The “I Feel Confident” program by Dove and Hope For Children CRC Policy Center empowers Cypriot students aged 10 to 17 to embrace healthy body image and self-confidence, tackling social media’s impact on self-perception with educational resources for students, teachers, and parents. Launched in 2022, this initiative has already reached over 1,000 youths, fostering a future where young people can navigate life confidently amidst societal challenges.
What is the “I Feel Confident” programme by Dove and Hope For Children CRC Policy Center?
The “I Feel Confident” programme is an educational initiative by Dove and Hope For Children CRC Policy Center that aims to foster healthy body image and self-confidence in youth. It addresses social media’s impact on self-perception and provides resources for students, teachers, and parents to manage appearance-related stress and promote self-assurance. Over 1,000 Cypriot students aged 10 to 17 have been empowered through this program.
Empowering Youth Through Positive Self-Image
Dove, in partnership with Hope For Children CRC Policy Center, has proudly shared the progress of the “I Feel Confident” programme during a press event on April 15, 2024. Hosted at the Education Ministry and honored by Minister Dr Athena Michaelidou, the initiative has reached over 1,000 students aged 10 to 17. Launched in 2022, this educational effort is designed to foster a healthy body image and self-confidence in young Cypriots.
The campaign stems from Dove’s global “Dove Self Esteem” project, inaugurated in 2004, which addresses the adverse effects of social media on youth self-perception. In Cyprus, the collaboration with Hope For Children has gained validation by the Education and Culture Ministry, tailoring the project to local needs.
Tackling Social Media’s Impact on Self-Image
The “I Feel Confident” programme stands out by employing an experiential learning approach. Hope For Children’s trained staff engage with students in secondary schools, dissecting the prevailing beauty standards perpetuated by social media. These discussions aim to equip children with strategies to manage appearance-related stress and bolster their self-assurance.
Yet, the program’s reach goes beyond classrooms; it also encompasses educational resources for teachers and parents. Such a comprehensive approach ensures that the various stakeholders in a child’s life are well-equipped to navigate issues of self-confidence and body image.
A Future of Confidence and Empowerment
Minister Michaelidou lauded the initiative, highlighting the Education Ministry’s commitment to this significant endeavor. The synergy between Dove, Hope For Children, and the government underscores a shared dedication to youth empowerment, equipping them to thrive amidst modern societal challenges.
Nikos Benioudakis, Head of Marketing at Unilever Tseriotis Cyprus, reflected on Dove’s longstanding mission to redefine beauty norms. He detailed the brand’s ambitious goal: by 2030, aid over 250 million youths in embracing their natural beauty. Cyprus’s “I Feel Confident” programme exemplifies this global pledge by educating a notable fraction of the island’s secondary school students within two years, aiming for even more substantial outreach by 2027.
The Power of Education in Changing Perceptions
Andria Neocleous, Hope For Children CRC Policy Center’s Executive Director, emphasized the transformative influence of education. Through learning, deep-seated biases and stereotypes that affect many children can be dismantled. The cooperation between Dove, the non-profit organization, and the Ministry is slated to continue, introducing the program into more schools and gathering data to refine future strategies.
Those interested in the “I Feel Confident” programme can reach out to Hope For Children CRC Policy Center for more information. Through collective effort and continued advocacy, the initiative is poised to shape a future where young people can navigate life confidently, unburdened by the weight of societal expectations.
What is the “I Feel Confident” programme by Dove and Hope For Children CRC Policy Center?
The “I Feel Confident” programme is an educational initiative by Dove and Hope For Children CRC Policy Center that aims to foster healthy body image and self-confidence in youth. It addresses social media’s impact on self-perception and provides resources for students, teachers, and parents to manage appearance-related stress and promote self-assurance. Over 1,000 Cypriot students aged 10 to 17 have been empowered through this program.
How does the “I Feel Confident” programme tackle social media’s impact on self-image?
The program employs an experiential learning approach where trained staff engage with students in secondary schools to dissect prevailing beauty standards perpetuated by social media. Through discussions, children are equipped with strategies to manage appearance-related stress and bolster their self-assurance. Additionally, educational resources are provided for teachers and parents to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing issues of self-confidence and body image.
What is the significance of the “I Feel Confident” programme in Cyprus?
The initiative has gained validation by the Education and Culture Ministry in Cyprus, highlighting a commitment to youth empowerment in the face of societal challenges. Launched in 2022, the program has already reached over 1,000 students aged 10 to 17, with plans for further outreach and refinement of strategies in the coming years. The collaboration between Dove, Hope For Children, and the government underscores a shared dedication to fostering a future where young people can navigate life confidently.
How can individuals learn more or get involved with the “I Feel Confident” programme?
Those interested in the “I Feel Confident” programme can reach out to Hope For Children CRC Policy Center for more information. The organization continues to advocate for youth empowerment and works towards shaping a future where young people can embrace their natural beauty and navigate life confidently.