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Irena has worked in the field of child rights protection for 15 years. A woman with a Lithuanian language teacher training says that, in her eyes, not a single generation from the city and district of Utena grew up, but chose her profession and her way of life out of love for children.
From Lithuanian to defender of children’s rights
“After I graduated, I received an appointment to work in the Utena district, the eight-year school in Kuktiškė. I was a beloved teacher of children and loved them very much. However, when my son was born, I had to leave the village school and came to work in a gym in Utena. After that, I worked in another school, and then I dedicated myself to the field of protection of the rights of the child ”, I. Atkočienė shares his memories of his professional career.
The woman says she left school involuntarily: the decrease in the number of children in educational institutions led to a reduction in the number of teachers, and Irena, who recently came to work, did not want to be a hindrance to her older co-workers, so he left school voluntarily.
Just as Irena left school, a contest was announced and the Department for the Protection of Children’s Rights of the Municipality of the District of Utena was looking for an employee.
“The most important thing for me was working with children and I really wanted stability, so I turned to the protection of children’s rights. At that time, things were different: many children grew up in orphanages, there were families at risk and their lists, and very few services received by families who survived the crisis, ”recalls I. Atkočienė.
Even in the most difficult situations, everything is done by the child: being as close as possible to family, loved ones.
Remembering children’s stories accumulates tears
An experienced child rights advocate knows how to find common ground with children, understands the importance of a calm and comforting word, the ability to listen, listen and listen.
“Now I know and understand how to behave, handle emotions, and it was very difficult to start,” says the woman. Returning from almost all families, she says, crying, ashamed of her colleagues, but there was nothing she could do for herself. He knew very well that he could not be guided by feelings alone, he had to do his job well and correctly. A specialist from the Service for the Protection of Children’s Rights says that there are stories that, when they are remembered and even today accumulate tears in our eyes.
“It was Christmas Eve, everyone was decorating the Christmas trees and living in a pre-holiday mood. My colleague and I had to transport the child from temporary housing (Children’s Foster Home – ed.) To permanent housing. To our surprise, the escort of the boy and his biological mother arrived. The child is confused, has nowhere to go and looks hopefully; maybe the mother will change her mind. And she brought the guitar and decided to do the pitch. I cannot forget that vibrant child, who is close to me, even today. I was 12 years old at the time, I understood perfectly what was happening, ”says A. Atkočienė, sensitive words.
The woman says, and then she realizes how little the child needs: a hug and warmth. The grateful child, a child rights activist, did not want to be released from the embrace.
“When I returned home, I saw my son next to the Christmas tree with gifts, surrounded by attention, I ran out of the room and cried with my voice, I was happy for myself and I felt sorry for that child. There are many delicate stories in this work ”, says the defender of the rights of the child.
Personal file photo Irena Atkočienė
Working with the whole family
The employee of the Child Rights Protection Service is convinced that no matter which family the child grows up in, each child has their own feelings, experiences and wishes, so everyone must be heard and heard.
“When it comes to my work, I have never made easy decisions. I am happy and proud that the most important thing for the people who work in our Office is the child. Even in the most difficult situations, everything is done for the child: to be as close as possible to the family, to loved ones, to experiencing the least possible experience and stress, ”says the defender of children’s rights.
The woman also remembers the times when children were separated from families in crisis much more frequently.
“Once upon a time, a child separated from the family, some mothers cry at first and then their wounds heal very quickly and the children are no longer the most important. And now we work with mothers, fathers, the whole family. And it is easier for the child, and parents who receive help, have to strive and change. Now the situation is completely different and with time it will only get better, I think. “- I don’t doubt it. Atkočienė.
Go home and think: I did it right or wrong, it was necessary or not to accommodate the child with relatives, perhaps the parents will sober up and the child is fine, perhaps the trauma, that we parted ways, will be greater.
The defender says that she sometimes equates her work with the work of a doctor.
“They fight for their lives, but we also protect children and sometimes we have to fight for their lives. There was a case like this: we go to a family where a newborn is lying in a carriage. The carriage is red and that baby’s face is exactly the same color. We invite the doctors, please take me to the hospital. It was later learned that the baby was exhausted and dehydrated. And what would it be like if we had not arrived? – asks the woman rhetorically.
– Go home and think: I did it right or wrong, it was necessary or not to accommodate the child with relatives, perhaps the parents will be sober and the child will be fine, perhaps the trauma – that we separated – is greater. But always think first about how and where it is safest for the child: live with those thoughts. “
The play is inspired by the gratitude of children.
I.Atkočienė tried various activities: she worked as a specialist even when all specialists had to be on duty at night and go to families, she worked as a defender. Over the years, the interlocutor says that she has learned to discover positive things even in sad stories.
“It seems very sad, the children have been left without parents, but you see that they are safe and happy. It is difficult when you go to visit the children and they say that it is very good to be with the caregivers: there is a television, there is always something to eat, they do not crash or drink, they never cry. These cases motivate us to work and become the most serious kick for parents to get together, ”says the child ombudsman and shares another story.
123RF.com nuotr./Berniukas
“Two girls, and my mother is intoxicated, she gets up and falls, she is completely unstable. I found those eggs in the stable, listening to the horse. They were 4-5 years old. Imagine those children walking under a horse, the bucket is It is difficult for us to get to the animal so we are not scared, it is not like getting the children out of there. That horse, apparently smarter than some people, could have protected those babies by moving so carefully, says the activist by children’s rights.
– And when we went home to collect the children’s belongings, I remembered that there were some buns in the car that I had bought for my son. I brought those buns, I put them on the table for the girls to eat at least something because they said they hadn’t eaten anything. Not only the girls attacked the buns, but also the flock of kittens, not even crumbs of those buns were left “, – telling a sad story, I. Atkočienė recalls that her sisters no longer wanted to go back to their parents’ house.
However, during her working year, I. Atkočienė says she has noticed how children are changing: “Now the little ones know their rights and where to turn if they need help, they are more courageous and persistent than themselves. It is a great pleasure to meet and hear “thank you” from those children with whom you have had contact. In the beginning, everything happens: both curses and anger. And then: find, write, thank, it is very nice and inspiring, understand that we do not work in vain, but when you see the meaning, it is easier to work and make decisions ”.
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