18 social service specialists from Chisinau will become facilitators in implementing the PEACE program

With support from UNICEF, the parental education program ”PEACE – Empathetic, Assertive, Aware, and Balanced Parenting” – will also be implemented in Chisinau. Accordingly, on June 25–27, 18 social service specialists from Chisinau are being trained as facilitators for the program.

Present at the opening of the event, Tatiana Oboroc, head of the General Directorate for the Protection of Children’s Rights in Chisinau, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided to social service specialists to strengthen their professional capacities in working with families and children at risk. “We are in the process of deinstitutionalizing children from residential institutions according to the approved national plan, with a strong focus on preventing the separation of children from their families. Training our specialists as facilitators of the PEACE parental education program will contribute to achieving this important objective for us as an authority,” said Ms. Oboroc.

Viorica Dumbrăveanu, UNICEF Moldova Child Protection Officer, emphasized the importance of developing and implementing parental empowerment programs to strengthen the primary role of parents in raising and caring for their children. “Unfortunately, there is still a significant number of children at risk due to violence, neglect, or exploitation. In these situations, you as professionals must intervene with the necessary skills and tools. The PEACE program is a key element, in our view, to directly support every child’s right to grow up in a family that can ensure their well-being. As facilitators, you will deliver the program and also have the opportunity to strengthen the capacities of your colleagues,” highlighted Ms. Dumbrăveanu.

According to Irina Spivacenco, P4EC project coordinator, “The PEACE program is specifically designed to help parents improve their skills in raising and educating children by promoting positive parenting practices based on empathy, non-violent discipline, and gender equality. Through this program, we aim for every parent to feel valued, understood, and capable of establishing a healthy and balanced relationship with their child. When parents receive the right support, families become stronger, and children have the chance to develop harmoniously in a safe and caring environment. We are grateful to our partners and donors for enabling the implementation of this program for parents and children in Chisinau.”

The PEACE program includes three sessions for parents and interactive parent–child activities aimed at strengthening family relationships. Participants receive age-appropriate materials and are encouraged to apply the techniques learned at home. Sessions are led by two trained specialists in groups of up to 15 participants to ensure a practical and effective experience.

The event is organized by Partnerships for Every Child /P4EC/ as part of the UNICEF project ”Better Care for Children”, implemented with financial support from the Government of Sweden in close collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova.