In Romania, the celebration of the Day of Prayer and Action for Children was organized as a follow-up of the event from 2011, when our efforts focused on diminishing violence in schools. This year, we decided to act further, on the causes of violence affecting children. Finding adequate alternatives of education and cultivate the children’s spirituality are the biggest challenges of the parents or for the ones who are working with them.
The promotion of the DPAC started with more than a month of preparation through Internet and in schools. In Iasi, Positive Education was the main theme discussed in pedagogical meetings of religion teachers, that took place on 10-th of November
Bucharest: On the 19 November, the “Santa Macrina” Foundation organized a workshop for 30 Romanian and Roma teenagers, of different religions (Orthodox, Muslim and Adventist) and different backgrounds. During 3 hours, they discussed about their real needs and wishes and what changes they wish to see in the adults attitude. After identifying the messages that the teenagers wanted to send to the community, they organized a campaign to promote positive education through art. Their paintings-manifesto were spread on Facebook, in their schools, as well as on high-school’s websites.
Similar events like in Santa Macrina were organized with the children in other 2 schools in Bucharest and in one school in Iasi. Their campaigns were expressed not only through art, but also through sport. In Iasi children send their messages writing them with their own bodies, guided by their gym teacher.
Teenagers from Iasi created their own prayers for stopping the violence against children from all over the world. Fifty of them participated in the religious service organized in the Orthodox Church, where the priest spoke about Positive education. A catholic priest was also present, together with catholic and orthodox children as well as their parents.
Make the discipline with love, not with violence.
Words hurt too.
When I do a mistake I need your guidance, not punishments.
I need more encouragements and attention from you!
I have the right to be listened.
My opinion is important, too!
Give me more of your time.
The adults role is to protect, not to punish.
Don’t forget I’m just a child.
Gifts cannot replace the parents’ presence.
Don’t force me to live your dreams!
