Students at Dellwood Middle School enjoyed a presentation that aimed to encourage self-worth and empowerment.

The Motivational Missionaries demonstration included a mix of anecdotes, video clips, music, life lessons — and, most of all, fun. They also discussed issues such as cyber bullying and human trafficking.

The organisation is run by motivational speaker Bert Oliva who describes himself as the “father” of “the scientific study of human potential”.

He said he had overcome many life challenges himself, including involvement in gang activity and now travels the world with the organisation giving motivational speeches.

One of his colleagues, Alexa Oliva, explained: “We decided we wanted to go where we could around the world to empower the youth. It is our passion. We bring up topics that can affect children and teach soft skills so that they can respect each other and be proud of their countries.

“One of the main lessons they learn is to believe in themselves and even though they may face challenges in life they have the power in them to change it — it is a mindset. Self-worth is one of the messages we get a volunteer to come up, we show videos and music and deliver the message. We make it fun for them too because people learn when they are having fun. The message penetrates more.”

The organisation gave the hour-long presentation for free after gaining permission from the Ministry of Education as they were already in Bermuda as part of a cruise ship vacation.