Twelve-week esteem-building workshop for kids

Together with licensed psychologist, Linda Dianne Tees, and seasoned DTF trainer, Claire Jacques, they have created a 12-week workshop, called ESTEEM (Enhancing Self Confidence, Team Spirit, Education, Expression and Mental Focus), for kids between the ages of 9 and 12 years old, who are experiencing learning difficulties. ESTEEM’s goal is to enable kids to feel better about themselves and to emphasize that they can indeed function successfully at school as well as with their friends and family.

�Escalating numbers in the classroom and budget cuts to education, make it increasingly more difficult for these kids to get the attention that they need in order to succeed, as teachers have neither the time nor the necessary resources,� explains Anik. “The longer a child lives with these difficulties, the more immobilized they become. They don’t understand why they don’t seem able to do what other kids can accomplish with no apparent effort and, through unfair comparison, they assume they are stupid, lazy or just plain bad.�

It’s easy to see how learning disabilities, left untreated, can create problems in the future. With the onslaught of adolescence and peer pressure, feeling inadequate and isolated can create teenagers who act out through sex, substance abuse and gambling. Gangs become havens for teenagers who feel that they, as well, are outcasts.

“This workshop is an ideal way for young children to find avenues of hope and well-being, in a fun, yet professionally structured, environment,� adds Anik. “Through direct support, expression and creation, these kids can become more self confident and develop a healthy sense of self worth."