A Children's Safety and Well-being Program to be Implemented in Riga Kindergartens

The Latvian SOS Children's Villages Association will implement the program "Child-Safe and Friendly Kindergarten" in 47 preschools in Riga over the next two years, the association informed the LETA agency.

Preschool staff will acquire knowledge and skills in the program to help them promptly notice children's difficulties, prevent potential violations of children's rights, and create a safe environment that meets children's needs. The program aims to strengthen employees' professional competencies so they can promptly identify and address children's emotional difficulties, recognize risks of children's rights violations, including risks of violence, and act accordingly to prevent them.

Significant attention in the program will also be given to promoting positive cooperation between children, their parents, and preschool staff, as well as strengthening teamwork within the institutions themselves. The association explains that this will help staff build closer cooperation with families and jointly seek solutions in situations where a child needs additional support. Ilze Paleja, Chairperson of the Board of the Latvian SOS Children's Villages Association, points out that the association implements several initiatives to support children and families, promoting children's safety and well-being both in families and educational institutions.