New prevention officer – Jóna Rán works with the parents' associations

Prevention Officer in a 100% role

„School truancy and risky behaviour among teenagers will be one of my main focuses. Children, teenagers and their parents will be the focus,“ says Jóna Rán Pétursdóttir, who has been appointed as the prevention officer for Hafnarfjörður.

Jóna works in the education and public health department, but across all of the town's institutions that deal with children and young people, and will be part of a sports and prevention team. Jóna is the first prevention officer to work exclusively on prevention on a full-time basis. „Yes, I'll be the support for the parents“ associations," she says.

Prevention for a healthy society

For many years, Jóna Rán has led the youth and prevention work in the municipality of Seltjarnanes, overseeing the strategic planning and implementation of professional prevention and leisure activities. In her work, she has collaborated extensively and successfully with the borough's parents, both through education and meetings for specific groups, and through regular meetings with the borough's parent-teacher associations. She holds a B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Iceland and an M.Sc. in Human Resources Management from the same institution.

Fanney Dóróthe Halldórsdóttir, Director of the Education and Public Health Department, says that with the appointment of Jóna Rán, the council's strategy to make Hafnarfjörður a healthy and prosperous community is being strengthened. „We want to ensure that public health and happiness are accessible to all residents,“ says Fanney.

A key factor in well-being

She points out that a changing society and new challenges call for a greater emphasis on prevention, solidarity and dialogue. „Prevention is a key factor in ensuring the well-being, resilience and success of the future. It is important that all work with children in which the council is involved is framed in the spirit of the common good and is as effective as possible,“ she says.

„With a new preventative officer, parents, parent-teacher associations and the school community as a whole gain a strong representative in the town's governance structure. Jóna Rán is a liaison, adviser and partner who works with all of us to create a safe and constructive environment for children and young people,“ says Fanney Dóróthe.

Jóna Rán says it is important to intervene as early as possible and guide children in the right direction. The aim is to prevent school drop-outs at an early stage. „Children's well-being is my key priority. Finding ways so that all children and young people can flourish as early as possible.“

Jóna Rán, welcome to the job.