Almost 600 parents and children from 10 regions of the country have benefited from programs to strengthen parenting skills and support families: “Mellow Parenting” programs, ‘PANDA’ psycho-social support program and “PEACE - Empathetic, Assertive, Aware and Balanced Parenting” parenting education program were organized within the UNICEF project “Every Girl and Boy is Protected and Empowered to Realize their Potential with Dignity”, with the support of the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, through the German Development Bank (KfW), in close cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.
The impact of the three programs, the exchange of good practices between specialists from the implementing regions, as well as proposals for strengthening and integrating these programs into public policies were discussed today at a workshop with the participation of parents, practitioners, specialists, decision-makers from the 10 districts, representatives of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, UNICEF, NGOs, etc.
At the event, UNICEF Representative in Moldova, Maha Damaj, said that ”UNICEF remains fully committed to working alongside the Government of Moldova, civil society, and our international partners to ensure that all families - regardless of their socio-economic status - have access to the knowledge, resources, and support they need to raise their children in a loving and secure environment. Parenting education is not just for struggling families; it is a universal need. In today’s fast-changing world, where families face multiple crises and growing socio-economic pressures, every parent deserves guidance, knowledge, and support.”
Verena Zell, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Moldova, said: “Family plays a crucial role in a child’s emotional and psychological development. Parenting programs can offer additional support in strengthening the resilience of families and ensuring that children grow up in a safe environment. In the context of the refugee situation in Moldova, these programs become even more essential, helping displaced families navigate trauma, adapt to new realities, and promote children’s healthy development. By strengthening the integrated child protection systems established by the Moldovan government, Germany together with UNICEF supports Moldovan families to ensure a safe environment for their children and allow them to develop their full potential.”
Parenting education programs play a crucial role in strengthening parents’ skills, promoting positive parenting, reducing the risk of violence and neglect, and enhancing children’s well-being within the family.
Vasile Cușcă, State Secretary at the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, highlighted that these programs align with the objectives of Moldova’s National Child Protection Program 2022-2026.
”Our efforts reflect Moldova’s strong commitment to supporting families by providing them with the necessary resources to raise healthy and happy children. As a Ministry, our goal is to establish a solid foundation for high-quality family care and early childhood development by integrating various family support and parenting programs into the child protection system.”
Daniela Mămăligă, Director of Partnerships for Every Child, expressed gratitude to donors and partners for their essential support in implementing these innovative programs, which serve families at risk and beyond.
”We introduced these programs in Moldova to ensure that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing family environment within their community.”
Since the launch of these programs in August 2024, 54 child protection practitioners from Glodeni, Fălești, Ungheni, Sângerei, Telenești, Călărași, Șoldănești, Rezina, Orhei, and Nisporeni—under the jurisdiction of the North-West, North-East, and Central-East Territorial Social Assistance Agencies—have been trained to deliver these programs. Additionally, around 230 professionals from multidisciplinary teams have been sensitized on the importance of developing and implementing parenting education programs.