BoliviaVerónica works in the Violence Prevention Unit (UPV) of the municipality of Sacaba-Cochabamba: initially, her job limited to administrative tasks, with little direct interaction with families affected by violence. Indeed, the unit carried out basic preventive actions, focusing on children over five years old, without addressing the needs of early childhood.
“When the Vroom tool from Save the Children arrived, we felt it was just what we needed. Vroom gave us very simple and easy-to-practice educational ideas that take us just 2 minutes to apply. Families didn’t know what to do to support their daughters and sons: since we started implementing the Vroom tool, they now practice it every day. This allows interaction among mothers, fathers, and their children, helping them develop better. It makes moms, dads, and caregivers feel more confident and helps them get to know their daughters and sons. Even though our office focused on protecting children from violence, we loved the idea of using education as another tool, especially for the youngest ones, those under five years old. We realized these tips could make a big difference in our daily work.”
At the UPV, they began using Vroom in community sessions and home visits. This allowed them to be closer to families and understand their problems, creating an atmosphere of trust. Verónica shared with us the short story of a mother and her little boy: the child had gone through very difficult times, which made him very nervous and sometimes aggressive. “We worked using Vroom tips, and we saw how the child started to express his emotions. One day, he couldn’t jump rope and got very sad, saying he couldn’t do it. But his mom hugged him and said, you can do it, I believe in you. The boy succeeded and was happy and hugged his mom saying, ‘I did it!’”
The experience with Vroom transformed the UPV’s perspective. What began as an additional task became a vocation, highlighting the importance of early childhood in violence prevention. Families were receptive, integrating the tips into their daily lives and involving all members. By investing in early development and strengthening emotional bonds, a solid foundation is built for a more just and peaceful society, where future generations grow free from the cycle of violence, nourished by the love and care they deserve.
