Africa
Mastermind Community Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), has organized an emotional intelligence development program to equip students with essential life skills for personal and social growth.
The initiative, held in partnership with New Estate Baptist Secondary School Surulere, is part of the organizers’ activities to commemorate the annual Children’s Day 2026.
Children’s Day is a globally recognized holiday that aims to celebrate youth, promote children’s rights, and advocate for children’s welfare.
In Nigeria, this special day is celebrated on May 27th every year.
The program by Mastermind Foundation focused on instilling positive emotional habits that promote personal growth, social awareness, discipline, and responsible decision-making in school and society students.
In her speech, Ms. Vivian Ogene, founder of the Mastermind Community Foundation, said that today’s children face increasing emotional pressure from society, peers and exposure to digital media.
She explained that in today’s rapidly changing world, emotional intelligence is an important life skill for leadership, mental health, building confidence, conflict resolution, and personal growth.
According to her, children today are exposed to various emotional pressures from social media, peer influence and society, so emotional education is essential for balanced development.
“The program therefore fundamentally focuses on self-awareness, empathy, self-control, self-confidence, kindness, communication skills and responsible decision-making as essential tools for emotional balance and healthy relationships among students.
Ogene explained that beyond academic excellence, emotional intelligence must be intentionally taught to help students manage their emotions, build relationships, and make smarter long-term life decisions.
She advised children to always practice self-awareness, empathy, self-control, kindness, self-confidence, communication skills, responsible decision-making and prioritize emotional intelligence for a balanced and successful future.
Facilitator Rupa Wajapayee explained that simple breathing exercises can help students stop, think clearly, and respond calmly rather than reacting impulsively in situations of emotional pressure or conflict.
“We engaged our students by teaching them breathing techniques to manage stress, reduce anxiety, control anger, and improve concentration in difficult emotional situations,” Wajapayee added.
The Superintendent of New Estate Baptist Secondary School, Ms. Uche Agbazue, commended the initiative, saying it was timely and impactful in today’s world and extremely beneficial to the development of the students.
“This program has been extremely meaningful and has opened the students’ minds to emotional discipline, empathy and positive action. We are truly grateful to the Foundation for this commendable intervention.”
“For our part, we will encourage our students to apply the emotional intelligence skills they have learned here at school, at home and in the wider social environment for better outcomes,” Mr Agbazue added.
NAN reported that the students engaged in interactive activities related to self-confidence, communication, empathy, teamwork, building friendships, respecting others, and actively managing emotions in everyday life situations.
The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth through mentorship, education, and community-driven programs that promote psychological resilience and responsible citizenship.
F.O.
Tag: Children’s Day
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