World Mental Health Day

Children’s well-being is also built by supporting the adults who care for them.
Today, on World Mental Health Day, KEC shares experiences from the pilot phase of the CHAVORE project in Kosova, which supports the emotional well-being of Roma children and families by working with children, parents, and practitioners.
Evaluations of the pilot program in Prizren and Dubrava involved 26 children aged 3–6, 19 parents/caregivers, and practitioners working with these children and families. Their experiences highlighted three key messages:
• Support starts with oneself. For practitioners, the project combines strengthening knowledge and skills regarding emotional support with caring for their own well-being. When supported and well-prepared, they are better able to support parents and children.
• Parents need support and opportunities for closeness. They described how the Family Well-being Box—containing toys and tools for shared activities—helped them better understand their children’s feelings, support them in expressing those feelings, and spend time together through play, away from phones and screens. The need for simple activities and attention to the parents’ own well-being was also highlighted.
• Children express themselves in various ways. Drawing, music, and play helped them communicate their feelings, even when verbal expression was difficult.
Let us look after the well-being of children, parents, and practitioners by creating space for listening, learning, and mutual support every day.
______________________
CHAVORE is funded by the European Commission and implemented by a consortium of ISSA (International Step by Step Association) members, led by the Educational Research Institute (Pedagoški inštitut) and including Open Academy Step by Step, Partners Hungary Alapítvány, Skoladokoran (Wideopenschool), Kosova Education Center (KEC), and ISSA Hub.