Forty-seven teachers representing 20 private schools across Trinidad and Tobago participated in a recent Dove Self-Esteem Project Confident Me Educator Masterclass, hosted by Unilever Caribbean to strengthen educators’ understanding of the pressures affecting young people’s body confidence and self-esteem.
The virtual masterclass, hosted by Simone Da Costa, Integrative Psychotherapist, provided educators with research-based information and practical resources to support conversations with students around body image, appearance pressures and self-confidence. Participants explored issues including social media and filtered images, appearance-based comparisons, the influence of celebrities and advertising, and the impact of everyday language and “body talk” on how young people see and value themselves.
Developed in partnership with the Centre for Appearance Research, the Dove Self-Esteem Project is grounded in extensive scientific research into body image and self-esteem among young people. Its Confident Me resources are designed to help young people develop greater body confidence and resilience.
Ginelle Lambie, Managing Director of Unilever Caribbean, said the programme reflects the company’s wider commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates. “At Unilever Caribbean, we believe our responsibility extends beyond the products and brands people know us for. 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. Through the Dove Self-Esteem Project, we want to support teachers who interact with young people every day by providing access to credible, research-based resources to strengthen these conversations. The participation of 47 teachers from 20 schools demonstrates that there is genuine interest in addressing self-esteem and body confidence within our school communities.”
The masterclass builds on Unilever Caribbean’s work through the Dove Self-Esteem Project in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2025, the company conducted Dove Self-Esteem Project workshops at 14 secondary schools nationwide, creating an important foundation for continued engagement around body confidence and the well-being of young people.
This year’s masterclass placed particular emphasis on the role educators can play in helping students navigate appearance-related pressures. Teachers were encouraged to consider how classroom conversations, everyday language and the messages young people receive from adults can influence how students view themselves.
One teacher who participated described the session as a valuable resource for educators. “The masterclass provided practical information that we can apply in our interactions with students.
Young people are exposed to so many messages about appearance and what they are supposed to look like, particularly through social media. The Dove Self-Esteem Project gives educators another way to approach these conversations and to remind students that their confidence and value should never be defined only by their appearance.”
The session also reinforced the importance of recognising young people for their abilities, ideas, character, creativity and contribution, rather than placing disproportionate emphasis on appearance. Global research underpinning the Confident Me programme has found that students who complete its sessions can experience stronger body confidence, improved self-esteem and greater social and academic confidence.
Ms. Lambie said Unilever Caribbean hopes the programme will continue to contribute to a broader culture in which young people are supported in developing healthy and confident relationships with themselves. “Self-esteem can influence how a young person participates at school, builds relationships, responds to challenges and pursues opportunities. That is why this work is important to us. Every young person should have the opportunity to recognise that who they are and what they can contribute extends far beyond how they look.”
Educators interested in delivering the Confident Me workshops to their students can download the complete Dove Self-Esteem Project toolkit and supporting materials free of charge from the Unilever Caribbean website at https://www.unilever-caribbean.com/legal-resources/.