Sexuality and relationship in youth education

Sexual education remains taboo in many societies, and current education systems often don't address this important topic. As a result, young people often rely on unsafe or unreliable sources, - such as the Internet, chats among friends, or random online blogs, to build their knowledge about topics such as intimacy, sexual identity, sexual health and prevention, and so on. This lack of proper education leads to misconceptions, risky behaviour and the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes. An informed approach is essential to help young people learn more about themselves, build positive relationships, care for their emotional well-being, and promote acceptance of gender diversity to prevent discriminatory attitudes and gender-based violence.

The main aim of this training course is to equip youth workers, educators, young leaders, teachers and social workers with the skills and knowledge they need to create supportive environments where sexuality can be discussed openly. By increasing the capacity of practitioners to engage with young people in a respectful, inclusive and informed way, we hope to reduce gender discrimination and empower individuals to create safer and more supportive communities.

The learning objectives focus on promoting a deeper understanding of the importance of sexuality education, encouraging reflection on personal knowledge and sensitivities, and sharing best practice. This collaborative approach will not only enhance the professional skills of participants, but will also contribute to creating a more inclusive and informed society for future generations.

Furthermore, this training course aims to promote the creation of inclusive societies (European Youth Goals #3) to reduce discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation; and to promote gender-sensitive approaches and increase equality between all genders (European Youth Goals #2).

Learning objectives: 

• to develop competences and skills to feel confident in talking about sexual education and feelings with young people in order to increase their understanding of themselves
• explore personal knowledge and sensitiveness, terminology about the topic
• sharing methods and practices and drafting new ones

Methodology
This training course is based on non formal education approach

Activities will be organised in the indoor spaces of the hotel covering around 6 hours per day. Methodologies used will be based on a non formal approach like working in a team, simulation, games, role playing, sharing of practices, as well as presentation, video and thematic sources.

Participants are asked to contribute actively to the activities with inputs, contributions, ideas, proactivity and interest and by sharing their (and their organisations) experiences and activities by implementing a workshop or presenting methods.

Trainers: Monica Valenti and Giorgia Casalvecchio