Children learn to prevent violence and to act when treated violently

Special classes on violence against children will be conducted in all Moldovan schools from October 27 to 31. Nearly half a million people will learn how to prevent violence and how to act when someone is violent with them. The drive is part of an initiative called “School – a no-violence environment,” launched last February by the Education and Youth Ministry in a partnership with UNICEF Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. According to Viorica Cretu, a UNICEF advisor, the action pursues to start a dialogue and to warn both the kids and their parents that violence is there and needs be countered. “Unfortunately, in Moldova, violence is a taboo. That is why we want a change in behavior, we want to reduce the number of violent people,” Viorica Cretu said. Teachers from schools attended training courses on positive and non-violent disciplining and have rendered their know-how to colleagues. Special brochures for pupils have been printed out “Let's grow without violence” meant for the 1-4 grades and “Adolescence without violence” for 5-9 grade students. The materials promotes non-violent methods of settling conflicts, protection ways in case of physical, emotional or sexual violence, and have contacts of professionals and organizations specialized in protecting children.