Educator and Emotional Literacy Co-ordinator (UK). Annie Hamlaoui Annie is an Advanced Careers Guidance Practitioner and qualified Emotional Literacy Consultant. She has worked in the field of Careers Guidance for the last 12 years and specialised in the promotion and development of Emotional Literacy in Education for the last four. Her work as Emotional Literacy Consultant for Creative Partnerships Kent involves working and delivering training primarily to staff in their 24 partner schools in East Kent. She is currently working with high school students to explore “How We Feel about Learning” and also with small groups of very emotionally vulnerable primary age students exploring “What makes us Happy?” using elements of the theory of 'Flow' (Doesn't time fly when you are having fun!). Winner of the Institute of Careers Guidance National Careers Award three years in a row for her innovative guidance work in schools. she is a popular presenter and trainer with specific interests in creating motivational learning environments and processes and “turning theory into practice”. In January 2005 she realised her dream of becoming a published author. Session Information: 'SISTERS' - Feeling Good on the Inside - Looking Good on the Outside. Key Concepts: How raising self esteem is vital component in developing creative processes and creative learners for the future Working with young people over a number of years, I noticed the growing numbers of girls, in particular, who were 'choosing' to exclude themselves from opportunities that would mean they had to step out of their comfort zone and risk alienation from their peers and family. I watched how their perception of their self-worth spiralled downwards. For some this resulted in a terrible state of resignation - as though the stuffing had been knocked out of them. Others went on 'full attack' mode and became the 'in your face' loud, aggressive leaders or loners with a physical or verbal retort for anyone they perceived to be a threat. Using a 'Sense of Esteem' Model of Emotional Learning, I tried develop and offer the girls a safe and welcoming environment which offered unconditional friendship, creative and engaging activities to experience the feel good factor and state of flow which are the very foundation of building a long term intrinsic motivation for life and learning. Come and share the journey of the development of this project and see the impact it had on the emotional and physical health and well being of the girls and how it influenced their thinking and feelings about learning and their future lives.