Protecting the mental well being of our children during and after public health emergencies – digital training for teachers and educators

The ProWell project is focused on the impact of emergency public health situations (such as epidemics, pandemics, earthquakes, floods, etc.) on the well-being of children. The pandemic of the disease COVID-19 has led to negative changes in social structures for children and to the biggest changes in teaching methods in recent human history. Professionals who work with children (eg teachers, school assistants, sports coaches, etc.) have an important role in preserving social cohesion and establishing optimal daily functioning for children, which is crucial for their well-being and mental health. The goal of the project is the development and implementation of education that would develop the competencies and digital skills of experts who work with children. The steps in the project are: (1) to research, identify and analyze the needs and educational opportunities available so far, (2) to develop combined education and distance education, (3) to provide support for the development of innovative online resources and tools, (4) to increase awareness teachers and educators about the importance of providing support to children and young people during extraordinary public health situations and to strengthen their skills in providing such support. The target groups are teachers, teachers and professional associates and educators – people who work with children and adolescents. The project is divided into four phases: (I) Mapping and conceptual framework: promotion of mental health for children and adolescents in emergency public health situations, (II) Methodological framework for designing an educational curriculum, (III) Development of an educational curriculum package, (IV) phase: Adaptation of the tool for the application of the educational curriculum. The education developed within the project is available in Croatian and the languages ​​of the consortium countries, it is free of charge, and upon completion of the education, participants receive a Certificate of Completion of Education. The e-learning platform can be accessed for free at https://prowell-project.com/ and the ProWell smartphone app is also available. Members of Pilar’s team: Renata Glavak Tkalić, Ines Sučić, Marina Kotrla Topić, Mara Šimunović, Josip Razum and Mirela Crljen