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May 2022 - №7	Archive

News - Новини	Ukrainian


Literature for Territorial Communities The war changed a lot in our lives, changed us. However, enthusiasm for our work and belief in the importance of preventive work with children and youth remained the same. After all, formed in this work values are strong grounds for our free Ukraine. We know that the trainers of the project “Strengthening the capacity of territorial communities of Chernihiv Region in preventing drug abuse among children and youth” share our vision. Thank you for staying in touch and your desire to implement “Choice 5». We are pleased to announce that the program methodical support is ready – manuals for trainers, workbooks for participants (pupils) and manuals for parents. There are the manuals at the Department of Social Work and Educational and Pedagogical Sciences of the T.H. Shevchenko National University “Chernihiv Colehium”. In the near future we will decide on the issue of manuals’ delivery to the communities Project is supported by the UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by Drug Abuse Prevention Center (DAPC), Japan #Choice_5_Ten_UTC Larysa Ren (Project coordinator).

Start of the CHOICE-5 in Kamianets Podilskyi Trainers Oksana Bohomolova and Mykola Servetnyk on January 13, 2022 conducted for fifth-graders the first session, Responsible Choice, of the prevention program, CHOICE-5 at school #7 of the City of Kamianets Podilskyi. Before that they successfully learned a three months online course for prevention trainers. The students took part in a preliminary survey that is a part of a research on CHOICE-5 effectiveness. The research is conducted by the Institute on Public Health Policy. The project, "Evidence Based Prevention for Children of Ukraine" is being implemented by the #Prevention_Center_CHOICE and supported by the Institute of International Education, the USA.

Webinar of Specifics of Сonducting CHOICE-5 Sessions On the 01 of December, 2021 22 trainers from Donetsk, Odesa, Khmelnytskyi and Chernihiv Region tool part in the webinar on specifics of conducting CHOICE-5 sessions. This is the second webinar that in conducted in the frames of the online course for teaching prevention trainers. Each team was responsible for presenting a certain team. All presentations will be shared with all participants. A special attention was being given to the presentation of Natalia, the social pedagogue for Chernihiv Lyceum #22. She has got a great experience in training CHOICE-5. The project, "Evidence Based Prevention for Children of Ukraine" is being implemented by the #Prevention_Center_CHOICE and supported by the Institute of International Education, the USA.

Anhelina – CHOICE-5 Trainer in the Town of Koriukivka Anhelina is a ninth-grader at Koriukivka School #1, Chernihiv Region. In the previous academic year she benefited of the prevention program, CHOICE-8 as a student. This year Anhelina has been learning the online course for prevention trainers. She aims to develop prevention skills and help a younger generation to be free from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Anhelina and Karolina together will be conducting CHOICE-5 lessons for fifth-graders in two classes under mentorship of experienced trainers: Alla, the school psychologist, and Yaroslava, a Juvenile Prevention Police Inspector.

Evidence Based Prevention for Children of Ukraine On 01 October 2021 Prevention Center, supported by the Institute of International Education, USA, is beginning the project, "Evidence Based Prevention for Children of Ukraine". The project will be implemented in four regions of Ukraine: (Donetsk Region - East of Ukraine), Odesa Region (South), Khmelnytskyi Region (West) and Chernihiv Region (North). The goal of the endeavor is facilitating evidence based prevention of risky behavior among 10-12 years old school students.

Workshop for the team of "Effective Prevention" The Prevention Center "Choice" on 09-11 June was conducting a workshop for participants of the project, "Effective Prevention". Trainers from Artsyz, Bilhorod and Krasna Kosa (Odesa Region), Kramatorsk and Sloviansk (Donetsk Region) as well Koriukivka (Chernihiv Region) took part in the event. They were analyzing results of the project and setting recommendations for the future trainers of the Prevention Program "Choice". All eleven trainers were awarded with Certificate of Trainer from the National University "Chernihivskyi Colehium". The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Effective Prevention in Bilhorod Dnistrovksyi 21, May, 2021: Town of Bilhorod Dnistrovskyi, Odesa Region. The trainers Rita, the Social Pedagogue for School #4, and Lina, a Juvenile Prevention Officer, conducted for eighth-graders the session, "Norms of Behavior". The students were discussing legal norms of behavior as well social, religious and personal norms. They understood importance of following their own norms corresponding interests of their future. The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Effective Prevention The staff of the “Effective Prevention” project on 20, April, 2021 carried out a Zoom meeting on analyzing conducted CHOICE-8 sessions and discussing coming project events. The teams from Artsyz, Bilhorod, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, Koriukivka and Krasna Kosa shared presentations on their experience and learned other teams’ experiences. Victoria, a trainer from Sloviansk, said, “Effective Prevention” is one of the projects that have been implemented at School #5 of the City of Sloviansk. There were other projects aiming prevention of risky behavior and violence. But this project was really the effective one. First of all, that was a nice idea to create a team of trainers including an educator and a law-enforcement officer. Each of us is competent in his or her area of activity. Thanks to that the eighth-graders receive 100% of truthful information…”. The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Session of CHOICE-8 in Krasna Kosa 04, March, 2021: Village of Krasna Kosa, Odesa Region. Iryna, the social pedagogue/psychologist for the local school, conducted the session “HIV/AIDS: challenge and response” for eighth-graders as well shared her impressions on the session. The students were discussing the issues of HIV spread and the ways to prevent it. As well they were talking about importance of tolerance towards people living with HIV. The lesson helped them to come to their own conclusions on the theme that might tremendously influence their future. The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Session, "What We Know on Drugs" in Artsyz 01, February, 2021 Trainers Lilia, Juvenile Prevention Police officer and Svitlana, the school psychologist conducted the third CHOICE-8 session for eight-graders at Artsyz school #5. The session is “What We Know on Drugs”. Within the session the trainers used an interactive game, “Facts on Drugs” that is offered by the NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse, USA). The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Seminar on Organizing Prevention Participants of the project, Effective Prevention" on 11 January 2021 conducted a Zoom seminar on the online course for prevention trainers. This time they discussed "Organizing Prevention" themes of the course. The teams from Donetsk, Odesa and Chernihiv Regions delivered their presentations. Experts from National University "Chernihivskyi Collegium" and the coauthor of the project Nikita Sadov, USA took part in the event. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Freshmen Learn the Online Course Seven freshmen of the National University "Chernihivskyi Collegium" in January 2021 are taking part in the online course for training prevention trainers. Katerina Scherbakova is the first one who finalized the course and successfully passed three tests. She kindly shared her positive feedback on the online course: "...excellent impressions. Very good sound and professionally made slides..., well understood information...". The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

CHOICE-8 is Launched in Sloviansk On the 10 of December 2020 Victoria, a school deputy head, and Dmytro, a patrol police officer, conducted the first CHOICE-8 session in two eighth-grade classes of the Sloviansk School #5. The trainers shared their feedback on the events. In total more than 40 students took part in the sessions. They were actively participating in activities of the “Responsible Choice” lesson, especially in the second half of it, when rules of the “game” were established and introduction was conducted. Victroria and Dmytro truly believe that they set a good ground for further communication and interaction with the students within the CHOICE-8 and beyond. The project, “Effective Prevention” is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Online Meeting on Specifics of Prevention Lessons 02 December 2020 twelve specialists from Chernihiv, Donetsk and Odesa Regions participating in the project, “Effective Prevention”, took part in the meeting. Each team delivered their presentations and responded inquiries from colleagues. So far the participants have learned ten out of 15 online sessions on teaching prevention trainers. As well they have successfully passed two out of three tests of the course. The project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Team from Slov'iansk Dmytro is a patrol police officer. He is responsible for prevention work among youth. Dmytro likes sports. His motto is “Whatever happens, always say truth”. Victoria is an experience teacher. She has been working for school for 24 years. Victoria believes that successful teaching is an interesting teaching and respect is a crucial issue to achieve positive results. They are going to work together as prevention trainers in the frames of the project “Effective Prevention” that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Koriukivka at the Start Koriukivka community has been taking part in the project, “Effective Prevention” that includes online teaching of prevention trainers and conducting prevention program, “Choice-8” for 300 eighth-graders in five district towns of Ukraine. Alla is a practical psychologist for a local school and Yaroslava represents juvenile prevention police. They are going to work together as trainers. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Meeting in Koriukivka 10 September 2020: Town of Koriukivka, Ukraine The project, “Effective Prevention” is being conducted in five towns: Artsyz and Bilhorod Dnistrovskyi (Odesa Region), Kramatorsk and Sloviansk (Donetsk Region) as well Koriukivka (Chernihiv Region). Meeting of project stakeholders in Koriukivka included local trainers, and representatives from education, law-enforcement and civil sectors. The Head of the District State Administration, Volodymyr Poluben’, took active part in the event as well. The participants discussed specifics of implementation of the Project. Their common decision was: To support the Project in Koriukinka. After conducting the Project to set recommendations on further prevention initiatives. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

The Chair of Social Work 02 September 2020: City of Chernihiv On behalf of the City Mayor, Vladyslav Atroshenko, the senior lecturer of the National University "Chernihiv Kolegium" Lina Makhotkina was awarded with the Certificate of Gratitude for her efforts in prevention risky behavior among children. Lina is a devoted member of the Prevention Center, "Choice". Together with her colleagues from the Chair of Social Work she has been investing her energy, knowledge and commitment in meeting the challenges of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among students of Chernihiv schools. At this stage they are implementing the project, "Effective Prevention " that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine. Specifically the Chair of Social Work have prepared manual for trainers, handbook for eighth-graders participating in the prevention program, "Choice-8", and voiced over the online course for trainers.

Meet the Leaders of the Center The mission of the Prevention Center “Choice” is uniting people of good will in meeting the challenge of risky behavior among children. Since the day of its founding the Center has been relying on support from the National University, “Chenihivskyi Kolegium” named after Taras Shevchenko. The project, “Effective Prevention” has a tremendous support from the University lecturers. Larysa Ren’, has just created an interactive manual (handbook) for participants of the prevention program, “Chice-8”. Lina Makhotkina is voicing over the online course for training prevention trainers.

Manual for Trainers On 09 August of 2020 in the frames of the project, "Effective Prevention" that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine, a manual for trainers, "Program "Choice", was published in the Publishing House, "Desna Polygraph". The book will be used for implementing prevention in three regions of Ukraine. The authors of the book are Valeriy Ryabukha, Liudmyla Zavatska and Dmytro Shevchenko. Seven years ago they created the public organization, "Prevention Center, "Choice" .

Handbook for Fifth-graders In the frames of the project, “Effective Prevention” that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine, the Prevention Center has just developed a new handbook for participants of the Prevention Program “Choice-8”. The interactive handbook will assists the 300 eighth-graders from Chernihiv, Donetsk and Odesa Regions in learning ten sessions of the “Choice-8” aiming to prevent risky behavior. Larysa Ren’, a Docent of the National University “Chernihivskyi Kolegium”, is the author of the publication. In 2017 she already designed a handbook for fifth-graders who participated in the Program “Choice-5”.

