Nargis Shirazi Baguma, New Vision’s TOP 40 UNDER 40 finalist (2022) has launched a book to help build children’s self-esteem and confidence.  

She says confidence and self-esteem influence the choices people make in life and this begins during childhood.  In other words, it’s easy for a person with low self-esteem to make bad choices in terms of career, social life, delaying sex, academics, drugs and alcohol among others.

Titled; Arimora, the book aims to see 6-12-year-old girls who appreciate their skin colour and curly hair as their true identity. 

Over the years, Shirazi has been reading stories and listening to children who hate how they look. For that, some parents relax their children’s hair, something that disguises their identity.

1. Shirazi (third from left) with her former classmates at the book launch.

She strongly believes children, more so, girls should feel loved and appreciated regardless of how dark they are. 

The book equips them with the confidence they need to fight off bullies and internet influences.

Meanwhile, the event which happened at Zimbali Bistro and Lounge in Kampala, was officiated by Dr. Maggie Kigozi. 

She implored parents to encourage children to embrace authenticity and ethnicity. That way, kids will appreciate that they are beautiful and special as they are and therefore, their skin colour and hair shouldn’t be questioned.

She cautioned parents against bleaching or straightening children’s hair but instead help them to be confident about how they look.

Other guests included; Janai Jiwani a kid’s life coach,  musician Brian Katongole, Mya Baganda former Blu 3 group member, cosmetic surgeon Dr. William Lubega, Steven Katongole headmaster of Wakiso SSS and James Lees Lalobo, lead pastor at Watoto church Lubowa who also wrote the foreword. Also, Shirazi’s former classmates at Kampala parents’ school attended with their children.

Dr. Lubega reviewed the book saying, that it’s important for all young girls because accepting self-image from childhood makes girls proud of who they are thus taking care of their bodies once they grow into teenagers and adults. 

Children who were present also expressed what they loved about the book which contains a confidence journal and spaces where girls are free to express themselves. 

“Arimora retails for sh50, 000 but I am also available to talk to parents and do school activities based on building confidence and self-esteem,” Shirazi says.