With UNICEF Support, the “PEACE – Empathetic, Accountable, Aware and Balanced Parents” Parenting Education Programme Is Launched in the Republic of Moldova

With the support of UNICEF, the “PEACE – Empathetic, Accountable, Aware and Balanced Parents” Parenting Education Programme is being launched in the Republic of Moldova. The programme is specifically designed to support parents in strengthening their parenting and child-rearing skills by promoting positive parenting practices based on empathy, non-violent discipline, and gender equality. It also aims to reduce parental stress and promote family well-being.

In this context, 20 specialists from 10 Territorial Social Assistance Structures (Ungheni, Călărași, Orhei, Rezina, Șoldănești, Telenești, Fălești, Sîngerei, and Glodeni), representing the North-West, Centre-West, and Centre-East Territorial Social Assistance Agencies (ATAS), are participating in a two-day training workshop to become PEACE programme facilitators.

At the opening of the event, Irina Spivacenco, Project Coordinator at Partnerships for Every Child, noted: “Through the implementation of this programme, we aim to create a learning and support environment where every parent feels valued, heard, and encouraged. We want to equip parents with effective strategies that enable them to build deep connections with their children and strengthen family relationships. This initiative is vital for the development of healthy communities and for laying strong foundations in children’s upbringing and education.”

She further explained that although national efforts exist to expand family strengthening programmes, the current offer remains limited, and many parents still lack sufficient access to information and resources needed to foster positive relationships with their children and to prevent violent practices.

The programme promotes gender equality by challenging stereotypes and encouraging equitable parental partnerships, thereby contributing to the creation of a stable and safe family environment that supports children’s harmonious development. These interventions are aligned with UNICEF and WHO initiatives and recommendations, which emphasize the importance of parental engagement in supportive relationships and continuous learning.

The PEACE Programme is structured around three core sessions for parents, each complemented by interactive parent–child activities designed to strengthen family bonds. Parents are encouraged to continue practicing the techniques learned at home to reinforce their skills and maintain active connections with other participants even after the sessions conclude. The programme provides tailored support materials, adapted to different child age groups, to best address the diverse needs of families.

Sessions are facilitated by two trained specialists, ensuring an interactive and supportive learning environment. Each group includes a maximum of 15 participants, a key measure to maintain the programme’s effectiveness and high quality.

The training workshop is organized within the project “Every Girl and Boy Is Protected and Empowered to Realize Their Potential with Dignity”, funded by UNICEF and implemented by Partnerships for Every Child, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and the Territorial Social Assistance Agencies (ATAS) North-West, Centre-West, and Centre-East.