Beginning of "Effective Prevention" On the 01 of July 2020 the Prevention Center, "Choice", supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine, started the project, "Effective Prevention".The project aims to develop an online teaching course for prevention trainers on the website www.choiceyouth.org. The course will train 10 specialists (social teachers and police officers) who will further teach 300 eighth-graders (13-14 years old) from Donetsk, Odessa and Chernihiv Regions on a positive behavior and the dangers of illicit drugs. Project results will be analyzed at a workshop that will set recommendations for further prevention efforts.

СHOICE in 2019-2020 In the current academic year so far 19 out of 32 Chernihiv Schools expressed their desire to conduct the Prevention Program, "Choice" for their students. Mainly, it is about the "Choice-5" - the program for fifth-graders. However, "Choice-8" and "Choice-10", designed for eighth and tenth graders, will be also conducted. At Chernihiv Lyceum #22 the Program is traditionally conducted at all three levels for all of the students.

Informal School Leader Since 01 June 2018 till 31 March 2019 the Prevention Center, “Choice” is implementing a project on indicative prevention, “Informal School Leader”. More info on the project you may receive at the address: www.choiceyouth.org Supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Start of the Project, "Informal School Leader" In June 2018 the Prevention Center, “Choice” started the project, “Informal School Leader” that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine. The goal of the project is uniting school leaders in their service for Chernihiv community and Ukraine. For promotion of the project and its goals the Prevention Center in cooperation with the Chernihiv Region Youth Center on 22 June arranged presentation of the project for participants of the summer camp for local activists – Territory of Active Youth (TAY). As well the participants of the camp received information on prevention human trafficking and modern slavery.

Ukraine, North Dakota and Missouri On 09 March, 2018 the Prevention Center, “Choice”, in the premises of the Academy of State Penitentiary Service conducted a round table on evidence based prevention. The reason for the event was a visit to Chernihiv of two scientists from the USA: · Thomasine Heitkamp, University of North Dakota; · Patricia Stilen, University of Missouri-Kansas City. Among participants there were colleagues from All-Ukrainian Charity, “Ezra”, representatives from the Academy, National University “Chernihiv Collegiums”, Chernihiv Education Department and Region Youth Center. The Center shared its experience in uniting community resources for meeting the challenges of HIV/AIDS, drug misuse and crime among children and youth. The round table result is an opportunity for further international prevention endeavors.

Start of CHOICE-10 On 25 January 2018 a Round Table was conducted in the Methodical Center of Chernihiv Department of Education. Among participants there were class teachers of the classes where Prevention Program CHOICE would be conducted, as well representatives of the Department of Education, Academy of State Penitentiary Service and PO, “Prevention Center “Choice”. The participants discussed terms and specifics of conducting the CHOICE at schools. Also they talked about cooperation between schools and the Academy. So far the CHOICE has been initiated in the Chernihiv Lyceum #22 and School #35.

CHOICE-10 The Prevention Center, “Choice” on the 07 of December 2017 conducted initial training trainers for CHOICE-10 – substance abuse prevention program for tenth-graders. The event was conducted in the Academy of the Stated Penitentiary Service. There were present: school social teachers, Academy cadets, National University students, and representatives from the City Education Department as well Chernihiv Region Justice Department. The program will be launched at 15 schools of Chernihiv in January 2018.

CHOICE-5 Project Report at the City Hall On the 27 of September, 2017 the Prevention Center, “Choice” conducted a round table in the City Hall of the Chernihiv Council. The goal of the event was to report to the city community on fulfillment of the 2017 City Budget Project, “CHOICE-5”. Among participants there were social teachers, Penitentiary Academy cadets and Pedagogical University students. All of them were the ones who trained the prevention program for fifth-graders in 26 schools Chernihiv. As well there were representatives from the University, Academy and Education Department. Olexandr Lomako, a City Deputy Mayor, opened the round table, congratulated the trainers and rewarded them with Certificates of Trainers. He also gave some positive comments on the documentary about the Project. All of the participants shared their impression on the project and generated ideas for continuation of the prevention endeavor. Supported by the Chernihiv City Council.

SPR Conference and NIDA International Forum Prevention Center, “Choice” has been regularly presenting results of its prevention initiatives at international scientific conferences. Specifics and results of the project, “Choice-5” were also introduced to the international scientific community. Particularly: · In May, 2017 – at Society for Prevention Research Conference in Washington, DC, USA; · In June, 2017 – at NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) International Forum in Montreal, Canada. Participation in the pointed events creates opportunities for sharing and learning, as well for improvement of prevention tools.

Celebration Prevention Program, “Choice-5” successfully has come to the tenth session in 26 schools of the City of Chernihiv. The goal of the session is to reinforce a positive effect of prevention efforts. That is why school heads and parents of fifth-graders have been invited to take part in the “Celebration”. The fifth-graders make their commitments and declare them in front of their classmates. As well they are rewarded with Certificates of Graduation and fill out post survey. Supported by the Chernihiv City Council in the frames of the “Participatory Budget of 2017”.

CHOICE-5 is conducted in 26 Chernihiv Schools In the frames of the Participatory Budget 2017 the Prevention Center, “Choice”, has been implementing the Project, “Choice-5” that includes conducting prevention program for fifth graders in 26 schools of Chernihiv. The CHOICE-5 is implemented by 52 trainers. Among there are 26 social teachers, 13 Pedagogical University students and 13 Penitentiary Academy cadets. Currently the trainers have conducted from two to six sessions out of ten. The Project is supported by the Chernihiv City Council in the frames of the Participatory Budget.

Second Round of Training 04-05, February, 2017, City of Chernihiv, Ukraine, Prevention Center, "Choice" in cooperation with the City Education Department conducted the third round of training CHOICE-5 trainers. Seven social teachers and thirteen Penitentiary Academy cadets took part in the event as trainees. Thus the team of trainers includes 26 social teachers, 13 cadets and 13 Pedagogical University students. Their mission is to implement prevention program, "Choice-5" for around 800 fifth-graders in 26 schools of the City of Chernihiv. The Project is supported by the Chernihiv City Council in the frames of the Participatory Budget.

Training CHOICE-5 Trainers In January 09-12, 2017 the Prevention Center started a new round of prevention efforts with training trainers for 26 schools of the City of Chernihiv. Each training teams will include two trainers: a social teacher and a Pedagogical University student or Penitentiary Academy cadet. The Project is supported by the Chernihiv City Council in the frames of the Participatory Budget.

Start of CHOICE-10 Pilot conducting of Prevention Program for tenth-graders, CHOICE-10, was launched at Chernihiv School #2. The trainers Oksana and Vadym, cadets of the Penitentiary Academy, delivered five session our of ten ones. Before that the CHOICE-10 was tested in three confinement facilities for juveniles (Kovel, Kremenchuk and Pryluky) as well in Professional Lyceum for juvenile offenders. A research confirmed effectiveness of the Prevention Program.

Round Table at the City Hall On the 28 of September 2016 the Prevention Center, “Choice” conducted a round table in the Chernihiv City Hall. 37 participants who represented Education Department, Pedagogical University and Penitentiary Academy analyzed outcomes of the project, “Responsible Choice” and set recommendations for the coming prevention endeavors. Additionally the Safety Manual for Kids was introduced to the City community. The documentary on the Project was made by Vadym Strokin. The Deputy Mayor, Oleksandr Lomako, made introduction presentation at the Round Table. The event was supported by Chernihiv City Council in the frames of the Participatory Budget.

Sharing Experience In spring and summer of 2016 the Prevention Center, “Choice”, shared its prevention experience at: Virginia Commonwealth University, for Hubert Humphrey Fellows, Richmond, Virginia, on 11 April; Gender Conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on 12-13 April; New Hampshire Alliance of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Nashua, New Hampshire, on 20 April; Society for Prevention Research Conference in San Francisco, California, on 31 May – 03 June; Women and Children Conference in Palm Springs, California, on 10 June; NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) International Forum in Palm Springs, on 10-14 June. Prevention info gained at the pointed events will be used for benefits of Chernihiv community and Ukraine.

Project “Responsible Choice” In the frames of the Project “Responsible Choice” the Prevention Center, “Choice” has arranged implementing the program “Choice-8” (ten sessions) for 459 eighth-graders in fifteen schools of the City of Chernihiv. Those are schools ## 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 18, 22, 27, 29, 30, 32 and 33. The Program was conducted by school social teachers in cooperation with students of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University and cadets of the Chernihiv State Penitentiary Academy. The Project is supported by the Chernihiv City Council.

Presenting the Manual for Educators On 03, March, 2016 the Department of Education of the City of Chernihiv, Ukraine, and Chernihiv Pedagogical University conducted a round table on cooperation between educators in the sphere of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime prevention among children. In the frames of the event the manual, “Effective Prevention”, was presented .The authors of the manual are Liudmyla Zavatska, Larysa Ren’ and Valeriy Ryabukha. Each City schools received the manual and DVD with prevention materials. The book and DVD were developed and published thanks to support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and DAPS, Japan.

Effective Prevention The Prevention Center, “Choice” has just developed a manual for educators, “Effective Prevention”, as well a DVD with substance abuse prevention materials. The authors of the book are: Dr. Liusmyla Zavatska, Professor, Head of the Social Pedagogy Chair for Chernihiv National Pedagogical University; Dr. Larysa Ren’, Docent for the Social Pedagogy Chair; Valeriy Ryabukha, Chairman of the Board for Prevention Center, “Choice”. The edition of the book and DVD is 500 items. All of the books with DVD inside will be distributed free of charge in educational institutions of Ukraine. The Project is Supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPS, Japan.

Round Table for Chernihiv Community On the 20^th of January 2016 the Prevention Center, “Choice” conducted a round table for Chernihiv community. The goal of the event was to present results of the project, “Right of Adolescents on Substance Abuse Prevention (SAP)”, as well to set recommendations for next prevention efforts within the local community. Among those who took part in the event were class teachers, social teachers, representatives of the City Education Department, Chernihiv National Pedagogical University and State Penitentiary Academy. The presentation on prevention achievements and plans was delivered by Dr. Liudmula Zavatska. Dmytro Shevchenko, Penitentiary Academy Senior Lectures, shared info on involvement of their students (cadets) into SAP in confinement facilities for juvenile inmates. The main recommendation of the Round Table was to start a new prevention project on conducting “Choice-8” in fifteen schools of Chernihiv. The event was supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPC, Japan and the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine.

Round Table of Trainers On 20, December, 2015 the Prevention Center, “Choice”, conducted a round table on summarizing prevention efforts in 2015. Students and cadets of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University and Penitentiary Academy, who conducted prevention programs, as well teachers of the Chernihiv Professional Lyceum of Railway Transport took part in the event. The participants watched a documentary on the Project, “Right of Adolescents on Substance Abuse Prevention” that was created by Vadym Strokin, shared their impressions and propositions regarding prevention. Professor Liudmyla Zavatska, on behalf of the Pedagogical University, rewarded the students and cadets with Certificates of SAP trainers. Recommendations on future prevention work were generated. The event was supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPC, Japan and the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine.

