Report on the "Mentor Me" Initiative for Children, Young Persons for Sustainable Development
Introduction
Research consistently highlights that children and young persons face significant mental, emotional, and psychological challenges that hinder their productivity and overall well-being. These challenges are often exacerbated by negative experiences such as name-calling, ridicule for mistakes, and intimidation by parents, guardians, coaches, and teachers. Such interactions contribute to low self-esteem, fostering self-doubt, people-pleasing behaviors, and a constant need for external validation. These issues not only increase the risk of mental health struggles but also make young individuals vulnerable to recruitment by organized criminal groups (OCGs) as they seek acceptance and recognition. Low self-esteem impedes personal growth, limits potential, and can lead to a lack of initiative, poor decision-making, and dependency on others. If unaddressed, these challenges may perpetuate cycles of vulnerability, impacting families and communities through poor choices and diminished self-reliance.
"Mentor Me" Initiative
The "Mentor Me" program is a collaborative intervention led by the Rangers International Football Club Foundation in partnership with the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. Targeting teenagers in underserved communities, the initiative aims to instill values of discipline, high moral standards, and resilience. Through a combination of sports-based development activities and structured sessions, the program builds participants' physical, social, mental, emotional, and psychological capacities. The goal is to empower young individuals to overcome low self-esteem, transform fears and anxieties into strengths, and pursue their career aspirations with confidence.
"Mentor Me" Activity at Ugbodogwu Primary School 1 & 2, Trans Ekulu
On July 11, 2025, the Rangers International Football Club Foundation, in collaboration with the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation/Coli Mental Health Academy, conducted a "Mentor Me" event at Ugbodogwu Primary School 1 & 2, Trans Ekulu. The event, themed "Low Self-Esteem as a Stopper," targeted children and young persons in the community. Participants were organized into groups to maximize engagement and measurable outcomes, leveraging sports for development as a key tool.
The program included practical sessions on:
- Self-awareness and personal identity
- Decision-making and critical thinking
- Brain health prioritization
- Managing screen addiction and fostering a positive digital footprint
- Setting healthy boundaries and emotional regulation
- Maintaining focus and resilience in the face of criticism or negative labels
These sessions were designed to equip participants with the tools to navigate challenges, build self-confidence, and pursue their authentic selves.
Measurable Outcomes
The event yielded significant outcomes, with participants demonstrating a clear understanding of low self-esteem and its impact on their mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Through interactive activities, they showcased their ability to overcome negative self-perception and harness their experiences to foster personal growth. Key takeaways included:
- Recognition that while they cannot control others' words or actions, they can control their reactions and maintain emotional resilience.
- An affirmation of their unique identities, with a commitment to living authentically rather than conforming to external expectations.
- A resolve to continuously discover their potential and pursue self-reliance.
Participants left the event empowered with practical strategies to manage low self-esteem, make informed decisions, and unlock their potential, contributing to their personal development and the broader goal of sustainable community growth.
Conclusion
The "Mentor Me" initiative represents a vital step toward addressing the mental and emotional challenges faced by children and young persons in underserved communities. By fostering resilience, self-awareness, and critical life skills, the program equips participants to overcome barriers to personal growth and resist negative influences, paving the way for productive, self-reliant, and empowered futures.
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation