Karidat reminds youth of self-esteem

Karidat House of Manhoben reminded the CNMI youth about building self-esteem through a one-day workshop held Friday at the Pacific Islands Club.

Thirty-eight students from private and public schools attended the event namely from Hopwood Junior High School, Mount Carmel School, William S. Reyes Elementary School, San Antonio Elementary School, Koblerville Elementary School and Saipan International School.

HOM Youth coordinator Ling Taman said the workshop was a first for Karidat. She said the workshop would not have been held without the grant from the Criminal Justice Planning Agency.

The objective of the workshop, said Taman, was to establish to the current youth the confidence that they need for a better future. She said with appropriate self-esteem, the youth could veer away from troubles and violence in school and in the community.

She also said the workshop became a venue for the private and public schools to come together in a noteworthy seminar. She said she was touched when some of the students shed tears while the topic on violence was being discussed.

Taman was one of the speakers during the workshop. WSR Elementary School counselor Rebecca Flores led the icebreaker in the morning and also spoke about “The Power of Praise: A Day in the Life of Bluiy” and talked about injury and violence in the community and the schools.

Community Guidance Center Child Family therapist Percy Boddy Torres and Tobacco Prevention coordinator Mona Manglona also facilitated in the workshop through a “Lego and Planks” activities. Certificates of participation were distributed to the participants.

Taman said she was grateful for the cooperation and presentations of the speakers. She also noticed the good communication and interaction between the private and public school students during the workshop.

She added that the workshop, if again provided another grant, should be held again next year.

“The children are even suggesting that the same workshop should be conducted again for the CNMI youth,” Taman said.

Volunteers Carol Masga and Dee Taman helped in the facilitation of the workshop yesterday. Masga said the youth should always remember that they should always keep an open mind and should never neglect to praise others especially for their good deeds that could boost the youth’s self-confidence and self-esteem.