“I gained confidence and support”: Maria’s story from the PANDA Programme”

Maria (name changed) attended every session of the PANDA Psycho-Social Support Programme for Parents, while her son participated in the children’s programme.

Maria says she was particularly impressed by the session on alcohol, as a member of her family struggles with alcohol abuse, something that affects her deeply every day.

“All the information I learned in the programme is useful to me, because I have a growing son and I can now guide him better in life. We became friends with the other parents in the group; we support one another and feel equal. I would recommend this programme to other parents and children so that they can gain confidence in themselves, feel calm and safe, and understand what we have learned — that family members are not to blame for another family member’s decision to consume alcohol.”

The PANDA Programme is implemented within the UNICEF project “Every girl and boy is protected and empowered to realise their potential with dignity,” carried out by AO Partnerships for Every Child in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, through the German Development Bank.