Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries (UNODC)

The implementation of 2 nd cycle of Strengthening Families Programme (SFP,10-14) in three new schools in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

Bishkek, September-November 2018

With the purpose of building stronger bonds in families and improving communication skills between youth and parents to cope better with difficulties in adolescence, the Regional Programme for Afghanistan and Neighbouring Countries has implemented the Strengthening Families Programme (SFP,10-14) in three new schools in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The programme was fully supported by the Ministry of Education and Science as well as the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The programme consisting of 7 weekly primary sessions was held engaging 90 family members from October to November 2018. The sessions were led by national SFP facilitators who had been trained during the SFP training of trainers workshop convened in September 2018.

During the primary sessions, parents learnt how to manage stress, relationships with youth, substance use prevention as well as how to set love and limits rules.  The adolescents also learnt how to cope with criticism, develop social skills, resist peer pressure, and understand the consequences of substance use.

Pre and post-questionnaire surveys demonstrated that the participants, both parents and youth, showed overall positive satisfaction with the training sessions. They confirmed that they have experienced significant improvements in their relationships after taking part in the seven-weekly SFP programme sessions.

Many thanks to the European Union for supporting this programme.