A safe school starts with what we choose to tolerate

Violence in school does not start with fists. It starts with hurtful jokes, exclusion, dirty looks, and long silences.

For many children, school should be a place where they feel safe, accepted, and encouraged to grow. Unfortunately, reality shows that violence, whether physical, verbal, or emotional, remains a challenge in the school environment, affecting children's self-esteem, academic performance, and emotional well-being.

That is why Nonviolence Day in Schools, marked annually on January 30, is a moment of reflection and collective responsibility.

At Caritas Moldova, we believe that education is not built on fear or punishment, but on respect, empathy, and care for others. Through adults who listen. Through children who are taught that differences are not reasons for exclusion. Through communities that do not look away when a child is suffering.

Nonviolence means:

• intervening when we see injustice,
• offering emotional support, not labels,
• creating spaces where every child feels seen and heard.

Through our educational projects and activities, we work constantly to promote a safe and inclusive environment where children can develop not only their knowledge, but also their confidence, empathy, and respect for others.

On Nonviolence Day at School, we choose to speak up, even when it is uncomfortable.
We choose to listen, even to the quietest voices.
And we choose to stand together, because every child deserves to grow up in an environment where violence is not normalized and kindness is not an exception.

A safe school is built every day. Together.