The online course “How To Teach Mine Safety To Children”, made by the team of the Cultural Platform Zakarpattya NGO, is actually an online guide. It helps educators, rescuers, and police officers teach such a complex topic in an interesting, safe, and effective way.
Psychologists, educators, specialists in child protection, social and behavioral change, and international experts have joined the course development. In this article, we share their thoughts with you to convey the atmosphere and value that awaits participants in courses.bezpeka.info. Join us to shape the safety culture of Ukrainian children together!
Hugues Laurenge, lead child protection specialist at UNICEF Headquarters, New York: “We don’t need to teach children to become deminers—they just need to know how to recognize explosive ordnance.”
Svitlana Roiz, child and family psychologist: “Remember: a frightened child is unable to learn. That is why, first of all, we invest in a feeling of safety, then engage them emotionally, and only after these steps do we give them new information.”
Svitlana Oleksiuk, teacher and principal of school No. 5 in Kyiv: “The lesson should begin with the students’ thoughts and suggestions. In that case, the teacher is advised to explain the goals of the lesson, provide clear instructions for completing tasks, and set expectations for the outcome of each lesson.”
Oleksandr Chuchaiev, teacher, and director of Blahovishchensk Educational Complex No. 2, Kirovohrad Region: “In addition to the theoretical component, practical benefits are important for a mine safety lesson, so we need to create an environment of interactive interplay between students and teachers.”
Tetiana Kazanzhy, social and behavioral change specialist: “The lesson should be interactive, however, not oversaturated with games or built exclusively around them. It should include different formats, but be structured in such a way that the child’s brain works hard while completing tasks and exercises and relaxes through a game or a cartoon.”
Yuliana Maslak, child psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist: “We sometimes think that criticism builds and praise destroys. However, it’s exactly the opposite. Praise always stimulates us to create something incredibly beautiful, and releases dopamine. We like being praised, it makes us eager to do more. And the teacher can use this.”
Marta Kovačić, civil protection specialist at the Croatian Ministry of the Interior: “You have to adapt the program to the age and interests of a child. As I said before, while it is not always easy to find the right way to convey information, but you have to try, try, try, and be very flexible.”
Svitlana Kisilova, social and behavioral change specialist: “Children need to understand how to behave safely and demonstrate this behavior to others. It should become a habit and a daily practice for them, like brushing your teeth or taking off your shoes when you come home.”
Join the “How To Teach Mine Safety To Children” online course to gain comprehensive knowledge from leading experts. Specialists in various fields will share not only international approaches and recommendations but also materials and practical tools for mine safety lessons. Remember: each such lesson is your step towards protecting young Ukrainians!
Learn mine safety in an interesting, interactive, and safe way! Sign up!
Olena Smirnova-Kochetkova