Positive parenting training launches in Sistan and Baluchistan

Psychologists and counselors in Sistan and Baluchistan Province are now better equipped to support families with parenting skills thanks to a new UNICEF-supported Adolescent Positive Parenting training programme.

The first training workshop took place in Chabahar from October 6 to 9, 2025, and the second was held in Zahedan from October 19 to 22. Their goal was to help local Primary Health Care and School counselors guide and support parents of adolescents in adopting positive parenting approaches.

What did the counselors learn?

The training targeted counselors from Primary Health Care (PHC) centres and schools across 14 cities in the southern and eight in the northern parts of the province. They gained the crucial knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to:

• Effectively engage with parents of adolescents.
• Support parents in fostering their adolescents’ healthy and positive development.
• Strengthen family relationships.

Bringing the training to the community

These workshops are just the start. Following the training, multisectoral teams will begin holding adolescent positive parenting sessions at the community level.

These teams include key partners from:

• Schools
• Primary Healthcare (PHC) services
• The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS)
• Social emergency services

By working together, these groups will ensure that least 2,000 parents and caregivers in all 22 cities of Sistan and Baluchistan can access the help they need to positively support their adolescents.

Online resources for parents

Parents are encouraged to visit the UNICEF Iran website’s dedicated section on parenting (link). It offers a wealth of resources, articles, and advice to help families promote their children's healthy development and well-being.