CHOICE-10 In Kovel' On 03-04, December, 2015 trainers Oksana and Daryna, Chernihiv Penitentiary Academy cadets, conducted ten sessions of the prevention program, CHOICE-10, for 20 juvenile inmates of the Kovel' confinement facility, Volyn' Region of Ukraine. Pre and post surveys were conducted by the Prevention Center, “Choice”, and Natalia Shpanka, psychologist for the Facility. The training included games, group work, discussion and other interactive methods of learning. The inmates did enjoy the event and expressed their appreciation through numerous letters and pictures. Result of the research show effectiveness of the CHOICE-10 and oblige to continue the endeavor. The event was supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPC, Japan and the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine.

CHOICE-8 in Bessarabia Substance Abuse Prevention Program, “Choice-8” currently is being conducted in four schools of Tatarbunary District of Odesa Region. At school of the Village of Prymorske the program is conducted by Nina Chaban, psychologist of the school. The event was supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPC, Japan.

CHOICE-10 for Inmates in Pryluky On 18-20, November, 2015 trainers Yaroslava and Oleksandr, cadets of Chernihiv Penitentiary Academy, Ukraine, implemented a substance abuse prevention program, CHOICE-10, for twenty juvenile inmates at the Pryluky Confinement Facility. The training included a pre survey, ten thematic sessions and a post survey. Both the trainers and trainees did enjoy the experience despite its intensiveness. Results of the surveys are very promising. A questionnaire including 17 questions was used for the survey. The research was conducted by Larysa Hrabina, Pryluky Confinement Facility Senior Inspector. The event was supported by UNODC Youth Initiative with funds donated by DAPC, Japan.

CHOICE-10 for Juvenile Inmates The Prevention Center, “Choice” implemented a prevention program, CHOICE-10 for 20 juvenile inmates at Kremenchuk Confinement Facility, Poltava Region of Ukraine, on 11-13, November, 2015. The training, that included ten sessions, was conducted by Oksana Sementsova and Vadym Ostapchuk, Chernihiv Penitentiary Academy cadets. On the first day the trainers conducted pre survey and first two sessions of the CHOICE-10. Next day six sessions were conducted. And finally two last sessions and post survey were carried out on the last day of training. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan.

CHOICE-10 In Odesa On the 04 of November 2015 trainers Tetiana Tkachenko and Tetiana Velikova conducted the second CHOICE-10 session, “Risks” at Odesa Center of Professional and Technical Education. The session included: repeating previous session material on responsible choice, discussion on reasonable and unreasonable risks, watching a documentary on risks, a group game, “Take a Guess”, and conclusion. The goals of the game were to deliver prevention info and show nature of risks. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan. The Chernihiv Charitable Organization, "Aratta" and Odesa Region Movement, "Faith. Hope. Love" provided technical assistance.

CHOICE-10 Goes to Vocational Schools On 09-11, October, 2015 training substance abuse prevention trainers took place in the Chernihiv resort, “Sunrise”. The trainees represented Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary service of Ukraine and Odesa Center for Professional and Technical Education. They are going to conduct CHOICE-10 prevention program for first year students (15-16 years old) of vocational schools in Chernihiv and Odesa. The team of trainers included: Dr. Liudmyla Zavatska, Head of the Social Pedagogy Department of Chernihiv Pedagogical University; Dmytro Shevchenko, lecturer for the Law College, Valeriy Ryabukha, Chairman of the Board of Prevention Center, “Choice”. The training covered basics of prevention, risk and protective factors, prevention theories, effective methods of teaching and other themes. The participants rehearsed conducting ten sessions of the CHOICE-10 and found out specifics of conducting pre and post surveys. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan. The Chernihiv Charitable Organization, "Aratta" and Odesa Region Movement, "Faith. Hope. Love" provided technical assistance.

Peer to Peer On the 06 of October, 2015 Kolia and Aliona conducted the third session of the CHOICE-F prevention program, “What we know on drugs” for the group of Chernihiv Pedagogical University freshmen, who aimed to become social teachers. The trainers are sophomores of the University. They had already conducted CHOICE-5 substance abuse prevention program for fifth-graders but now they really understand what means “peer to peer” approach. The Prevention Center, “Choice”, in cooperation with Odesa Regional Movement, “Faith. Hope. Love”, and Chernihiv Regional Charitable Organization, “Aratta” have been currently piloting the CHOICE-F for three groups of freshmen at the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University (future social teachers, psychologists and language teachers) as well for a group of freshmen (future math teachers) at the South Ukrainian Pedagogical University in Odesa. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan. The Chernihiv Charitable Organization, "Aratta" and Odesa Region Movement, "Faith. Hope. Love" provided technical assistance.

Training CHOICE-F Trainers In September 04-06, 2015 training trainers for substance abuse prevention program, “Choice-F”, took place in the City of Chernihiv in the premises of the local resort, “Sunrise”. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Strokin, who represented the public organization, “Prevention Center, “Choice”. They were assisted by Dr. Liudmyla Zavatska, head of social pedagogy chair as well by Lina Mahotkina and Larysa Ren’, Chernihiv Pedagogical University lecturers. Nine trainees were university students from Chernihiv and Odesa Pedagogical Universities. The target audience of the “Choice-F” is university freshmen (first year students). The trainers will have to conduct ten “Choice-F” sessions for three groups of freshmen in Chernihiv (future social teachers, psychologists and philologists) as well for a group and future physics teachers at the South-Ukrainian National University (Odesa). Pre аnd post survey will be carried out. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan. The Chernihiv Charitable Organization, "Aratta" and Odesa Region Movement, "Faith. Hope. Love" provided technical assistance.

Training in Bessarabia In August 20-22, 2015 the Prevention Center, “Choice” conducted training substance abuse prevention trainers in the Tatarbunary District of Odesa Region. Seven trainees, who are school psychologists, represented schools of the District. Subsequently they are going to implement the prevention program, “Choice-8” for eighth graders in their schools. The training was performed by Valeriy Ryabukha and Natalia Yurina. It consisted of theoretical and practical phases. The agenda included: · Prevention Basics; · Prevention Theories; · Risk and Protective Factors; · Interactive Methods of Teaching; · Class Room Management. The trainees practiced conducting ten “Choice-8” sessions that was analyzed by the participants. The event took place thanks to support from the United Nation Office on Drugs and Crime as well the Government of Japan.

International Prevention Standards On 14 July 2015 a meeting of the Prevention Center Board took place in the premises of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. The agenda included two issues: · Development of the SAP manual for educators; · Creating a SAP program for university freshmen. With regards to the manual for educators the board approved a corrected outline of the future publication. Particularly, United Nations International prevention standards will be in the center of the manual. More attention will be given to the etiological aspect of substance abuse prevention among adolescents. Concerning the program for freshmen, the board outlined the content of the program, which will be named as “Choice-F”. It will consist of ten sessions, but there might be additional sessions dependently on needs assessment in a particular student group. The event was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

From Washington to Phoenix In May-June 2015 findings of the Prevention Center, “Choice” research were represented at three international conferences: 1. "Society for Prevention Research" in Washington DC; 2. "Women and Children Health" in Phoenix, Arizona; 3. "NIDA International Forum" in Phoenix, Arizona. There were a lot of travelling and sharing. Now it’s time to analyze obtained materials and experience for implementing it in Ukraine.

Seminar for Nizhyn Specialists On the 29 of April 2015 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention of drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among children took place in the Nizhyn Professional Lyceum of Mode of Life and Service. Twenty participants of the training represented Lyceum administration, teachers and masters of Professional Education. The goal included two components: promotion of evidence based approach in prevention as well needs assessment in such prevention in the Lyceum. The participants listen to presentation on prevention; watched documentaries, played interactive games, discussed prevention issues. They were very touched to find out that the series of prevention efforts became possible thanks to Japanese children who fund-raised the resources for Drug Abuse Prevention Center (DAPS), established under umbrella of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. The seminar was conducted by the Chernihiv Public Organization, Prevention Center, “Choice”. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

Prevention Seminar in Pryluky On the 24 of April 2015 an Evidence Based Prevention Seminar was conducted at Pryluky Professional Lyceum. Teachers, masers of industrial education and administration representative took part in the event, that was trained by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Strokin, experts from the Prevention Center, “Choice”. The participants listen to a power point presentation on science based prevention, watched a documentary, played interactive games and filled out questionnaires. They also helped in needs assessment for prevention in the Lyceum. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

The Most Interesting Educational Event Ever… On the 22 of April 2015 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention took place in the Nizhyn Professional Lyceum. The goals of the event were to promote evidence based approach in prevention of drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and Crime among adolescents as well to conduct needs assessment for the prevention among Lyceum students. There were twenty participants: teachers, masters of industrial teaching and administration representatives. The seminar was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Strokin, experts from the Prevention Center, “Choice”. The trainees learned specifics of evidence based approach, got acquainted with available practices, played interactive games and watched documentaries. In the very end of the event, during sharing feedback, a trainee told, “It was the most interesting educational event, ever…”. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

. Police Discuss Prevention On the 15 of April 2015 a round table on evidence based prevention was conducted in the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The event was initiated by the Prevention Center; “Choice” to involve juvenile delinquency police into evidence based prevention at schools and beyond. Among participants of the event there were Police officers from Odesa, Vinnytsia, Poltava, Zhytomyr, Sumy and Chernihiv Region, as well representatives from universities, public organizations and mass media. The round table was led by Oleksiy Lazarenko, the Chief of the Juvenile Delinquency Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. A presentation on evidence based prevention was performed by Valeriy Ryabukha. All of the participants made their contribution into defining optimal way to involve the police into prevention of crime, HIV/AIDS and drug misuse. One of the recommendations was to present Chernihiv prevention experience in other regions of Ukraine and to supply them with prevention tools: manuals, documentaries, trainings trainers, prevention models. All of the recommendations will be analyzed and reported to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

Seminar in the Center for Professional Education On the 07 of April, 2015 the second seminar for vocational schools teachers took place in the Chernihiv Center for Professional Education. Among participants there were 21tearchers and professional mentors of the Center. The event was trained by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Stroking, who represented Chernihiv Prevention Center, “Choice”. The trainees listened to PPP on Evidence Based Prevention, enjoyed games and other interactive activities. Two short documentaries screened by the Center were demonstrated. The goals of the seminar were to spread evidence based approach in prevention and conduct needs assessment in such prevention. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

First Step On the 02 of April, 2015 the Chernihiv Prevention Center, “Choice” conducted the first Evidence Based Prevention Seminar in the frames of the Project, “Rights of Adolescents on Substance Abuse Prevention”. The goals of the training are to spread evidence based approach in prevention of drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among adolescents as well to do needs assessment for such prevention in the particular school. The event took place in the Chernihiv Professional Lyceum of Railway Transport. There were present twenty representatives of the Lyceum, including administrators, social teachers, psychologists, masters of professional educations and teachers. The training was carried out by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Strokin, SAP experts. The trainers delivered presentation on Evidence Based Prevention, demonstrated documentaries on such prevention, conducted several games and other interactive activities. In the very end the trainees exchanged their impressions on the conducted seminar. They look forward to launching the prevention program, “Choice-F” among Lyceum freshmen in the coming academic year. The training was supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime within a grant program of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center financed by the Government of Japan.

