By implementing this project, we aimed to develop, implement and promote an innovative educational concept for preschool children that supports understanding of basic legal regulations, moral norms and the importance of respecting them. The project sought to introduce a learning-through-case-studies approach as a practical and child-friendly method to reduce aggressive behaviour, promote tolerance and encourage non-violent conflict resolution from an early age. Another key objective was to strengthen the skills and competences of preschool educators by equipping them with modern methodologies, tools and strategies to address aggression, discrimination and deviant behaviour, and to improve cooperation with parents and peers across Europe. The project also aimed to enhance transnational cooperation among partners from North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece, promote the principles of human rights and the rule of law in line with EU and UN frameworks, and contribute to improved local educational policies and increased parental and community engagement in fostering responsible, law-abiding future citizens.
We applied for this project in response to the evident need for early and effective prevention of delinquent and violent behaviour among children through high-quality education. Numerous studies show that children who do not participate in structured and supportive early childhood education face a higher risk of developing behavioural problems and engaging in delinquent activities later in life. The first years of a child’s life are crucial for the development of cognitive, emotional and social skills, which form the basis of future personality, behaviour and social integration. Countries in the region continue to face challenges related to high levels of delinquency, criminal behaviour and corruption, indicating a lack of sufficient preventive mechanisms within the educational system. There is a clear need for educational programmes that promote non-violent conflict resolution, emotional self-regulation, respect for legal regulations and moral norms from an early age. The absence of such systematic approaches limits the ability of educators to effectively guide children toward positive and socially responsible behaviour.