The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Santa Cruz da Graciosa that Positive Parenting Workshops are aimed at fostering the exchange of experiences, reflection, construction and consolidation of knowledge on child development. It will help parents and other parental figures to identify the areas they consider most problematic or difficult regarding their children.
 
Under the Government's statutory visit to Graciosa, Andreia Cardoso participated in the first training course on parenting education that began on this island. On the occasion, she stressed that this measure contributes to the protection of children, through educational strategies and positive disciplines promoting adequate treatment.
 
"Inequalities often start early, so it is important to ensure that all children are involved in a healthy and empowering environment that promotes their skills, which should begin in the family environment," said the Regional Secretary.
 
The aim is to promote responsible parenting as a way to ensure that all children and young people, from the outset of life, benefit from a comprehensive and inclusive development; this being the first priority of the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.
 
"Regarding families, this initiative will also contribute to the strengthening of community 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.
 
Parenting education courses are a measure implemented by the Government of the Azores towards the promotion of good parenting. Similar initiatives have already been held on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, Faial, Pico and now on Graciosa. There are also plans to extend the initiative to the island of São Jorge shortly.
 
Positive Parenting Workshops are one of the measures envisioned in the 2018-2019 Action Plan of the Regional Strategy to Combat Poverty and Social Exclusion.
 
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.
 
The first of 13 sessions scheduled to take place on Graciosa began today with two groups composed of 12 trainees who will take part in this initiative.