Raise your hand if you have ever compared yourself to somebody else and felt you were not good enough.”
The session began with this simple question. In the quiet that followed, nearly every hand of the individuals at the session went up. That shared moment of vulnerability was the foundation for a powerful conversation about a topic that touches us all: self-esteem.
In a world of constant updates and digital highlights, it is easy for young people to fall into the comparison trap. Success feels public, while struggles feel private. Self-worth can become dangerously tied to external achievements, leaving confidence fragile. We believe that true empowerment is about building the internal resilience to navigate the world with a strong sense of self.
Creating a Space for Affirmation
To counter this, our session was designed to shift the focus from external validation to internal strength. We moved beyond theory and into practice with activities that encouraged participants to see themselves and their peers in a new light.
One of our core exercises was a simple circle of affirmation. A piece of paper was passed around, and on it, each participant wrote a positive quality about the person whose name was at the top. When the writings were read aloud, the space filled with quiet smiles, surprised laughter, and profound moments of recognition. For many, it was the first time they had ever heard some of the positive words written about themselves.
The Power of Being Seen
We asked two guiding questions: “What is something you usually don’t see in yourself?” and “What compliment are you taking home with you today?” The answers were moving. A young man was surprised that people found him funny and a source of joy. A young woman shared that she is sometimes nervous, her peers see this as a calm presence. This beautiful moment showed how a perceived weakness can be a hidden strength.
By the end of the session, the atmosphere had transformed. The room felt lighter, not just because of the compliments shared, but because of the permission everyone had been given to see their own inherent value.
More Than Digital Skills
Our mission through Okiri is to provide holistic support that equips young people with the confidence, sense of belonging, and self-belief they need to thrive. Building self-esteem is a critical pillar of this work. It is about helping each individual recognize their unique potential and step forward with courage, both online and off.
This session was a small but meaningful step on that journey. It served as reminder that when we create an environment where young people feel truly seen and valued by others, they can finally begin to see and value themselves.