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Moldova: Children draw their views on police
“My painting shows a family where the father is drunk and has beaten his wife and the children got scared. I have seen such situations in movies, but also in real life. The policemen have to protect the children and wife in such cases.” said Denis, a 10-year old boy from Telenesti, Moldova , who won one of the main awards in the National Children’s Drawing Competition “Police in my Imagination” that took place in Moldova during April-May 2014.
The Children’s Drawing Competition was organized by the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova and the Delegation of Terre des hommes (Tdh) Moldova, aiming to learn about children’s attitudes and expectations with regard to police role in promoting and protecting children’s rights.
“Participating in this competition was an attempt to express my point of view regarding police and to prove myself through painting.” said Camelia, a 15-year old girl from Soldanesti, Moldova, also a winner of one of the main awards. “My expectations from police are that it ensures safety, as well as peace and tranquillity, in society. Society needs to know that it is protected and that the policemen are the people we can trust in any situation.”
On June 1st, 2014, more than 60 drawings were exhibited to the public which included the Minister of Internal Affairs. The organizers are very thankful for the high level of participation - 239 children from all districts of Moldova submitted their artworks - and the diversity of messages transmitted by children. All children and their parents had the opportunity to watch the performance of various police departments and then engage in group activities moderated by the animators of Tdh Moldova.
Listen to children’s expectations
“This competition was a challenge for the police, because we were curious to know children’s opinions, how they perceive police and what their expectations are. These help us to define our aspirations for future. The observations of the jury help us to continue strengthening our capacity and undertake a series of activities to ensure a safe environment for children.” said Daniela Buzatu, Chief Inspector of the Child Safety Department, General Police Inspectorate.
Children’s views should be the basis of further initiatives to strengthen the professional skills of frontline police and improve the communication between them and children. For the purpose of this initiative, every child’s contribution is important and taken into consideration.
The Children’s Drawing Competition was an activity within the Justice for Children Programme of Tdh Moldova which aims to reducediscrimination andill-treatment of children during the contact with the justice system in Moldova.
Every year, Terre des hommes offers sustainable solutions and a better future for over two million children and their relatives. Learn more about our projects in Moldova (http://www.tdh.ch/en/countries/moldova)
