Recently, Peja was the proud host of a transformative training program—the “Safe Families Approach” which provided parents with valuable skills and insights to create a safer, more supportive family environment. This innovative approach, which prioritizes gender sensitivity, inclusivity, and child participation, engaged local families through sessions tailored to foster understanding, respect, and effective communication within the home.

Aims and Audience of the Training

The “Safe Families Approach” training aimed to empower Peja’s families by promoting safety, emotional management, and positive interaction within households. With a focus on gender perspectives and inclusivity, the program created a welcoming space for both parents and children. The sessions were tailored to address the unique needs of different age groups, making it accessible and engaging for all family members involved.

A Focus on Positive Parenting

Throughout the training, parents participated in various sessions that equipped them with the skills needed to support healthy family dynamics. Highlights included:

• Family Dreams and Self-Care: Parents began by envisioning the family life they aspire to create, followed by discussions on the importance of self-care in achieving this vision.
• Safety Rights and Positive Parenting: This session emphasized the right to a safe environment within the family, encouraging parents to adopt positive parenting techniques.
• Warmth and Structure: Parents explored strategies for balancing affection with discipline, fostering a nurturing yet structured home environment.
• Child Development (Ages 0-5): Parents received insights into early childhood development, helping them understand the specific needs of young children.
• Problem-Solving and Respectful Communication: This practical session taught parents to address conflicts with respect and empathy, fostering a family atmosphere of mutual understanding.

Building Awareness and Self-Confidence

Parents also engaged in sessions focused on supporting their children’s awareness and self-confidence. Key topics included:

• Life and Rights (Ages 6-9): Parents learned ways to help younger children explore their identities and understand their rights in age-appropriate ways.
• Rights and Responsibilities (Ages 10-17): Parents were encouraged to teach older children about the balance between their rights and responsibilities, fostering accountability.
• Self-Identity and Violence Awareness: Parents explored tools to help children recognize and respond to violence, ensuring they feel safe and valued.
• Communication and Problem-Solving (Ages 10-17): Parents gained insights on guiding older children in effective communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Social Skills and Empathy (Ages 6-9): Parents were taught how to help younger children develop friendships, empathy, and inclusion in their social interactions.

These sessions equipped parents with strategies to nurture their children’s growth and development at various stages.

Parent-Child Interaction: Bridging Generations

The program culminated in interactive sessions where parents came together, bringing their newly acquired skills into practice. Home visits allowed trainers to observe families in their natural settings, providing additional support and personalized guidance. These interactions helped bridge generational gaps and deepen family bonds, making the experience more impactful.

Emotional Management as a Core Skill

Emotional management was a key component of the training, teaching parents to understand and express their emotions constructively. This approach fostered a calmer, more understanding home environment, where all family members felt heard and respected.

The “Safe Families Approach” training in Peja proved to be a success, leaving families with practical skills for creating a nurturing and safe home environment. By supporting both parents and children, this program has set the foundation for stronger, more resilient families in the Peja community.