Final Project Round Table To analyze findings of the Project, "Community Contribution...", a final round table was conducted on the 26 of March 2015 at the Chernihiv Boarding School. There were present: "Choice" trainers, university lecturers, representatives from education department, juvenile delinquency police, school administration. In the beginning Volodymyr Smal, the Principal of the Boarding School, arranged a tour around the school. Afterwards the participants watched a documentary on Prevention Center, "Choice", activities in the academic year of 2014/1015. Then one by one all of the participants shared their impressions on the Program achievements and challenges met, as well gave recommendations on continuation of prevention efforts. The common conclusion is the prevention process must go on. Liudmyla Zavatska, Chief of the Social Pedagogy Department of the Chernihiv University rewarded trainers with Certificates of Prevention Trainers.This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Substance Abuse Prevention Materials To promote evidence based prevention the Prevention Center, “Choice” has just developed a DVD with substance abuse prevention materials. The DVD contains: PDF versions of the “Choice-5” and “Choice-8” prevention programs; PDF version of prevention basics; Five documentaries for “Choice-8” sessions of “Responsible Choice”, “Risks”, “Be Aware of Crime”, “Your future. Respect”, “Norms of Behavior”; Documentary, “Human Rights of Children and Police”. Half of the edition on 17 March, 2015 was given to the Supply Department of the Chernihiv Region Library named after V. Korolenko for further distribution among libraries of the Region. Another half will be distributed among teacher and trainers of the prevention programs. Svilana Shevshenko (on the picture), the Head of the Supply Department, accepted the DVDs with gratitude. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Follow up training for CHOICE-5 On the 05 of March, 2015 the third follow up training of the “Choice-5” trainers took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. The trainers analyzed achievements and challenges met during conducted sessions as well rehearsed the coming “Choice-5” sessions. So far they conducted from five sessions at the School #3 till seven sessions at the Chernihiv Lyceum #22. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Follow up seminar On the 18 of February of 2015 the “Choice-5” trainers had the second follow up training in the premises of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. So far the trainers conducted from two to five “Choice-5” sessions at Chernihiv Schools ## 1, 3, 9, 22 and 33. There have been some achievements and challenges. To meet the challenges effectively the trainers shared their experience and rehearsed the coming session of the Program. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Final “Choice-8” Session at the School of Stariy Bilous On the 11 of February, 2015 the final session of “Choice-8” – “Celebration” was conducted in the Stariy Bilous School of Chernihiv District. The program here was conducted by Anna Korbash, social teacher, and Olexandr Kuzmenko, Juvenile Delinquency police inspector. Natalia Yurina, a Region Police representative, took part in the event. She was congratulated the students and rewarded them with Certificates of Graduation from the “Choice-8”. The documentary, “Commitment of the 8-th Grade” was demonstrated. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Session, “Celebration”, at Mena Gymnasium On the 05 of February of 2015 the final session of the “Choice-8” Program was conducted at the Mena District Gymnasium. The program here was conducted by Olena Shkurat, School Organizer, and Viacheslav Sereda, Juvenile Delinquency Police Officer. The School Principal, Michaiel Kadushko, his Deputy, Liudmyla Levchenko, and the class teacher, Alla Lavska, took part in the event. In the beginning participants watched the documentary, “Commitments of the 8-C grade of Mena Gymnasium”. Afterwards the students were rewarded with Certificates of Graduation. The guests congratulated students with this achievement. Alla Lavska believes that thanks to the “Choice-8” behavior of her students has changed for better. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Rehearsal is the Key for Success On the 04 of February, 2015 a follow up training for the CHOICE-5 SAP program took part in the premises of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. The team of trainers includes freshmen, sophomores and juniors of the University, reinforced by the Police representative, Natalia Yurina. The trainers shared their experience gained during first CHOICE-5 sessions at schools. As well they rehearsed coming sessions. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Round Table at Nizhyn University On the 28 of January, 2015 a round table on discussing the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police” was conducted at Nizhyn State University Named after Mykola Hohol. There were 29 participants, including project trainers, social teachers of Nishyn schools, professors and lectures from Nizhyn and Chernihiv Universities as well Chernihiv Law College and a representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. Presentations were delivered by Valeriy Ryabukha, SAP expert; Liudmyla Zavatska, Chernihiv Pedagogical University professor; Danylo Kononchuk, social teacher for Nizhyn Gymnasium #3; Lesia Maznichenko, the Ministry Representative; and Dmytro Shevchenko, Law College Lecturer. All of the participants shared their impressions and recommendations with regards to the evidence based prevention. The recommendations were summarized and taken for implementation by the Prevention Center, “Choice”. The specialists who conducted “Choice-8” became certified SAP trainers. 14 participants of the round table declared their readiness to become SAP trainers. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

“Choice-8” Graduation Session in Horodnia On the 15 of January 2015 the final “Choice-8” session, “Celebration” was conducted in the Horodnia Boarding School and Horodnia District Gymnasium. Since the Boarding School has only three eighth-graders, the SAP trainers, Yulia Mironenko and Julia Hrechukha, have united the eighth-graders from the two school of Horodnia. It appeared to be beneficial for all of the students due to communication and socializing between the eighth-graders. During the session participants watched the documentary, “Commitments of the 8-th Grade” and expressed their opinion on the “Choice-8”. Afterwards the Deputy Principal Halyna Zatsarynna presented the students with Certificates of Graduation and congratulated them on the event. The Program “Choice” is going to be continued in Horodnia. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Choice-5 in 2015 In January 12-13 of 2015 a new round of training the trainers for the “Choice-5” substance abuse prevention program was conducted at the Chernihiv Resort of “Sunrise”. Among trainees there were ten Pedagogical University students. The team of trainers included Larysa Ren’ and Lina Makhotkina, Pedagogical University lectures, who were assisted by Vadym Strokin, healthy life style expert and Valeriy Ryabukha, prevention expert. On the first day the trainees learned prevention basics, risk and protective factors, theories of prevention, class-room management and effective technologies of teaching. The second day was devoted to rehearsals of “Choice-5” sessions. For the purpose five representatives from the schools of the coming intervention took part in the process. They did assist students with finding optimal ways to deliver prevention information to fifth-graders.The prevention program, that includes ten sessions, will be started at the Chernihiv schools #1, 3, 9, 22 and 33 since January 19. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

CHOICE-8 in the City of Nizhyn On the 18 of December, 2014 the final tenth session of the CHOICE-8 prevention program took place in the Nizhyn Gymnasium #3. The session was visited by the Gymnasium administration, Education Department Methodist, social teachers of the schools of Nizhyn. The students watched the documentary, “Commitments of the 8-A grade”, screened by Vadym Strokin. Gymnasium Principal, Victoria Pushkina , together with Svitlana Kolesnik, a trainer for the Program, rewarded the eighth-graders with certificates on successful completion of the CHOICE-8. The students and guests exchanged with greetings and impressions. The next step of the CHOICE-8 in Nizhyn will be a round table for social teachers, scheduled on January, 2015. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, "Aratta".

Graduation at Novhorod-Siverskiy On the 09^th of December, 2014 Novhorod-Siverskiy Boarding School became the first place where final tenth session of the “Choice-8” program took place. At this school the program was conducted by Nina Serdiuk, psychologist for the School, and Victor Rudenko, social teacher. The principal of the school, Oleksandr Pshenychniy also took part in the session, “Celebration”. He rewarded the students with Certificates of Graduation as well made a presentation in honor of the event. The documentary, “Commitments of the 8-“A”grade of Novhorod Boardng School”, screened by Vadym Strokin was demonstrated. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Choice-8” at Mena District Gymnasium On the 13 of November, 2014 the sixth session of the “Choice-8” – “Behavior in Crisis Situation” - was conducted in the Mena District Gymnasium by Helen Shkurat, social teacher, and Vladyslav Sereda, juvenile delinquency police officer. The eighth-graders benefited of the session that included an energizer, thematic presentation, group work, and role play. As well the students watched the documentary, “Say No” screened for the “Keepin’ It REAL” substance abuse prevention program at Pennsylvania State University. The event was carried out within the project, “Human Rights of Children and Police”, that is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, "Aratta".

Sessions in Horodnia and Schors On the 12 of November 2014 the second session of the “Choice-8” substance abuse prevention program was conducted in the Horodnia Gymnasium. The theme of the ricks was delivered by trainers, Julia Myronenko and Julia Hrechukha. They explained essence of a risk behavior, difference between reasonable and unreasonable risks. The eighth graders watched a thematic documentary and took part in the game, “Take a Guess”. The aims of the game are to demonstrate nature of risks as well to deliver essential info. The session was watched by the Principal of the Gymnasium, an Education Department representative and the class teacher. On the same day trainers from Schors Boarding School, Valentyna Hriaznova and Bogdan Tabachuk conducted the sixth session of the “Choice-8” – “Behavior and the situation of choice”. Their performance was also watched by the Principal of the School and the class teacher. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Choice-8” session in Nizhyn On the 05 of November, 2014 the session “Be Aware of Crime” was conducted by Danylo Kononchuk and Valeriy Ryabukha in Nizhyn Gymnasium #3. Danylo is the social teacher for the Gymnasium. He conducts the “Choice-8” together with Svitlana Kolesnyk, Juvenile Delinquency Police Officer. The current session was carried out in the gymnasium hall, where the eighth-graders had plenty of space for group work, energizer as well for watching the thematic documentary. The lesson was witnessed by the class teacher and deputy principal. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”.

Session, “Be Aware of Crime”, in the Borzna Boarding School On the 4^th of November, 2014 the fourth session of the “Choice-8” prevention program took place in the Borzna Boarding School. The session, “Be Aware of Crime” was conducted by Irina Sova, Deputy Principal of the School, and Larysa Chornukha, Social Teacher. A thematic documentary prepared by the Prevention Center, “Choice” did help to grab the attention of trainees and to supply them with essential juristic knowledge. Valeriy Rybukha, Chairman of the Board for the Center took part in the session. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

School of Srariy Bilous The third session of CHOICE-8 program took place in the School of Stariy Bilous, Chernihiv District on 27, October, 2014. The theme of the session was “What We Know on Drugs”. It was conducted by Anna Korbash and Valeriy Ryabukha. In the frames of the session eight-graders as well watched the documentary, “Risks”, that covered the theme. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”.

