Waukegan workshop builds up children's self-esteem; ‘They will be less troubled … (in) their teenage years'

Chicago Tribune

24-04-2025

Zendaya Skinner, a sixth grader from Zion, plans to own a farm one day for her and the family she intends to raise there.
Responding to a prompt from Evelyn Chenier during a self-esteem workshop, Zendaya and the other seven children in the group between the ages of 6 and 12 were asked to share two truths about themselves, as well as what they want to become as adults.
'I'm an artist,' Zendaya said. 'I like animals. I'm going to adopt a few kids and own a farm.'
Zendaya was one of several children participating in the Waukegan Park District's Be You, Be Bold Self Esteem Workshop, which finished its three sessions Tuesday at the Belvidere Recreation Center in Waukegan.
Chenier said she wants the participants to learn at a young age who they are and become aware of their strengths, weaknesses and how to deal with them. By talking freely about themselves, they will be able to affirm who they are to themselves and others.
'We want them to think for themselves and not be followers,' Chenier said. 'They will be less troubled when they reach their teenage years. We want them to be resistant to joining gangs, doing drugs and peer pressure.'
Living with her two younger brothers — they are also part of the workshop — and in the process of being adopted together, Zendaya is already strongly influenced by the happenings in her young life. Her goal of adopting 'a few kids' comes naturally.
'All people should be in a family and have a home. I'm with a family now that's going to adopt us,' she said. 'I love animals,' she added, referring to her wish to own a farm.
Started in 2004 in response to two North Chicago High School senior athletes who were killed, and at the behest of then-U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, Chenier said the Family First Center of Lake County nurtures and empowers families.
During the three hour-long sessions, Chenier said that some of the time the participants sit in a circle as they did Tuesday, talking about themselves and their aspirations. They also do art projects designed to help them learn about themselves.
Cutting pictures out of magazines, the youngsters were pasting the images on construction paper. They added their own words to embellish the message. Chenier said it helps bring out feelings so they can learn about themselves through doing a craft.
As the youngsters sat in a circle, one said he was on the football team at school and he wants to star in the National Football League one day. Another said he was good at technology because it was fun. Someone else said he liked running and wanted to get better at that in the future.
'I'm pretty fast,' he said.
Julia Sanchez, a recreation supervisor with the Park District, said the initial self-esteem offering was done with teens. It was decided it would be a good idea to do one with younger children. They reached out to the Family First Center to oversee the effort.
'We're looking at similar offerings and topics,' Sanchez said.
Getting a lot of attention was Leviticus. Chenier said the three-week-old puppy is her granddaughter's comfort dog. As the children arrived, they crowded around the dog, petting and playing with the pup.
'It's calming for all the kids,' Chenier said.
Khalianie Amaro, a fourth grader from Waukegan, said Leviticus was a highlight of the workshop.
'He's so cute and tiny,' Khalianie said.