The Confidence That Comes From Belonging

Our partner charity, Mixit, gives young people something we all need: a place to belong. Three parents share how connection, creativity and positive role models have helped their teenagers grow in confidence and see themselves, and the world around them, differently.

Mixit recently spoke with three parents whose teenagers are regular participants. They shared the changes they’ve seen in their young people and the difference Mixit has made.

Dulani told us:

“Mixit was the perfect place for Rivindee to find herself and her voice, become more aware and sensitive to the world and people around her, which developed her people skills. It’s where she became a confident independent young woman”.

Mark shared his son Jake’s experience:

“As a neurodiverse teenager, my son Jake has often struggled with being “different”. At Mixit, he's found a place where everyone is different, so nobody’s different. The growth in his confidence and sense of self since he joined has been exponential. Young people crave belonging and Mixit gives them that in a unique and special way”.

For Kaltam, the impact goes beyond building self-confidence. She has encouraged all of her teenagers to take part in Mixit and has seen the positive difference it can make.

“When children come to a different country and have a different religion it’s hard. They may not be around people who have mana, or in homes which value respect, so they don’t see or know how to respect their elders and young children. But those who go to Mixit they learn to respect people and it’s like family, you don’t forget that”.

Mixit also helps young people connect with and contribute to the wider community. Dulani explained:

“Mixit breaks the boundaries and divisions of colour, race, religion, gender, and socio-economic status; and creates a sense of connectedness. They invest in young people, giving them opportunities to grow and develop the skills needed to navigate the world. Mixit plants in everyone that they have the potential to think differently in any space they find themselves in. This has a ripple effect on friends, family, and communities as a whole”.

Kaltam also shared the benefits she sees reaching beyond the young people themselves.

“Mixit helps young people through talking, dancing and connecting. It’s a happy place and they are around good people who are strong role models. The kids come home better, able to communicate with their families and be good role models for others. When young people just stay at home with their small families they miss out on that”.

Mark has seen a big change in the way his son communicates and connects with others.

“I love that Mixit has given him a connection with mentor figures outside of his school and family. He comes home every week with new perspectives, deeper understanding of people, and an openness to all kinds of cultures and ways of being. In short: Mixit has changed his life in the best possible ways”.

Young people today are also facing challenges around racism, belonging and connection. Dulani observed:

“Young people of colour are experiencing an increase in racism, and a reduced sense of belonging. Mixit provides them a space where they feel valued and belonged”.

At a time when division, negative online influences and conflict can feel overwhelming, young people need positive spaces and people they can turn to. Mixit is one of those places.

Through connection, creativity and belonging, Mixit is helping young people build confidence, understand others and see what might be possible for their future. And thanks to regular giving from One Percent Collective donors, more young people can continue to find a place where they feel valued, supported and like they belong.

Acknowledgements:
Kaltam Hassan Yaya
Dulani Abeysinghe
Mark Easterbrook

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Words and images supplied by Mixit.