Be “Aware of Crime” session On 21, October, 2014 the fourth session of “Choice-8” training at Pryluky School #10 took place with participation of Dr. Liudmyla Zavatska, Professor, Head of Social Pedagogy Department of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University and Valeriy Ryabukha, Chairman of the Prevention Center, “Choice”. The session was led by Svitlana Solovyova, Social Teacher for the School. The students debated the theme, “Be Aware of Crime”. The goals of the session are to prevent children from committing crime as well to avoid victim behavior of the trainees, thus to minimize their chances for becoming crime victims. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”.

CHOICE-10 for Juvenile Inmates On 07, November, 2013 Prevention Center “Choice” in the frames of an Evidence Based Prevention Seminar for Pryluky Confinement Facility staff carried out needs assessment. As a result in October 21-23, 2014 a Substance Abuse Prevention training was conducted in the same Facility for Juvenile Inmates. The goal of the event was to pilot CHOICE-10, prevention program for adolescents at age of 16-17 years old, as well to develop an instrument for measuring risk and protective factors in prison settings. The training, that included ten sessions, was conducted by Olena Budola and Anton Sikun, cadets of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Service of Ukraine. They were assisted by: · Dr. Liudmyla Savatska, professor, Head of the Social Pedagogy Department of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University; · Valeriy Ryabukha, a substance abuse prevention expert; · Dmytro Shevchenko, a lecturer for the Chernihiv Law College. Pre and post surveys for measuring risk and protective factors and evaluating effectiveness of the training were conducted. The results are promising. The training team aims to launch next round of the training in three confinement facilities of Ukraine, thus to polish the CHOICE-10 and offer it for conducting in all seven facilities for juvenile inmates. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“Choice-8” for Boarding Schools In September 21-24, 2014 training trainers for “Choice-8” substance abuse prevention program took place in the premises of the Chernihiv Resort, “Sunrise”. This time the target audience for prevention efforts is eighth-graders of boarding schools of the Chernihiv Region. The trainees represented the boarding schools from the towns of Borzna, Horodnia, Novhorod-Siverskiy, Schors and the City of Chernihiv. They are social teachers or psychologists for the schools. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Chairman of the Board for the Prevention Center, “Choice”. He was assisted by Vadym Strokin, Healthy Life Style Expert and Lina Mahotkina, Pedagogical University Lecturer. The training included a theoretical part, where trainees learned prevention theories, risk and protective factors, class-room management and other themes, as well a practical part on specifics of conducting “Choice-8” sessions. Before starting the program at schools, the trainers are going to conduct pre surveys in the classes of intervention and control classes. This project is supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education. Valeriy Ryabukha, the director of the project, was a 2009-2010 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Rights of a Child and Police In the frames of the project “Rights of a Child and Police” a training trainers for the “Choice-8” program took place in the premises of the Chernihiv resort, “Sunrise”. The goal of the project is testing a model of a social cooperation between police and education specialists in preventing drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among children. Among participants of the ToT there were juvenile delinquency police officers and social teachers from the towns of Mena, Nizhyn, Pryluky and Chernihiv District. The event was conducted by Dr. Liudmyla Zavatska, Head of the Social Pedagogy Department of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University, and Valeriy Ryabukha, Chairman of the Board of the Prevention Center, “Choice”. They were assisted by Natalia Yurina, Chernihiv Region Police representative, and Vadym Strokin, Healthy Life Style expert. Juvenile Delinquency Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs paid considerable attention to the Project. Their representative, Lesia Maznichenko, came to the ToT from Kyiv. She got acquainted with the participants and shared her understanding of crime prevention among children. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”.

Report for Odesa Community On the 18 of July 2014 a round table, “On Results of the Project From Chernihiv to Odesa: Community Contribution into Enforcement of the Right of a Child on Protection from Harmful Influences” took place in the Odesa hotel, “Liermontovskiy”. Among participants of the Project there were Olha Voloshyna, Head of the Odesa Region Center of Social Services for Family, Children and Youth; Vitaliy Kapuliak, Head of the Odesa Region Police Unit on Juvenile Delinquencies; and other representatives of state services responsible for work with children. During the round table three presentations were delivered. Particularly, Tetiana Semikop, Head of the Odesa Region Movement, “Faith. Hope. Love”, shared her motivation on participation in the Project; Valeriy Ryabukha, Project Manager for Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”, explained structure of the evidence based prevention; and Natalia Yurina, trainer-expert of the program “Choiece” presented experience in piloting “Choice-5”, prevention program for fifth-graders. Survey conducted after the presentations showed a 100 % support of the project activities and desire for its continuation in Odesa Region. Among recommendations initiated by the participants there were following: Conducting “Choice-5” in Odesa schools; Continuation of the “Choice-8” in schools of Odesa; Conducting “Choice” in centers of social rehabilitation of children; Involving specialists of the Center of Social Services into prevention work as trainers; Active involvement of the Juvenile Delinquencies police into prevention efforts; Other activities. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Odesa Public Organization “Faith. Hope. Love”.

Gaze into Future In the academic year of 2013-2014 within the project “From Chernihiv to Odesa…” seminars on Evidence Based Prevention were conducted for teachers in four Boarding Schools of Chernihiv Region in the Districts of Schors, Horodnia, Borzna and Novhorod-Siverskiy. To summarize the results of the seminars and to build a bridge into the future, a round table was carried out on the 08, July, 2014 in the premises of the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”. Two teachers from each school, as well Pedagogical University and Police representatives took part in the event. The participants discussed findings of the seminars and offered ideas for future projects. Particularly they supported the concept of a new project: conducting prevention program, “Choice-8” in the Boarding schools of the region. Conducted survey shows that 100% of the teachers would like become certified SAP trainers and implement “Choice-8” prevention program in their schools. Essential issues are that they would be willing for the team work and they are fond of children. During the round table the just published manual for SAP trainer, “Choice-5” was presented to the participants. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

In Novgorod-Siverskiy On the 25 of June 2014 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention of Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS and Crime among adolescents took place in the Novgorod-Siverskiy Gymnasium named after Ushinskiy. Among participants there were district specialists who worked with children: social teachers, psychologists, juvenile delinquency police officers. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Project manager for the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta” and Natalia Yurina, a Regional Police representative. The goals of the events were to spread evidence based prevention approach and to conduct needs assessment in the Novgorod-Siverskiy District. The pre and post surveys showed relevance of evidence based prevention and readiness of the participants personally to take part in such prevention efforts. 60 % of them would be willing to undergo proper training and conduct substance abuse prevention program, “Choice” in local schools. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Seminars in Horodnia and Borzna In April 15 and 17 of 2014 seminars on Evidence Based Prevention took place in boarding schools of district centers Horodnia and Borzna. Social teachers, psychologists and youth service specialists took part in the events. The seminars were led by Valeriy Ryabukha, project manager for the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”. He was assisted by Natalia Yurina in Horodia and Vadym Strokin in Borzna. The participants got acquainted with prevention basics and Chernihiv experience in the area. They also took part in the game “Take a guess” that is a component of the “Choice” prevention program. Pre and post survey conducted at the events show that 90% of respondents in Borzna believe that conducting evidence based prevention programs at schools is necessary. 10% consider it as relevant. Almost half of them (47%) are ready to conduct the program personally and the same number takes it as possible. The events were supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Final “Choice-5” sessions In March 12, 17 and 20 of 2014 the final “Choice-5” session was conducted at schools #1, #16 and #9 accordingly. The session had an unusual atmosphere, since it was watched by representatives of parents’ committees. Their interest towards the program was caused by the content of the prevention program as well by the fact that the program was conducted by students, cadets and a police officer. In the frames of the session the school students repeated previous material, prepared and declared scenarios of personal commitments. Administration representative rewarded them with certificates of graduation from “Choice-5”. The students watched documentaries created by Vadym Strokin on the ground of material videotaped during the “Choice-5” sessions. All of the students received sweets. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”.

Round Table in City Hall On the 13 of March 2014 a round table on CHOICE outcomes in 2013-2014 was conducted in the Chernihiv City Hall. The event was led by Anna Romanova, Deputy Mayor of Chernihiv. There were 38 participants and many journalists of local media. In the beginning Vadym Strokin, Executive of the Chernihiv Prevention Center “Choice” presented his documentary “From Chernihiv to Odesa: Community Contribution into Enforcement of the Right of a Child on Protection from Harmful Influences”. Then Anna Romanova and professor Liudmyla Zavatska rewarded trainers of CHOICE with certificates of SAP trainers. Afterwards the participants discussed outcomes of the CHOICE in the current academic year and offered ideas for the coming year. A detailed presentation was delivered by Valeriy Ryabukha, project manager for Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Pulse of “Choice-5” On the 26 of February 2014 a following on round table on “Choice-5” program conducting took place in the premises of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. “Choice-5” trainers took part in the event. So far they conducted for fifth graders six sessions in the Chernihiv schools #1, #9 and #16. During the round table the participants: Analyzed conducted sessions; Offered correction for the program; Rehearsed coming sessions. The event was supported by the University, Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta” and the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Training for CHOICE-5 In January 25-27, 2014 an initial training for CHOICE-5 prevention program took place in the premises of the Chernihiv resort, “Sunrise”. There were 12 participants, including CHOICE-5 trainers, class teachers and trainers who conducted the training. The specifics of the ToT were involvement of the class teachers into the training. Thus the trainers got essential info on their target audience, the fifth-graders. Liudmyla Zavatska, Pedagogical University Professor led the training. She was assisted by Valeriy Ryabukha and Vadym Strokin. The CHOICE-5 trainers represented the University, Chernihiv Law College and Juvenile Delinquency Police. The pilot program will be conducted in three schools of Chernihiv since 28, January, 2014. Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization, “Aratta”, supplied the Program with prizes to motivate fifth-graders for active work during CHOICE-5 sessions. The ToT was arranged thanks to support from the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

“Choice” Graduation In December 25 and 26 final tenth sessions of “Choice” took place in the Chernihiv schools # 29 and 11. The students watched documentaries “My Commitments”, were handed certificates on successful “Choice” graduation. The Principals of the schools Halyna Sovyetova and Svitlana Ruban, Olena Romanshko, representative from the City Youth and Family Department, Dmytro Shevchenko, Law College lecturer, and Region Practical Psychology Center methodologists as well came to congratulate the students on their graduation. The trainers represented the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Service of Ukraine. The sessions became the final ones for “Choice” conducting in the academic year of 2013-2014. Altogether the Prevention Program , “Choice”, was conducted in 11 schools of Chernihiv, three schools of Odesa and the School of Berezna, Mena district. The Program has been supported by USA Embassy in Ukraine, Chernihiv Youth and Family Department, Chernihiv Pedagogical University, Chernihiv Law College and Chernihiv Region Police.

