Child Mentorship Clinics Create Safe Spaces for Child Domestic Workers to Build Confidence and Express Their Emotions

On 17 July 2026, a Child Mentorship Clinic was held for Child Domestic Workers (CDWs) at Asaud Nursery and Primary School, Adosoba, and Jollat Model College, Okoko Community, reaching a total of 44 participants, 20 in the Adosoba community and 24 in the Okoko community.

Facilitated by two therapists, the sessions provided a safe and supportive environment where the children could freely explore their emotions, build self-confidence, and learn healthy ways to cope with their experiences. The sessions began with a warm welcome and an introduction to DEVATOP and the purpose of the mentorship clinic by the Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs), Ms. Ekomobong Robinson and Mr. Excellent Uluocha. Through icebreakers and interactive conversations, the children introduced themselves and shared things that made them happy, helping to create an atmosphere where they felt comfortable participating and expressing themselves.

A major focus of the sessions was emotional awareness. The children participated in mindfulness exercises, including a calming breathing activity, before using emotion cards to identify and discuss different feelings. In one activity, they used sticky notes to describe their emotions as “rain” or “sunshine.” While some spoke about missing their homes and loved ones, others shared moments when they had experienced kindness, care, and support.

Creative expression also played an important role in helping the children communicate their feelings. Activities such as “Colours of My Heart” and heart drawings allowed them to express emotions through art in a way that felt safe and enjoyable. Through the “Discovering My Strengths” activity, the children were encouraged to recognise their positive qualities and speak affirmatively about themselves, with statements such as “I am bold,” “I am kind,” and “I am creative.” These activities helped reinforce their sense of self-worth and confidence.

The facilitators also shared the story of Amarachi, a child domestic worker, which encouraged the participants to reflect on empathy, resilience, and the importance of emotional support. The story provided an opportunity for the children to connect with the experiences of others while discussing how they can respond to difficult situations with understanding and courage.

At the close of each session, the children were asked to describe how they felt in one word. Many expressed feelings of happiness, hope, confidence, and relief a reflection of the safe and welcoming environment created throughout the sessions. Beyond the activities, the mentorship clinics gave the children an opportunity to be heard, understood, and reminded of their worth. Through mindfulness, storytelling, creative expression, and self-discovery, the sessions strengthened their emotional awareness, communication, empathy, and confidence.