The “WELL” Program Provides Support to Teachers and Students in Chisinau in Managing Stressful Situations

Students and teachers in the municipality of Chisinau continue to receive support to cope with stress generated by various situations, including in contexts of crisis or instability, and to contribute to creating a safe and friendly school environment through their participation in the “WELL” Program.

The Program provides students with simple tools that help them understand and manage their emotions, better cope with difficult situations, and achieve improved academic results, including during exam periods or in contexts marked by uncertainty and pressure.

In this regard, from March 4–6 this year, 120 teaching and managerial staff from educational institutions in the municipality of Chisinau are participating in a training workshop on the implementation of the Program’s three modules:

• The “WELL for Youth” Program (formerly “Better Learning for Youth”), designed for upper secondary school students, aims to develop essential emotional and educational skills for a balanced transition to adulthood. At the same time, the program provides practical stress management techniques, including in the context of final examinations.

• The “WELL 2” Program (formerly “Better Learning 2”), intended for lower secondary school students, supports them in recognizing and better managing stress, developing resilience, and improving their academic performance, including in the context of final assessments.

• The “WELL 1” Program (formerly “Better Learning 1”) contributes to improved concentration during lessons and active engagement in the learning process. The recovery component of the program focuses on children’s well-being and is based on five principles which together form a simple and effective psychosocial support system.

According to Ana Palii, Project Manager at Partnerships for Every Child (PPFC), “This program has been implemented in the Republic of Moldova since 2022, initially under the name ‘Better Learning Program.’ Starting this year, PPFC continues its implementation under a new name – ‘WELL’ – adapted to the realities of our country. Through this program, we provide children with emotional support and access to inclusive education. We help children displaced from Ukraine and those from host communities to learn better and achieve their goals, while teachers and social specialists are prepared to create a safe and friendly environment for all students. Approximately 2,300 children will benefit from the three programs,” stated Ms. Palii.

In turn, Cristina Savin, Education and Youth Programme Coordinator, NRC Moldova, mentioned: “The WELL Program represents a substantial effort to provide teachers and students with practical tools to cultivate and maintain well-being in today’s volatile reality. Adapting the program to the educational context of the Republic of Moldova further strengthens the conviction that emotional well-being is intrinsically linked to harmonious development and brings real benefits to all stakeholders – both teachers and students.”

This event is organized within the project “Inclusive Education and Psychosocial Support for Displaced Children and Host Community Children in Moldova,” implemented by PPFC in cooperation with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), with financial support from Norway.