The Novateca Program and the National Center for Prevention of Child Abuse (NCPCA) have teamed up to increase awareness about child abuse prevention through the modernized public libraries in Moldova. While child abuse is a sensitive subject matter, public libraries are finding ways to reach out and provide safe, positive programs as well as connect children and teens with services they need.
Under the Memorandum, both parties will provide opportunities for public librarians to develop the skills to support new technology and innovative library services related to the prevention of child abuse. The memorandum also aims to facilitate the initiation of specific programs and partnerships adapted to the needs of children or community members working with children.
“The public libraries in Moldova serve as safe spaces for learning, sharing, and exploring,” delineated Novateca Program Director Evan Tracz. “Considering that children form a key target audience for the libraries the services oriented to their needs are especially important. These services aim not only to support education, but also ensure that have access to information and resources as they face difficulties and challenges.”
According to statistics, more than 3000 children are reported as abused, annually in Moldova, and only some of these children receive specialized care. To address this situation, NCPCA will use the Novateca public libraries network to spread information in the regions as well as use the library spaces and resources to organize events and activities that will support children and teens.
“We look forward to sharing resources with the public libraries in Moldova that will help support young children and their families,” said Daniela Simboteanu, NCPCA President. “We’re confident the familiarity and comfort of the library will serve as a positive learning environment for such an important and sensitive subject matter.”
The memorandum was signed during a specialized exchange event that gathered librarians and their partners who work together providing services dedicated to children.
Librarians from Telenesti, Orhei, Criuleni, Dubasari, Anenii Noi, Cahul, Edinet, Rezina, Donduseni and their partners presented a range of services offered to their communities - including baking clubs, young painter workshops, Moldovan traditional games clubs, storytelling circles, and road security courses. During the exchange, participants developed a list of recommendations to share with other librarians and partners to encourage future partnerships. To learn more about child abuse prevention activities in Moldova, visit http://cnpac.org.md/.