This working paper is based on a literature review and country case studies in six Sub-Saharan African countries: Eritrea, Mali, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania. It looks at the role of secondary education and training in promoting health, civics and life skills among the African youth. Specifically, this study focuses on examining which schooling programs are effective in equipping young people with life skills, which programs reduce dropout and increase participation and how schools can become agents in tackling health and social issues.