47 teachers attend self-esteem masterclass

Forty-seven teachers from 20 private schools across Trinidad and Tobago have participated in a masterclass aimed at helping educators address body image concerns and self-esteem among young people.

The virtual Dove Self-Esteem Project Confident Me Educator Masterclass, hosted by Unilever Caribbean on October 16, provided research-based information and practical resources to help teachers discuss appearance pressures, body confidence and self-worth with students.

The session was hosted by integrative psychotherapist Simone Da Costa, who guided educators through issues including social media filters, appearance-based comparisons, celebrity influence, advertising and the effects of everyday language on how young people perceive themselves.

Managing director of Unilever Caribbean Ginelle Lambie said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to supporting young people beyond its products and brands.

“Young people are growing up in an environment where social media, peer interactions, and broader societal expectations can significantly influence how they see themselves and their value,” Lambie said.

She said the project aimed to equip teachers, who interact with young people daily, with credible resources to strengthen conversations about self-esteem and body confidence.

The masterclass builds on Unilever Caribbean’s work in Trinidad and Tobago in 2025, when the company conducted Dove Self-Esteem Project workshops at 14 secondary schools nationwide.

This year’s session placed particular emphasis on the influence educators can have on students’ perceptions of themselves, including through classroom conversations and the language used when discussing appearance.

One participating teacher described the masterclass as a valuable resource, particularly as students navigate the pressures of social media and expectations about how they should look.

The teacher said the information and practical guidance could be applied in interactions with students, helping educators encourage young people not to define their confidence and value solely by their appearance.

The programme also encouraged teachers to recognise students for their abilities, ideas, character, creativity and contributions, rather than placing disproportionate emphasis on physical appearance.

Developed in partnership with the Centre for Appearance Research, the Dove Self-Esteem Project is based on scientific research into body image and self-esteem among young people.

Its Confident Me resources are designed to help students develop body confidence and resilience. According to Unilever Caribbean, global research underpinning the programme has found that students who complete its sessions can experience improvements in body confidence, self-esteem and social and academic confidence.

Lambie said self-esteem could affect how young people participated in school, built relationships, responded to challenges and pursued opportunities.