Seminar for Teachers in Schors Boarding School On the 18 of December 2013 a seminar on evidence based prevention took place in the premises of the Shors Boarding School of the Chernihiv Region. Social teachers and psychologists from the Boarding Schools as well neighboring schools of the Schors District took part in the event conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, project manager for Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization “Aratta”, and Natalia Yurina, juvenile delinquency police officer of the Chernihiv Region Police. The participants got acquainted with the Prevention Basics, Chernihiv experience in evidence based prevention, as well took part in the game “Take a guess”, that is a component of the Prevention Program, “Choice”. Pre and post surveys conduced during the seminar showed that 78 % of the respondents believed that implementation of prevention programs at schools would be necessary and 22 % - thought it would be relevant. No one said it would be unnecessary. Half of the participants would be ready personally to pass the proper training and conduct prevention program afterwards at their schools. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Seminar for school teachers in Makoshyno On the 13 of December 2013 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention took place in the Makoshyno School of Mena District, Chernihiv Region. Twelve school teachers took place in the event conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, project manager of Chernihiv Charitable Organization “Aratta”. The pre and post surveys were conducted. In the beginning of the event 18% of the participants believed that evidence based prevention would be unnecessary while the post survey conducted after completion of the seminar agenda showed that there was no one left who would still have the same point of view. On the contrary, all of them truly believed that such prevention would be either necessary or relevant. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Commitments of Odesa Students In 20-22 November, 2013 the ninth CHOICE sessions, “My Commitments”, took place in three schools of the City of Odesa. Eighth-graders designed scenarios of their personal commitments that will be their life road maps. Then Vadym Strokin, prevention expert, video recorded the commitments and afterwards created films for each of the schools. The student are going to watch the documentaries during the final tenth CHOICE session. Among participants of the pilot project in Odesa there are Odesa School #68, Law Lyceum and Educational Complex #1. The Program is administered by the Odesa Region Public Movement, "Faith. Hope. Love." The training team includes law enforcement officers and local university students. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Fifth Session in the Boarding School On the 11 of November 2013 Julia and Victoria, Pedagogical University freshmen, conducted the fifth CHOICE session for eighth-graders of the Chernihiv Boarding School. In the beginning of the lesson the trainees repeated previous material, then the theme of the current session was announced – “HIV/AIDS: Challenge and Response”. The students watched a short documentary on HIV/AIDS. Afterwards a quiz on HIV issues was conducted. The trainees showed good knowledge on the ways of HIV spread and its prevention. That was also confirmed by a game arranged by the trainers. Two school administration representatives took part in the lesson as well. They were pleased what the witnessed with. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine and the Department on Family and Youth of the Chernihiv City Council.

Seminar in Pryluky Confinement Facility for Juveniles On the 07 of November 2013 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention took place in the premises of Pryluky Confinement Facility for Juveniles. Among participants of the event there were psychologists and social teachers of the Facility, as well representatives from the Chernihiv Pedagogical University, Law College, NGO “Aratta” and USA Embassy in Ukraine. The agenda included presentations on Theory of Prevention and Evidence Based Prevention Experience in Chernihiv. The participants also took part in the game “Take a Guess”, a component of the Prevention Program “Choice”. The pre survey showed that half of the respondents believed in a proposition control as the main strategy for drug abuse prevention, while during the post survey just 20 % of them believed so and 80 % of the participants considered prevention programs as the main prevention strategy. Half of the respondents expressed their readiness to conduct prevention programs. A tour for guests was arranged. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Seminar for Vocational Schools’ Specialists On the 31 of October 2013 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention took place in the premises of the Nizhyn Vocational School #2. Social teachers and psychologists from the Chernihiv Region vocational schools took part in the event. Valeriy Ryabukha, “Aratta” Project Manager, delivered presentations on Science Based Prevention and Conducting Substance Abuse Prevention Program, CHOICE, in academic year of 2012-2013. Vadym Stokin, Prevention Expert, presented video materials with regards to the CHOICE. Victoria Filatova, Head of “Aratta”, shared information about “Aratta” activities and invited participants for cooperation. Pre and post surveys were conducted. Among findings of the surveys there were: · 95% (19 out of 20) of the participants believe that prevention programs must be conducted in the vocational schools; · 45% of the respondents are ready to conduct a prevention program personally. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Police Learn Evidence Based Prevention On the 24 of October 2013 a seminar on Evidence Based Prevention of drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among adolescents took place in the premises of the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization “Aratta”. Among participants of the event there were juvenile delinquency police officers, an Education Department official, and an Aratta project manager. The agenda of the seminar included presentations on Prevention Basics; Experience of Conducting Evidence Based Prevention in Chernihiv Schools and other relevant issues. Pre and post surveys were conducted. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Training for Cadets In 04-05 October 2013 one more training of prevention program trainers took place in the premises of the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization “Aratta”. This time Chernihiv Law College cadets took part in the training. Among them there were seven sophomores and seniors Aliona and Vadym, who shared their prevention experience with the younger colleagues. They were assisted by Valeriy, a Program Manager of “Aratta”, and Vladlena, a Pedagogical University student. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

First Experience On the 30 of September 2013 a team of trainers consisting of Olga, juvenile delinquency police officer, and Pedagogical University students Yulia and Victoria conducted their first CHOICE session at the Chernihiv Boarding School. That is the start of the Prevention Program, CHOICE, in Chernihiv in the current academic year. First impressions are very positive. The trainers are looking forward to seeing the eighth graders again. Other ten local schools are about to start the Program as well. The CHOICE is also conducted in three schools of Odesa and in one school in Mena district. The photo was taken during Training the Trainers: Rehearsal The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Coordination of Prevention Efforts On the 19 September 2013 a meeting on coordination prevention efforts in the current academic year in schools of Chernihiv took place in the Scientific-Methodological Center of the Education Department of the City. The participants discussed specifics of implementation of the project “From Chernihiv to Odesa: Community Contribution into Enforcement of the Right of a Child on Protection from Harmful Influences”. Among participants of the meeting there were: · Education Department Representatives; · Social teacher of the schools, where Prevention Program, CHOICE, will be conducted; · Class teachers of the classes, where CHOICE will be implemented; · Chernihiv Pedagogical University Representatives; · Representative of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Service of Ukraine; · Coordinator of the Project – the project manager of the Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization “Aratta”. At the beginning of the meeting the participants learned information about conducting CHOICE in ten Chernihiv schools in the academic year of 2012-2013. Then they exchanged with thoughts and propositions on conducting the prevention program in 2013 – 2014. The decision was that in seven schools CHOICE will be conducted by students of the Pedagogical University and in three schools – by the Law College cadets. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Common endeavor of Chernihiv and Odesa In 13-15 September 2013 training the prevention trainers took place in the resort of “Desna”, located in the village of Ladynka of Chernihiv Region. Among participants there were: 16 students of the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University; 2 cadets of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Service of Ukraine; 2 Police juvenile delinquencies officers; 3 lectures of the Pedagogical University; Coordinator of the Project. The event was conducted in the frames of the project “From Chenihiv to Odesa: Community Invovement into Enforcement of the Right of a Child on Protection from Harmful Influences”, that is being implemented by the Chernihiv Regional Charitable Organization “Aratta” in cooperation with the Odesa Regional Movement “Faith. Hope. Love” and supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine. Recently, in September 06-08, 2013, a similar seminar took place in the town of Kobleve, Mykolaiv Region, where prevention specialists for Odesa were trained. Altogether the trainers will have to implement substance abuse prevention program, “Choice”, that include 10 sessions, in 16 schools of Chernihiv and Odesa.

Education Department Round Table On the 22 of April 2013 a round table “Evidence Based Prevention Experience in Chernihiv Schools” took place at school #14 of the City of Chernihiv. Among participants there were deputy principals of Chernihiv schools responsible for upbringing students, representatives from the City Education Department, Chernihiv Pedagogical University, and School #14. Participants received information on conducting Program CHOICE in 2012-2013 academic year, including presentation of Valeriy Ryabukha, Project Manager of Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”; Olexandr Zhuk, Lecturer for the Pedagogical University, Natalia Shalyhina, class teacher of the 8-A grade of school #14, where CHOICE was conducted. School representatives filled in questionnaire on CHOICE results and future. For the question on relevance of CHOIC conducting at schools, 25 respondents (80%) out of 30 responded that it would be necessary and 5 people (20%) said it would be relevant. For the issue of “Would you like the CHOICE to be conducted at your school in 2013-2014?” 27 respondents answered “Yes” and pointed numbers of their schools. Three school representatives (10%) refrained from any answer. The survey was performed anonymously.Substance Abuse Prevention Program, CHOICE, is supported by the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Round Table in the University On the 10^th of April 2013 a Round Table, “Experience on prevention drug misuse, HIV/AIDS and crime in Chernihiv schools”, took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University named after Taras Shevchenko. There were present lecturers and students of the University and Law College, representatives of the City and Region departments of education, police department. The participants shared their impressions on conducting Program, CHOICE, in 2012-2013 academic year and generated propositions on future improvement of the CHOICE. Vadym Strokin demonstrated his documentary on CHOICE in 2012-2013. Vladlena Irkha and Olha Senko delivered an amazing presentation on CHOICE. All of the CHOICE trainers were rewarded with Certificates of Substance Abuse Prevention Trainers issued by the University. As well they received baseball caps with a logo of CHOICE. The round table was led by Professor Liudmyla Zavatska, Head of Social Pedagogy Chair of the University. Substance Abuse Prevention Program, CHOICE, is supported by the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Completion of CHOICE in 2012/13 On the 22 of March, 2013 the CHOICE final tenth session was conducted at school #2. That was also the last CHOICE session at ten Chernihiv schools in 2012/2013 academic year. Altogether trainers carried out 100 sessions. The post survey will be conducted in 30 days after completing the program in classes of intervention (where the prevention program was implemented) and in control classes (without the program). This endeavor has become possible thanks to Chernihiv City Department of Education; Chernihiv National Pedagogical University; Chernihiv Law College; Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”.The Substance Abuse Prevention Program, CHOICE, is supported by the US Embassy in Ukraine.

