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From Intention to Impact – Designing a Soft Skills Framework for Schools

By Dr. Catherine Goodall Jackson



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The call to teach soft skills in schools needs to grow louder, especially in the Caribbean. We’ve talked about confidence, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, and leadership. But here’s the question that remains: How do we actually implement this?

We don’t need more rhetoric. We need a roadmap. A blueprint that bridges inspiration with execution. And we need it urgently, because the longer we delay, the more we risk raising a generation that knows how to memorize, but not how to lead.


Soft skills don’t need a separate subject line. They can be woven into existing subjects, seamlessly and powerfully.


Here are some ways how:

  • Reflections in English and Literature can explore empathy, values, and mindset.

  • Group work in Science and Business can teach teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership rotation.

  • Debates and oral presentations in Social Studies can build communication, persuasion, and confidence.

  • Project-based learning can encourage problem-solving, time management, and resilience.

  • Digital media assignments can incorporate online etiquette, self-awareness, and expression.

This isn’t about adding more to the curriculum; it’s about adding more meaning to what already exists.


At the heart of this lies a foundational truth: Leadership starts from within.That’s why I am developing the “Simple Steps Introspection and Intention” guide, which can be embedded into school culture and subject areas through 10 essential pillars:


S – Self-image & Self-Discipline

I – Intention, Core Values

M – Mindset, Choices & Consequences

P - Purpose & Perseverance

L - Learning and Leading with Love

E- Excellence


Each principle is tied to practical activities—reflection journals, role-plays, team challenges, peer interviews, and values-based writing prompts.


These aren't just “life skills.” They are leadership accelerators.


A strong framework goes beyond the classroom. It incorporates real-world exposure and community-based learning.

  • Mentorship Programs: Pair students with professionals, entrepreneurs, and local leaders who model emotional intelligence, ethical leadership, and resilience.

  • Service-Learning Projects: Let students lead change. From school clean-ups to social impact campaigns, they learn planning, collaboration, and reflection through action.

  • Parent-Teacher Workshops: Train adults in soft skills, too. When parents and teachers model emotional literacy, students learn by example.

  • Journaling & Portfolios: Encourage students to track their leadership growth and reflect regularly—fostering accountability and self-awareness.


Whether in Jamaica, Guyana, Barbados, or beyond, our youth are navigating unprecedented complexity, social media pressures, economic uncertainty, post-pandemic trauma, and rapidly shifting cultural norms. They don’t just need to know what to do. They need to know who they are!


Teaching soft skills is how we build grounded, resilient, and emotionally intelligent future leaders; leaders who will not only succeed but also lead with purpose and power.

Would you support soft skills being part of the national curriculum? Yes or No?

Share your thoughts below and consider sharing this with a policymaker, teacher, or parent who may benefit from seeing it.


 

 
 
 

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