"Positive Parenting Workshops" project extended to São Jorge Island, announces Andreia Cardoso
The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity announced in Santa Cruz da Graciosa that the "Positive Parenting Workshops" project “contributes to the protection of children through educational strategies and positive disciplines promoting good care.” The initiative will be soon extended to the island of São Jorge.
“Technicians from São Jorge Island will receive training during the month of October so that effective training for families will begin in November. There are still plans to move forward with the project to the island of Santa Maria early next year,” said Andreia Cardoso.
The Regional Secretary spoke at the closing session of the "Positive Parenting Workshops" pilot project that was implemented on Graciosa Island from February to June. It encompassed two groups, covering 19 parents/parental figures and 26 children.
“Inequalities often start at an early age, so it is important to ensure that all children are in a healthy environment that leverages their abilities, with these efforts beginning in the family environment,” stated the government official.
The "Positive Parenting Workshops" aim to promote responsible parenting as a way of ensuring an integral and inclusive development for all children from the beginning of their lives, which is the first priority of the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.
The project is based on the Rights of the Child; its modules were designed based on the rights and needs of the child in the age groups concerned.
The themes focus on the needs of parents and children from an early age. In fact, their contents, the educational relationship, and the fulfilment of rights and needs adjusted to the characteristics of children are always aligned with the promotion of their well-being and that of their families.
" With regard to families, this action will contribute to the strengthening of family ties, the exercise of their rights and duties, the encouragement of social participation and the prevention of risks, among many other areas," said the government official.
It is intended that, at the end of these workshops, parents or other parental figures become active agents in and for the community, being mobilised for the preparation and implementation of a joint project," added Andreia Cardoso.
Parental education actions are a measure implemented by the Regional Government in the context of the promotion of good parenting practices under the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion. Similar initiatives have already been taken on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico and now Graciosa.