Initiative for Self Esteem Education and Advocacy (ISSEA) is a non-profit youth-centered hub committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 which aims to Ensure Healthy Lives & Promote Well-Being for All at All Ages. We focus on promoting awareness of the importance of self-esteem, self-awareness, and the effects of low-self-esteem in Nigeria through media, mentorship, partnership, advocacy programs, and impact projects in local communities. ISEEA is a corporate body duly registered under the Companies and Allied matters Act of Nigeria with registration number 184681. Prior to registration, it was an online platform with the name Self Esteem Diary (SED).
ISEEA envisions a world where individuals possess a positive self image, are empowered to reach their full potential, and are treated with dignity and respect.
We seek to promote self esteem, mental wellbeing, strong institutions, and social inclusion through education, media, partnerships, advocacy, and community based initiatives.
The principles that guide our mission and drive our impact
We believe in honesty and therefore, we adhere to a strict ethical code of conduct that encourages transparency and validates the trust reposed in us by our trustees, donors, staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, and members of the public.
We understand that at its core, leadership is service. Hence, we are intentional about building an organizational culture where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
We strive to always deliver accurately on the goals and objectives of every project we undertake. Beyond practicing meticulousness in project delivery, we also ensure accuracy and timeliness.
We practice non-judgmental communication and demonstrate sincere interest and concern for others to build unity, foster inclusion in diversity, and enhance positive outcomes
We place emphasis on self-awareness and encourage a work culture where individuals take responsibility for their actions and they understand the effect of those actions on our mission, vision, and goals.
Real stories from real people whose lives have been transformed through our work
Hi, my good friends from the self-esteem group. My name is Thabiso from South Africa in Pretoria. When I started this group, I was from a situation where I come from a drug addiction problem. I used to smoke heroin for almost 15 years of my life. When I entered this group about 5 months back, I was a broken man who always felt rejected and these things are only happening to me I had a low self-esteem, always thought I was a looser and I have nowhere to go and no one to share my problems with. But I found this group and this lady I don't know physically, Rosemary Ochiwu. She gave me a warm welcome after telling her my story. She really encouraged me a lot only by chatting with her on this group. Her posts made me realize that my problem is that I have a low self-esteem. Since then, I have been growing day by day until I ended up not blaming other people for my wrong decisions but now I am overcoming every temptation I come across and it's a victory for me cause my life has changed a lot. I'm not perfect but I'm striving for success. Thank you
Read More Stories→Making a difference in local communities through targeted initiatives
In March 2022, we heard about the story of a 15 years old girl in Galadimawa community in FCT-Abuja, who grew up with a father that constantly demoralized her and threatened to kill them. She developed chronic low self-esteem & an intense need to be loved and accepted which made her easy prey for a sexual predator. He took advantage of her low self-esteem & manipulated her into making nude video calls with him which he recorded and eventually, it found its way online. After a visit to the community, we birthed Project H.E.L.P. to teach children about the importance of self-esteem and its place in preventing sexual abuse. Through community support and peer-to-peer advocacy, we successfully reached over 200 children and their families with this vital education.
Explore All Projects→
Creating lasting change through meaningful initiatives
Reached across Nigeria and internationally with our programs
Have been impacted through our physical and virtual projects
Initiated with plans to expand our reach as the need arises
Hear from our students about their transformative experiences in our Mental Health Matters Club
"I learnt about how to think positive, your thoughts is your reality. You sometimes cannot control your thoughts but your thoughts can lead you in a positive way. Even if you are in a bad environment know your value and who you are and stay by yourself don't interact with people that don't bring positive value to yourself as you know who you are and what kind of future you want for yourself."
Student Leader
"I learnt how to develop a positive thoughts and overcome a negative thoughts, when you have negative thoughts you can replace them with positive thoughts."
Club Member
"I am always sad because of one thing or the other but as I attended this club session I feel much better"
First Time Attendee
"I learnt about how to think positive, your thoughts is your reality. You sometimes cannot control your thoughts but your thoughts can lead you in a positive way. Even if you are in a bad environment know your value and who you are and stay by yourself don't interact with people that don't bring positive value to yourself as you know who you are and what kind of future you want for yourself."
Student Leader
"I learnt how to develop a positive thoughts and overcome a negative thoughts, when you have negative thoughts you can replace them with positive thoughts."
Club Member
"I am always sad because of one thing or the other but as I attended this club session I feel much better"
First Time Attendee
"I learnt about how to think positive, your thoughts is your reality. You sometimes cannot control your thoughts but your thoughts can lead you in a positive way. Even if you are in a bad environment know your value and who you are and stay by yourself don't interact with people that don't bring positive value to yourself as you know who you are and what kind of future you want for yourself."
Student Leader
"I learnt how to develop a positive thoughts and overcome a negative thoughts, when you have negative thoughts you can replace them with positive thoughts."
Club Member
"I am always sad because of one thing or the other but as I attended this club session I feel much better"
First Time Attendee
"I learnt about how to think positive, your thoughts is your reality. You sometimes cannot control your thoughts but your thoughts can lead you in a positive way. Even if you are in a bad environment know your value and who you are and stay by yourself don't interact with people that don't bring positive value to yourself as you know who you are and what kind of future you want for yourself."
Student Leader
"I learnt how to develop a positive thoughts and overcome a negative thoughts, when you have negative thoughts you can replace them with positive thoughts."
Club Member
"I am always sad because of one thing or the other but as I attended this club session I feel much better"
First Time Attendee
"Before the session started I was very angry but at the end of the session I am so happy."
Student Leader
"The club session made us open up and feel good about ourselves. Before I thought that people don't see me but after this session I recognize myself, and even though people may not see me I see myself as a great person and a future leader."
SS1 Student - First Time Attendee
"I sign a signature of joy, happiness and opportunities arriving here at the mental health matters club , I am grateful for the time here as it has brightened my day. I have been able to create a mentality of positivity to help those around me and work with those around me."
Student President
"I feel like I can be myself more."
New Club Member
"This is my first time coming here and the environment and everything is so nice, it has built confidence in me as I am usually a shy person."
New Club Member
"The icebreaker activity on complimenting ourselves boosted my self esteem."
Club Member
"Before the session started I was very angry but at the end of the session I am so happy."
Student Leader
"The club session made us open up and feel good about ourselves. Before I thought that people don't see me but after this session I recognize myself, and even though people may not see me I see myself as a great person and a future leader."
SS1 Student - First Time Attendee
"I sign a signature of joy, happiness and opportunities arriving here at the mental health matters club , I am grateful for the time here as it has brightened my day. I have been able to create a mentality of positivity to help those around me and work with those around me."
Student President
"I feel like I can be myself more."
New Club Member
"This is my first time coming here and the environment and everything is so nice, it has built confidence in me as I am usually a shy person."
New Club Member
"The icebreaker activity on complimenting ourselves boosted my self esteem."
Club Member
"Before the session started I was very angry but at the end of the session I am so happy."
Student Leader
"The club session made us open up and feel good about ourselves. Before I thought that people don't see me but after this session I recognize myself, and even though people may not see me I see myself as a great person and a future leader."
SS1 Student - First Time Attendee
"I sign a signature of joy, happiness and opportunities arriving here at the mental health matters club , I am grateful for the time here as it has brightened my day. I have been able to create a mentality of positivity to help those around me and work with those around me."
Student President
"I feel like I can be myself more."
New Club Member
"This is my first time coming here and the environment and everything is so nice, it has built confidence in me as I am usually a shy person."
New Club Member
"The icebreaker activity on complimenting ourselves boosted my self esteem."
Club Member