CHOICE graduation at schools #3 and #14 On the 05 of March 2013 the tenth, final, session of the Program, CHOICE, took place at Chernihiv schools #3 and #14. Teams of trainers there included Vitalina Ovchar and Alyona Yakivets at school 3 as well Olya Ses’ and Nastya Shtupun at school 14. Certificates on successful completion of the CHOICE were presented by the Principal and Deputy Principals of the schools accordingly. Films “My Commitments” were made by Vadym Strokin. The Program is administered by the Chernihiv Regional Charity “Aratta” and supported by the Chernihiv Education Department, Pedagogical University, Law College and USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Lesson "Celebration" at schools #15 and #34 On the 21 of February the tenth final session of SAP Program, CHOICE - “Celebration, was conducted in the Chernihiv Lyceum #15. CHOICE team of trainers at the Lyceum included: Diana Nyporka (leader), Tanya Mursalova and Maryna Shlyahtych. And on the 27 of February the session, “Celebration” took place at Chernihiv school #34, where trainers were Natalia Pakryshen’ (leader), Dasha Krotyuk and Oksana Talalai. The session consisted of three major parts: presenting eighth graders with certificates on successful completion of CHOICE, wishes for students and watching the film “My Commitments”. The film was made by Vadym Strokin in each of the grades. The Program is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Lesson of Olya and Vladlena Trainers Vladlena and Olya on 13 February just conducted the lesson “Behavior in Crisis Situation” for eighth graders of the School #9. The trainers managed to involve students into discussion and performing aggressive, passive and confident behavior. At this school CHOICE has been conducted for three year already and become a part of a school life. Currently in the frames of a contest on Healthy Style of Life school students perform posters where there is a reflection of CHOICE (please, see the Ukrainian version of the page). The Program is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

We will make movies On the 05 of February 2013 the tenth training trainers for Prevention Program, CHOICE, took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. This time it was arranged in the form of a round table and among participants, apart from trainees, there were professor Lyudmila Zavatska and University lectures Larysa Ren’ and Olexandr Zhuk. The Professor emphasized importance of trainer’s work for community and the trainers themselves. The participants shared their feedback on conducted CHOICE sessions and offered propositions on optimizing CHOICE curricular. Particularly there was an idea on using more video material to grab attention of trainees and involve them into proper discussions. Thus a decision on development short films for CHOICE sessions was taken. The event was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, a Project Manager of Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta” and supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Celebration On the 7 of December 2012 the final tenth session of CHOICE, “Celebration”, took place at Chernihiv School #20. The training team at this school included Tetyana Bilousova, police officer, and two freshmen of Pedagogical University: Serhiy Bezshyiko and Marina Skorobahatenko. That day Marina was celebrating her Birthday. She turned 18! Mykola Konochuk, the Principal of the School, came to congratulate trainers and students on the event. He presented students with certificates on successful completion of CHOICE and delivered speech on importance of the Program. The participants as well watched a film “My Commitments”, prepared by Vadym Strokin on the ground of video materials videotaped during the previous session. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Smile and Rehearsal On the 04 of December 2012 the ninth ToT (training of trainers) for SAP (Substance Abuse Prevention) Program, CHOICE, took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. The session was traditionally conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, SAP expert of Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The trainers had already conducted some CHOICE lessons at their schools. That is their big asset. The students were divided for teams, that had to prepare and present models of the sessions: “Be Aware of Crime”, “HIV/AIDS: Challenge and Response”, and “Behavior in Crisis Situation”. Each presentation was followed by critical analysis. Cadets Aliona and Vadym, who had successfully conducted eight lessons of CHOICE shared their point of view regarding crucial issues for success. Those are friendly smiles of trainers and rehearsal that constitutes 80% of success during a СHOICE session. The training was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Critical Analysis On 19 November 2012 the eighth session of the training the trainers of the Program CHOICE took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. This time a critical analysis was used to demonstrate achievements and challenges occurred during sessions at schools. Alyona and Vadym, having already three sessions conducted at their school, shared their experience with colleagues. The trainers discussed how to effectively carry out CHOICE lessons, in other words how to make students interested, involved and thinking. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta” and supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Presentations of CHOICE in Odesa Having a goal to distribute Chernihiv experience on evidence based substance abuse prevention among youth and following common work in the area, Valeriy Ryabukha, SAP expert of Chernihiv Region Charitable Organization “Aratta”, has conducted a series of presentations of CHOICE in Odesa. Particularly on 13 November 2012 there was a meeting in the NGO “Faith, Hope, Love”, led by Tetyana Semykop. In 14 November, thanks to Valeriy Pakhomov, Head of the NGO “To Future without AIDS” there was a round table for partners who worked in the sphere of prevention. Among participants there were Humphey Program alumni Tetyana Kyriyazova and Oleksandr Neduzhko. In 15 November Chernihiv experience was introduced at a regional seminar of Network of Schools of Health. The event took place in the premises of Odesa School #68, where Yuriy Polovnyak is the Principal. According to a survey conducted among seminar participants 87% of them believe that prevention programs must be implemented at schools. 13% say it would be relevant and no person says it would be unnecessary. In 16 November a presentation of CHOICE is going to take place in Odesa Law Lyceum. The events were supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Start of CHOICE at schools Team of trainers have just started conducting the Program CHOICE at schools of Chernihiv. Cadets of the Chernihiv Law College Vadym and Alyona, thanks to some previous experience, have already managed to carry out three sessions of the Program. The cadets have shared their feedback and advice with other trainers. Particularly they advise, “To involve each student into preparing and delivering presentations on assignments; to give more examples; to encourage children to infer their own conclusions. Good luck. We believe you will manage to do everything”. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine

Specifics of the CHOICE Lessons On the 24^th of October 2012 the seventh CHOICE training session was conducted in the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. The trainees reviewed specifics of conducting CHOICE lessons “What We Know on Drugs” and “Be Aware of Crime”. Participants were divided for seven small groups and each group had to prepare and present some activities of the lessons. Each presentation was followed with critical analysis. The purpose was to assist trainees in polishing their presenting skills and understanding essence of the lessons. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta” and supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Practical Phase Two police officers, two cadets and twenty two university students took part in the sixth training the trainers for CHOICE substance abuse prevention program on the 17 of October 2012. They already successfully completed a Theoretical Phase of the Training and just started a practical one. Experience of trainers who already conducted CHOICE in the previous academic year is an irreplaceable asset. That is why each of the teams of trainers that will go to ten schools in November will include an experienced leader. Olya Petrenko and Anya Polova showed a master class in conducting the CHOICE lesson #1 – “Alternative and Choice”. Olya Ses, Diana Niporka and Natasha Pakryshen demonstrated specifics of the lesson #2 – “Risks”, where the game “Take a Guess” is a main tool for delivering message on nature of risk. There also was an energizer, thanks to which trainees managed to learn more about each other. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”

Class-room management On the 10 of October 2012 the fifth session of the Training the Trainers for Substance Abuse Prevention Program CHOICE took place at the Chernihiv Pedagogical University. Students discussed specifics of class-room management, styles of learning, methods of teaching and peculiarities of group teaching. Still, the session was traditionally started with greeting, repeating previous material and playing energizer – the game “Princess, Knight and Dragon”. The training was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Risk and Protective Factors Risk and Protective Factors were the theme of the fourth session of Training the Trainers for CHOICE, substance abuse prevention program. It took place on the 03 of October, 2012 in the premises of the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. The team of University students has been reinforced by two cadets of the Chernihiv Law College and two Police officers. They considered specifics of the factors in an individual sphere as well in the spheres of school, community, and environment. Using a method of group work they prepared and delivered presentation on the pointed themes. The session was arranged and conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Interactive Methods of Learning On 26 September 2012 the third session of the Training the Trainers for Substance Abuse Prevention Program of CHOICE took place in the Pedagogical University. The theme of the session was “Interactive Methods of Learning”. In the beginning the trainees took part in the competition for the best orator. The task was to deliver one minute presentation without any preparation. Speakers got their themes just before their presentation. The competition of eloquence was won by Vita, who was rewarded with a prize. Then the students delivered group presentations on specifics of such interactive methods like discussion, brain storm, cooperative learning and involving of students. In the end they talked about differences between a boss and a leader. Each student took active part in the training that was arranged and conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The event was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Session on Theories of Prevention On the 19 of September 2012 in the frames of the Training the CHOICE Trainers the volunteers studied Theories of Prevention. This is the second session of the training agenda. Interactive methods were actively used, particularly: brain storm, group work, role game. The session was conducted by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The students’ team has just been reinforced by two police officers, who also take part in the training for further conducting the Program of CHOICE at school. The event has been supported by US Embassy in Ukraine.

Police discusses “CHOICE” On the 18 of July 2012 a Round Table “Evidence Based Substance Abuse, HIV/AIDS and Crime Prevention among Adolescents” took place in the Press-Center of the Chernihiv Regional Police Department. There were present police officers who dealt with juvenile delinquency and other specialists. Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”, explained the essence of prevention based on scientific findings; presented participants with manuals for trainers of prevention and shared experience on implementing Prevention Program of CHOICE at schools of Chernihiv. Vadym Strokin, the video operator of the Program told about his understanding of importance of prevention education. The police officers as well shared their experience in the area of prevention. As a result, participants took common decision on involving of the Chernihiv Police into the Pilot Project. So far there will be two officers who would pass the training and conduct the CHOICE at a Chernihiv school. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Survey among Trainers In May 2012 a Survey on evaluation of SAP Program of CHOICE was conducted among trainers who conducted the Program in 2011/12. Its retrospective results are valuable due to beginning of a new round of the CHOICE in 2012/13 academic year. Ten trainers responded five questions of the Survey: Your impressions on the conducted Program: positive ones – 100%; Assess quality of sessions materials: average rate is 8.9 (10 is the highest one); among ten sessions the session “My Intentions and Commitments” received the highest rate – 10 and the session “Be Aware of Crime” got the lowest rate – 7.1; Do you want to continue conducting CHOICE at schools: yes - 100%; What changes or improvements are required for the CHOICE: more practical examples; more video materials; more time for conducting; to improve scheduling of the sessions at schools. Your comments and wishes: to make the Program regular; to involve more trainers; to extend the Program at more schools. All of the comments have been taken into consideration. Particularly this year the CHOICE will be launched at ten schools (previous year – 5 schools). There will be more then 20 trainers (so far 32 volunteers get training); the time for the Program has been increased twice; Wednesday was chosen as the day for conducted ToT and sessions at schools. The Project is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Experience and Energy Training the Trainers for Prevention Program of CHOICE was just started in the Chernihiv Pedagogical University on the 12 of September. The training has been conducting by Valeriy Ryabukha, Substance Abuse Prevention Expert of the Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta”. The announced event has been of great interest for University freshmen – future social teachers. Instead of ten expected volunteers twice more students came to the training session. They were joined by their older colleagues who conducted the CHOICE in the previous academic year. Exactly this fusion of experience and energy has to bring desirable outcome of the prevention. The Program is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

СHOICE will start at ten schools In September 2012 Chernihiv National Pedagogical University, Education Department of the City of Chernihiv and Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta” have started a new round of evidence based prevention of drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among eighth graders of Chernihiv schools. This year pedagogical university students will be conducting prevention program “CHOICE” in ten schools of the City, unlike two previous years when the program was conducted accordingly at three and five schools of Chernihiv. Education Department defined that this year the “CHOICE” will be launched at the schools ## 1, 2, 3, 9, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 аnd 34. Aratta traditionally supports the prevention with prize fund (small souvenirs) to encourage the adolescents for active participation in the Program and delegates its prevention expert – Valeriy Ryabukha. With the purpose of preparing new team of trainers, on 04 September a presentation of the Program “CHOICE” was conducted in the University. These activities are supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Presentations of CHOICE in the USA In May-June 2012 research and specifics of the SAP Program CHOICE were presented at International Conferences in the USA: Society for Prevention Research, that took place in the DC since May 29 till June 01; NIDA International Forum, conducted in Palm Springs, CA since June 08 till June 14. The Program was of great interest for prevention specialists from Poland, Uganda, USA, Sri Lanka... As well CHOICE was presented at the Boys & Girls' Clubs of America in Nashua, NH. There were some agreements on cooperation achieved. In the academic year 2012-2013 the CHOICE will be conducted at ten schools of the City of Chernihiv. The Program is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Successful Completion Program CHOICE has been successfully conducted at Chernihiv Schools ## 1, 2, 3, 9 and 20. Substance Abuse Prevention trainers, Chernihiv National Pedagogical University students, carried out ten lessons of the Program on drug, HIV/AIDS and crime prevention. In the beginning of April the trainers conducted at the schools the final tenth lesson of the CHOICE. The adolescents were watching films “My Commitments” screened during the previous lesson. As well they were awarded with Diplomas on successful completing of the Program.

