling others what we truly want from them, we not only gain
more respect interpersonally, but we become more emotionally independent as a
result. Assertiveness is an expression that conveys that your opinions and
feelings hold the same weight as those of other people
·
Comprehend What Causes Dependence
·
Spend Time With Other People
Even though you know the person like the back of your
hand, it can become unhealthy if the thought of spending time with other people
gives your anxiety. Renew your friendships, make new ones, spend time with
healthy family members, and network so that your needs will be met by more than
one person at once.
Impact of the Programme
The awareness programme was found to be effective. Students got clarity on how to boost their self-esteem, have faith in their own goals and the need for developing the habit of being self-sufficient in their lives. They also learned the new ways to perceive the obstacles in life yet to come. The use of PPT proved to be helpful for them in having a better understanding of the topic. They are also given an awareness as to maintain a healthy perspective towards everything in life and an open mind in embracing the inevitable changes.
 |
Conclusion
The programme was found to be effective. It provided
the students a sense of self-esteem and a feeling of strength to make wise
decisions in life , a power to make their own choices. They were interested in
attending the programme. Thus the programme became a fruitful one.
