Friendship in Hafnarfjörður's nurseries

The Friendship project by Save the Children in Iceland will be introduced in all of Hafnarfjörður's nurseries this year. The implementation officially began today when all the nurseries were presented with the project's learning materials. Staff from all the nurseries will then attend a course, where they will receive training on the project and be taught how to use the materials. The Friendship Project aims to teach young children appropriate social skills and to combat exclusion by emphasising friendship, empathy and cooperation in all situations.

The Vinátta project began in Iceland when six preschools from as many municipalities launched a development project to adapt and implement the project. Among them was the Vesturkot Preschool in Hafnarfjörður. Vinátta is a Danish project by origin which goes under the name Peace from bullying in Danish, but has been translated into Icelandic and adapted. It is intended as a preventative measure against bullying and is specifically tailored to nursery education. The project is based on the latest research into bullying and on a specific philosophy and set of values that are woven into all school activities, as well as on projects tailored to children, staff and parents. By deciding to implement the Friendship Project in all of the town's nurseries, the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður aims to further develop a positive school climate, emphasise appropriate relationships based on respect, and thus prevent bullying within the children's community.