The "Choice" is Launched at Five Schools In January 2012 the Prevention Program “Choice” was launched at five schools of the City of Chernihiv. Trainers have already conducted two lesson: “Alternative and Choice” and “Risks”. The Program includes 10 lessons. The first conclusions of the Team 2012: Essential preparation is required before each of the lessons; Trainer work inspires and filles life with sense. The Program is supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Education Department Takes the "Choice" On the 03 of October 2011 a round table on Evidence Based Substance Abuse Prevention took place in the Department of Education of the City of Chernihiv. Among participants there were representatives from the Department of Education, Chernihiv Pedagogical University, Law College and 33 schools of Chernihiv. The last ones were the target audience that was approached by presenters: Natalia Fara, Head of Unit in Mentoring Affairs of the Education Department; Valeriy Ryabukha, author of the program “Choice”; Dmytro Shevchenko, lecturer for the Law College; Olexandr Zhuk, lecturer for the Pedagogical University. Intensive discussion took place. Just published book and DVD “Choice”, that were distributed among the participants, will be of great help for practicing evidence based prevention of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime among children. The round table was supported by the USA Embassy in Ukraine.

Pedagogical University Discusses "Choice" On the 26 of Septemрber 2011 a Round Table on discussion evidence based substance abuse prevention (SAP) took place in the Chernihiv National Pedagogical University. Among participants there were students and lectures of the University, cadets of the Law College of Chernihiv, the author and coordinator of the SAP program “Choice”. Professor Liudmyla Zavatska welcomed the participants and gave the floor to Valeriy Ryabukha for delivering a presentation on Evidence Based SAP. Dmytro Shevchenko shared his experience on coordinating pilot conduction of the SAP program “Choice”. Yulia Boichenko and Yevhen Tyshchenko expressed their points of view on specifics of SAP and responded inquires of the audience. The event was supported by the US Embassy in Ukraine.

My Commitment In April 2011 cadets of the Chernihiv Law College finished pilot coducting the Substance Abuse Prevention Program “Choice” at schools #1, 3 and 20 of the City of Chernihiv. The tens lesson took place in atmosphere of celebration. Teachers and administration representatives were invited. Lyudmila Herashchenko, the Principal of the School #1, handed to the eighth graders certificates on successful completion the “Choice”, program on drug abuse, HIV/AIDS and crime prevention. Giving her speech the Principal said that the Program “Choice” was one of the most interesting programs she had witnessed in 20 years of her leadership at school. In the end of the lesson a film “My Commitment” was shown. It was screened during the nines lesson and prepared by Vadym Strokin, who did it as a volunteer. In May 2011 a post survey will be carried out among participants of the Program and control group members.

Lesson of Iryna and Maksym On the 12 of March 2011 cadets of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Department of Ukraine Iryna Stashynska and Maksym Makarenko carried out at Chernihiv school #1 the sixth lesson of the Substance Abuse Prevention Program “Choice”. The “Choice” consists of ten lessons and is designed for drug, HIV and crime prevention. Currently, as a pilot project, the program “Choice” is being conducted for eighth graders at three schools of the City of Chernihiv (#1, 3, 20). When all ten lessons are conducted, a post survey will be made (a pre survey was made before the beginning). The surveys will help to understand effectiveness of the “Choice”.

Good Luck, "Choice" Since 2001 Program “Education against Drugs” has been successfully conducted at schools of the City of Chernihiv. As a result of the accumulated experience and thanks to study of the author at the Virginia Commonwealth University a new evidence based Substance Abuse Prevention Program “Choice” has appreared. Chernihiv schools #1, 3, 20 were selected for pilot conducting of the Program “Choice”. The program is designed for eighth graders (13-14 years old students). In November 2010 a pre survey was carried out at the pointed schools. Now the outcomes of it are analyzed by Alla Popruzhna, sociology lecturer for the Chernihiv Law College. After intervention a post survey will be conducted. Currently a team of trainers is being prepared on the ground of the College. The trainers are supposed to carry out 10 lessons in each of the schools.

Experience transfer Due to an initiative of a series of Chernihiv schools the Chernihiv Law College made with them agreements on partnership in carrying out the Program for students ‘Education against Drugs’. According to the agreement a team of trainers from the College conducted the ‘EAD’ in five seventh level forms of the School #3. The team was lead by the recent graduate of the School Katerina Rubanova. Katerina had selected future trainers among college’s freshmen and took active part in their training for carrying out the classes. Katerina Rubanova and her colleagues (Peter Berezovskiy, Anna Shevchenko, Yehor Medunytsya and others) have been conducting EAD lessons since 2006. Each of the seventh forms met a team of trainers, which included an experienced trainer and a beginner. In the way experience transfer was arranged. There were four lessons conducted in each of the forms.


Help from cadets In the current academic year the cadets (students) of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Department of Ukraine continue conducting Education against Drugs (EAD) lessons in educational establishments of the City of Chernihiv. For this important social mission those students are attracted who have a proper knowledge, good methodological skills and devoted to the idea of the Program. In December 2008 the third level students Oksana Shpak and Maria Bidak carried out a series EAD lessons in an eighth level form of the school #11. It’s impressive how quickly the trainees and trainers became friends and felt mutual trust. That is essential part of the Program. The trust considerably facilitates the trainers in delivering important messages and the trainees – to benefit of it on their life ways.

New Round of the “Education against Drugs” In April 2008 cadets of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Department of Ukraine are carrying out the Program EAD in Chernihiv schools #18 and #21. These schools are remote from the city center, nevertheless, the leaders of the College, responding the request from the Chernihiv Educational Department, have decided that the positive feedback on previous rounds of the EAD obliges to continue the initiative , which is useful for both parties: pupils and cadets. Iryna Kulish and Dmytro Shevchenko, both College employees, lead and arrange the process. Second level cadets, who previously carried out the EAD at schools #11 and #19 are the trainers. Their younger colleagues assist them and make first practical steps as trainers. The main criteria for potential trainers are: · High IQ; · Communicative skills; · Eagerness. Yehor Medunytsya, a trainer, believes that for development of the Program we have to renew video and other materials and certify as EAD trainers only those who understand the essence of the Program and share its values.

Lesson as a game In December, 2006 twelve cadets of the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Department of Ukraine were conducting "Education against Drugs" program in the Chernihiv school #11. Oksana Shpak and Dmytro Zadolyanskiy conducted eight lessons in the 8-A form. To encourage the students to work actively Oksana and Dmytro practiced small games while the lessons. Some of the lessons were watched by the form master Natalia Steblovska and a teacher of English Albert Kovalchuk who generously submitted his class room for program conducting. The most active students were rewarded by small prizes in the end of each lesson. IREX (International Research and Exchange Board) supports the EAD Program within the “Smile” Project.

One try was enough... In December 2006 a team of students from the Chernihiv Law College of the Penitentiary Department of Ukraine started conducting "Education against Drugs" program in the Chernihiv school #11. Each lesson is lead by two or three trainers. That gives opportunity to cooperate with pupils more productively. Taking into consideration 17 years age of the cadets the principle "Peer to Peers" is being insured. On the 11 of December Yehor Medunytsya and Anna Shevchenko conducted the second EAD lesson in the 8-"D" form. Svitlana Ostapenko, the form master, was attentively observing the lesson. The trainers used short video films "One try was enough..." and "Confession of Mykyta". Afterwards that was discussed by pupils. In the end the most active trainees were rewarded with small prizes. IREX (International Research and Exchange Board) supports the EAD Program within the “Smile” Project.

Sociological research Alla Popruzna, a sociology lecturer for the Chernihiv Law College of the Department of Corrections of Ukraine, and Vasyl Khyzhnyak, a student of the College, have recently conducted a sociological research of the Education against Drugs -a program for teenagers on drugs, HIV/AIDS, crime prevention. For the purpose the Deputy Principals of all Chernihiv schools had been asked for their opinion on necessity of program implementation, the crucial age of trainees, potential trainers and so on. Altogether 29 Deputy Principals (the ones who are responsible for bringing up children) responded the questions. The main conclusion of the research is: the respondents positively evaluate the previous experience of EAD conduction at schools and believe that it should go on. Results of the research

Gaze into Future On the 24 of May, 2006 a four hour seminar for “Education against Drugs” trainers took place in the Methodical Centre of the Chernihiv Education Department. The participants analyzed work done during last quarter of the current academic year. They shared impressions on small victories and problems encountered while the lessons on drug abuse, HIV/AIDS, and crime prevention. There were some difficulties with technical supply and settling the schedule for the program. Catherine Lysenko and Nathalie Chuhay conducted the EAD program at boarding-school and special school for children with depressed vision. They believe, the Program should be conducted for sixth or seventh level pupils. However, all trainers are sure that it is necessary to conduct such a program in future as well, and they are ready to take part in. So, there are reasons to hope for continuing of this practical research in the following academic year. The “EAD” program is supported by the Chernihiv Education Department and Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Ukraine.

Saturday Lesson of Natalia Yashchenko On the 13 of May, 2006 an “EAD” trainer Natalia Yashchenko, a second course student of the Chernihiv Pedagogical University, conducted a regular program lesson in the 8–“A” form at school # 1 of Chernihiv. The form-master and the author of the Program took part in the class as well. The pupils actively participated in the lesson. They analyzed positive and negative consequences of drug using. The final result appeared to be considerably against the drugs. The school #1 is famous for high level of English teaching. Thereby, during the class English was of great use. The “EAD” program is supported by the Chernihiv Education Department and Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Ukraine.

United Effort On the 30 of Match, 2006, the third this year seminar for “Education against Drugs” trainers took place in the Methodical Centre of the Chernihiv Education Department. The Chernihiv community has got understanding that the education is a crucial point for drugs, HIV/AIDS, crime prevention. There is also an appropriate social support. The Methodical Centre (Nina Kuranda) had created wonderful technical conditions for the seminars, each school of the City had assigned teachers – trainers for the “EAD” Program; Charity NGO “Aratta” had donated small prizes to motivate trainees. All that inspires and brings faith in success of the endeavor. Altogether during three days there were 35 teachers and 38 university students who took part in the seminars. The classes were conducted by: 1. Valeriy Ryabukha – the Author of the “Education against Drugs” Program; 2. Anna Herasymenko – an expert of the “EAD” Program; 3. Iryna Soroka – an expert of the “EAD” Program. The project is supported by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.
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