For the second year, its implementation continues of an innovative training program for kindergarten teachers “Recognize – Protect” by the ELIZA Association with the strategic cooperation of Piraeusunder the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports. The program is addressed to all preschool and early childhood care teachers, in all kindergartens in the country and aims to protect children who have suffered or are at risk of suffering neglect or abuse.

The support of this action by Piraeus is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility program “Equal – For a Society of Equal People” and in particular the “Care for Children” pillar. Focuses on one of the most critical issues that concern Greek society in order to protect its most vulnerable part, which are young children.

The need for early intervention is scientifically judged as the most appropriate and effective way to deal with the phenomena of neglect or abuse. The school environment, especially in the first stages of education which are pre-kindergarten and kindergarten and above all the key role that teachers are called to undertake, make it necessary to strengthen kindergarten teachers and enrich their cognitive tools in order to successfully carry out the critical task their.

Through the “Identify-Protect” program, preschool teachers they learn to identify incidents of suspected child neglect and/or abuse and to act effectively for their immediate management and/or elimination.

In the context of the first cycle of the program, which was evaluated by the participants as particularly useful and effective, both in terms of the content and the educational material used, 1,423 kindergarten teachers were trained throughout Greece and a total of 21,345 training hours were completed. From September 2024, the second phase of the program has started, which includes regular cycles of its implementation by the ELIZA Association – Society against Child Abuse.

Learn more at www.equall.gr