NLP session for underprivileged kids to boost confidence

Mumbai: In a novel initiative, two city-based social entrepreneurs are working on transforming the lives of underprivileged children by helping them build a strong character and enhance their interest in studies.

By using neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) techniques, they are focusing on tackling various issues, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to help them improve focus.

The five-day NLP session is being conducted since December 9 by international tech author and School of Excellence founder Antano Solar John and Harini Ramachandran, a playback singer and soft skills trainer, for nearly 300 underprivileged children, 7-16 years of age, from some missionary schools in Mumbai.

The free one-on-one session will help the children overcome their respective personal challenges and be more dedicated in their lives, they said.

"Children sometimes suffer from low confidence, lack of focus and vision, low morale, distraction and many such issues, especially ADHD, which doctors, teachers and parents worry about a lot these days.

"With so much to do, and so many distractions, children tend to go off-track easily, so these sessions are specifically targeted at transforming their outlook towards life and make them more positive, as well as set on a result oriented approach in their journey," Harini said.

Every student has different issues. Working with them on one-on-one basis and using superior strategies is the only way forward. This will help them not just be temporarily motivated, but the changes will continue to sustain and grow with time, she said.

"It was a very fulfilling exercise training people from various walks of life all these years. Children have their own different set of problems and fears. Understanding the nature of it and helping them overcome it had been the most satisfying part for us," she added.

"Urban kids too suffer from low self-esteem, self-belief and self-confidence. We would like to initiate a 'Train the Teacher' programme so that many entrepreneurs can come forward to take this course to cover thousands of schools across India. We also urge the government to offer some incentives to all the participants who wish to engage in this programme," Antano said.