Self-esteem Can Also Be Learned

Funded Aug 14, 2024

The idea that all kids are resilient is a fallacy. Their nonchalant attitude is mainly a coping mechanism rather than a display of mental and emotional strength. Our self-esteem improvement project is definitely a work in progress.

Initially, students were apprehensive about the mini-journals. However, by establishing a simple rule – names on the front and absolute privacy – I reassured them of a safe space for self-expression. At first, some wrote, some doodled, and some just wrote their names. But as time went on, more students wrote in their journals and even asked for extra time to complete their thoughts. I started providing prompts to encourage those who were hesitant but never making it a mandatory task.

This simple strategy of providing students with the space and time to sort out their emotions had also strengthen my relationship with them. We extended our project to write notes to those affected by hurricane Helene and use some of the materials to create new classroom teams to promote collaboration.

The only part of the supplies that did not work as intended was the Tibetan singing bowl. We wanted to use it for meditation, but the kids got hooked on the sound. A they learned how it works, they began challenging in each other to see who can make it "sing" the longest, longest, and even "free style" it. Now they ask to use it and even show off to other classes.

Thanks to your donation, I've witness joy, hope, and creativity grow. There is still more work to do but I could not have gotten this far without you.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Odife