New prevention representative- Jóna Rán works with the parent associations

Jóna Rán Pétursdóttir appointed full-time prevention representative

“School absenteeism and risky behavior among teenagers will be a primary focus for me. Children, young people, and their parents will be at the center of attention,” says Jóna Rán Pétursdóttir, who has been appointed prevention representative for the Town of Hafnarfjörður.

Jóna works within the Education and Public Health Department, but across all municipal institutions that concern children and youth, and is part of the sports and prevention team. She is the first prevention representative in Hafnarfjörður to work exclusively in prevention on a full-time basis. “Yes, I will serve as a support for the parent associations,” she says.

Prevention for a healthy community

Jóna Rán has for years led youth and prevention work in Seltjarnarnes municipality, focusing on planning and implementing professional prevention and leisure activities. In her work, she has collaborated extensively with parents, providing both education and targeted meetings for specific groups, as well as regular meetings with the municipality’s parent associations. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.Sc. in Human Resource Studies, both from the University of Iceland.

Fanney Dóróthe Halldórsdóttir, head of the Education and Public Health Department, says that with Jóna Rán’s appointment, the municipality is strengthening its strategy to make Hafnarfjörður a healthy and thriving community. “We want to ensure that public health and happiness are within reach for all residents,” says Fanney.

A key factor in wellbeing

She points out that societal changes and new challenges call for greater emphasis on prevention, solidarity, and dialogue. “Prevention is a strong key factor in ensuring welfare, resilience, and prosperity for the future. It is important that all work with children in which the municipality is involved is shaped in the spirit of the wellbeing of everyone and is as effective as possible,” she says.

“With a new prevention representative, parents, parent associations, and the school community as a whole gain a reliable representative within the municipal system. Jóna Rán is a connector, advisor, and partner working with all of us to create a safe and supportive environment for children and young people,” says Fanney Dóróthe.

Jóna Rán emphasizes the importance of early intervention and guiding children in the right direction. The aim is, for example, to prevent school absenteeism at the earliest stages. “The wellbeing of children is my main priority. Finding ways for all children and young people to flourish as early as possible is my goal.”

Welcome Jóna Rán