Children from rural areas are more affected by migration and poverty

The children from villages are more affected by migration, poverty and reduced access to education and healthcare compared with those from towns. In 16% of the families, one or both of the parents went abroad to work. These are mainly poor families that encounter difficulties in providing the children with hygiene products and services, fruit and vegetables, dietetic products and meat, says a study launched by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, quoted by Info-Prim Neo. “We are aware that the first years of life of a child are the most important for their growth and development. Therefore, we intend to improve the qualifications of the teachers and medical staff so that the parents receive the necessary support,” said the head of the Education Ministry's Secondary and General Education Division Valentin Crudu. According to the study, only 5% of the families consider that the children with disabilities should attend the local kindergartens. Only 46% of the families said they would allow their children to play with mates suffering from disabilities. About 20% of the families believe their disabled children should study at boarding schools. As to violence, the study shows 16% of the children under one and 57% of the children under seven are beaten by parents. “We believe the data of the study will support Moldovan authorities' efforts to invest in programs and services for children of early age and their families. It is important that these services and programs are accessible, including to disadvantaged families and families from rural areas,” said UNICEF Representative in Moldova Alexandra Yuster. The study reveals that less than 1/3 of the children eat meat and fish every day, only half of them eat dietetic products and 67% eat fruit and vegetables. Every tenth child under seven is left without parent supervision and only 81% of the parents know the signs of danger to their children's lives. The study “Knowledge, attitude and practices of families in looking after children and early childhood development” covered a sample of 1,800 families that have at least one child aged between 0 and 7.