The outcomes and lessons learned after implementing the "Better Learning Programme" in five schools of Chisinau to support students in crisis, were discussed at a workshop with the participation of teachers and managers of educational institutions. This programme was piloted in the 5 schools in the period November-December 2022.
Lamis al Hasan, Manager of Educational and Youth Programmes at the Norwegian Refugee Council, noted the need to adjust the programme to the national context and stressed the importance of implementing it in Moldovan schools to help reduce children's stress and ensure their well-being.
The "Better Learning Programme" aims to support schools and teachers in the process of integrating refugee children from Ukraine, said Ms. Viorica Negrei, deputy director of Chisinau General Directorate of Education, Youth and Sports. "The piloting showed that this programme is needed for all children, including parents and the community of teachers, Moldova being directly affected by the refugee crisis," Ms. Negrei stated.
The teachers and managers who participated in the workshop, highlighted the usefulness of the programme in the practical use of the child-centred approach, the fact that they learned new communication techniques, stress alleviation methods, told about how they discovered the world of children from another perspective and strengthened their relations with them. At the same time, they came up with recommendations on the adaptation of the programme and its integration into the educational system.
The event was held by NGO "Partnerships for Every Child" in cooperation with the Chisinau General Directorate of Education, Youth and Sports and the Ministry of Education and Research within the project "Improving the wellbeing of children: Better Learning Programme for the training of education professionals", financially supported by the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The Better Learning Programme (BLP1) is a psychosocial support programme that can be integrated into the classes to help students overcome stressful situations. The programme uses a holistic approach to support children's recovery from traumatic events experienced in contexts of crisis (conflicts, natural disasters) or the impact of displacement on both displaced and host communities by improving learning conditions. It mobilises children's support network with the aim of restoring a sense of normalcy and hope. BLP was developed by Tromso University in Norway and is implemented in 26 countries. Research data shows that the participation in the programme helps children improve their ability to understand their emotions, communicate and self-regulate, thereby improving their mental and physical well-being.