The program of psychosocial assistance for children (PANDA) is extended to four more districts, namely Cahul, Causeni, Nisporeni and Soroca. Children and adults who are or live in an environment together with alcoholics will be counseled by 40 persons selected for the post of moderator, during 15 weeks, IPN reports.

Consultant for child participation of the public association “Partnerships for Each Child” Natalia Semeniuc said the program is built around the necessities of the child, not of the alcoholics, and is designed to protect the family. The program is intended for children aged between 6 and 18, grouped into four age categories, and for the parent who is not an alcoholic.

Natalia Semeniuc said emphasis was earlier placed on those who abused alcohol rather than on those from their environment. Now the program helps the latter to cope with difficult situations. During 15 consecutive weeks, the participants will be involved in different educational activities and can also benefit from assistance within individual or group meetings.

The program started to be implemented in Orhei district in 2015. This February it was extended to the districts of Falesti, Ungheni, Telenesti and Calarasi as part of the primary prevention programs of the social support service for families with children. A number of 170 children have benefited from this program so far.

PANDA is implemented with the assistance of the public association “Partnerships for Each Child” within the project “Strong Family for Each Child” that is carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, Social Protection and Family, the Ministry of Education and ten beneficiary districts, with financial support from USAID.