Eastern cape Department of Education launched Phakama Ntombi Phakama Bhutana Self-esteem pilot project at Zwelenfundo Primary School, Scenery Park, Buffalo City Metro Education District.

The initiative targeted Grade 6 Boys and Girls from 5 project schools namely Zwelemfundo, Mbulelo, Chumani, Lukhanyo, and Sinomonde Primary Schools.

Giving the purpose of the day was the Youth and Special Programmes Unit Director Zukiswa Njotini, she said, "Today we gathered here to see the perspective of these children from how they see things and also to evaluate how they are changing and improving their lifestyle as they are part of this growing program."

'Therefore, the Special Programmes Unit was mandated to plough back to the community, after the Nyobeni tragedy that happened in June 2022, and to make sure that they remember their worth, under the theme “phakama ntombi phakama bhutana” added Njotini.

Also speaking on behalf of the invited stakeholders was Sisipho Mkhuthuka, a Social Worker. She mainly addressed the learners by saying to them "Never forget your worth."

Sisipho further said, "There are very slim chances of not becoming successful when you have self-confidence, therefore learners should always have a positive energy in order to have great impact on how to differentiate themselves from one another."

Therefore, these kids should be able to note how good they are and to know the kind of person that they are planning to come in the near future.

Provincial manager from Love Life, Temba Maseti said, ”It is easier to build our children strong and resilient than to fix broken men, therefore this initiative established to pilot the talent and good things happening around Scenery Park and also hope that it will give parents a platform to have conversation with their children in order for them to become competent."

Sivuyile Ximbana, Mentor from the BCM school, wishes to see these programs more often so as other school who are absent also receive these words of wisdom as programs like these are need to assist in changing the narrative of a child’s mind and way of thinking, enabling them to make better decisions at an early age, so that we have a better tomorrow not only for them but for the entire world and making our world a better place because they our future leaders.