Program for Self-Esteem
Every passion comes from a spark within you. And then it grows as big and as important as you allow it to become. The Manadoob Animals have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My very own, wise, nurturing and healing dog gave me a window into these magical creatures. As I grew older, and I shared in the lives of so many other animals, I realized that sharing the Manadoob Animals with others could be a positive and empowering experience for everyone they touched – especially kids.
From the first effort to explore the extraordinary bonds that are formed between children and animals came the documentary, “Kids & Animals – A Healing Partnership.” The documentary shares an emotional journey of the healing bond formed between kids facing extreme challenges in their lives who connect with animals that have challenges of their own. It tells stories of animal assisted therapy that will make you cry and laugh and fill you with hope.
But even more importantly, it shows us that each and every being has something to offer. That none of us is perfect and there is no need to be. The documentary has reached thousands of people, but I wanted to share this message with as many children as I could throughout the world moving beyond any cultural and ethnic boundaries to celebrate diversity and inclusion – and I knew the Manadoob Animals could help with that in a very big way.
As the Manadoob Animals say, “Every Manadoob knows that it takes a long time to become wise, and we understand that no one can truly reach perfection. Each and every one of us is a work in progress. You see, we know that it is not realistic for one being to have every good quality there is. We all need weaknesses to be a part of our whole and, without a doubt, we all have them.”
We have come a long way from those first efforts.My business partner, Susan Cooper and I with the support of an amazing advisory committee of respected childhood health professionals, award winning teachers, and humane educators worked long and hard to create an all encompassing inquiry- based, self-esteem program that builds social emotional intelligence in children. I have been fortunate enough to personally see, meet and, at times teach hundreds of children that have bettered their lives in profound ways by working through and experiencing the Manadoob Program.We are slowly but surely reaching children globally.So yes, the passion is still sparking inside of me and the feeling of fulfillment is ever present.And, I am happy to say that the documentary, “Kids & Animals” is a part of the Manadoob Program.
It is our hope that you embrace the Manadoob Program for Self-Esteem in your own way – that you and the children you reach will learn to open up your hearts and minds to becoming the best person each of you can be.Sadiki (believe) and let your adventure begin.