On 12th March 2025, YUVA India conducted a self-confidence and self-esteem session for the children at SUPPORT Boys Group’s centre in Santacruz. Led by Ms Vanita Salunke, the session aimed to nurture self-awareness and encourage positive self-belief among the young participants. The event was attended by Mr Santosh, Probation Officer, along with five supportive staff members and one attendant from SUPPORT NGO, ensuring a guided and engaging experience for the children.

Embracing Individuality: A Self-Reflection Activity

To initiate the session, Ms Vanita introduced a Mirror Worksheet with the thought-provoking question: ‘Why am I different from others?’ The children were given 20 minutes to write about themselves, highlighting their unique qualities and strengths.

For some children, this was a new and challenging exercise, as they had never been asked to reflect on their individuality before. While older children could write independently, Ms Vanita and the SUPPORT staff assisted the younger ones in expressing their thoughts. The aim was to help every child recognise their self-worth and develop a positive self-image.

Expressing Identity: Sharing Personal Strengths and Interests

After completing the worksheet, Ms Vanita encouraged the older children to share their reflections with the group. Many spoke about their hobbies and passions, such as playing football, listening to music, drawing, and dancing. Through this discussion, the children realised that their interests are not just pastimes but essential aspects of their personality.

Ms Vanita highlighted the importance of good habits and personal strengths, explaining that these qualities stay with us throughout life and should be nurtured. She emphasised that hobbies and skills are not just sources of enjoyment but also tools for self-growth and success.

The Role of Self-Confidence in Personal Development

Self-confidence is the foundation of personal and professional success. It enables individuals to believe in their abilities, take risks, and overcome challenges. Ms Vanita explained that self-confidence is built through:

• Recognising personal strengths – Acknowledging one’s talents fosters motivation.
• Embracing imperfections – Mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning.
• Encouraging oneself and others – A positive mindset builds resilience.
• Trying new things – Stepping out of one’s comfort zone strengthens self-belief.

Through real-life examples, she illustrated how self-confident individuals are more likely to seize opportunities, express their opinions, and pursue their dreams without fear of failure.

Understanding Self-Esteem: Valuing Oneself

While self-confidence is about believing in one’s abilities, self-esteem is about valuing oneself as a person. Ms Vanita encouraged the children to appreciate their own worth by listing three things they liked about themselves. Some children mentioned their kindness, creativity, and intelligence, while others spoke about their physical abilities and skills.

This simple yet powerful exercise boosted the children’s self-esteem, helping them understand that they are valuable, unique, and worthy of respect.

The Emotional Impact: Encouragement and Positive Change

As the session progressed, a visible transformation took place. Initially hesitant children began to open up, sharing their thoughts with newfound confidence.

For many, this was the first time they had been encouraged to reflect on their own strengths and aspirations. The session not only educated but also emotionally empowered them, creating an environment where they felt safe, appreciated, and motivated.

Developing Good Habits for a Brighter Future

Ms Vanita spoke about the significance of building positive habits that contribute to lifelong success. She explained that qualities such as discipline, perseverance, and kindness play a crucial role in shaping one’s future.

• Discipline – Setting goals and staying committed helps achieve long-term success.
• Perseverance – Hard work and determination enable individuals to overcome challenges.
• Kindness and empathy – Treating others with respect builds strong relationships and a positive community.

She encouraged the children to continue developing their hobbies and skills, explaining that dedication to one’s interests can open doors to great opportunities in the future.

Key Takeaways from the Session

1. Every child is unique – Understanding and embracing one’s individuality is the first step towards self-confidence.
2. Mistakes are stepping stones to success – Learning from errors fosters growth and improvement.
3. Positive habits shape the future – Good habits lead to self-discipline and personal achievements.
4. Encouragement creates confidence – Supporting oneself and others fosters a positive and inspiring environment.
5. Self-belief leads to success – Having faith in oneself enables individuals to face challenges and reach their full potential.

A Hopeful Future: Empowering the Next Generation

By the end of the session, there was a sense of empowerment and optimism among the children. They left with a renewed sense of confidence and self-esteem, motivated to embrace their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

The collaboration between YUVA India and SUPPORT Boys Group demonstrated the transformative power of self-awareness, guidance, and encouragement. By nurturing self-confidence and self-esteem, we help young minds build a foundation for a brighter, more successful future.

YUVA India remains dedicated to empowering children and young individuals, ensuring that they recognise their worth, capabilities, and potential to achieve great things.