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Description
The aim of the project is to improve the quality of life of LGBTI people in eastern Slovakia by educating various target groups to accept LGBTI people and leading a campaign to sensitize students and the public to accept LGBTI people.
Educational activities within the project will be focused on changing attitudes and strengthening own activities of students in the sphere of human rights/LGBTI rights; campaigning will also be implemented through a peer approach in secondary schools. The project also has the ambition to contribute to suppression of hate speech and prejudice against LGBTI people.
The project will work with several target groups: secondary school students in Košice and Prešov region, students of certain university disciplines (psychology, medicine, pedagogy), experts (doctors, psychologists, school psychologists, teachers), LGBTI young people in secondary schools, public in Košice and Prešov region.
Educational activities and public awareness campaigns will be carried out in the project. Educational activities will focus on a multi-phase training of students and experts on LGBTI people; training of LGBTI young people in order to empower and equip them with leadership, argumentative, storytelling and facilitation skills to be able to lead a series of discussions and lectures in the peer-to-peer secondary school environment in order to sensitize other young people. Interactive and non-formal methods will be used in these activities.
Public awareness campaigns will focus on screening a film with LGBTI theme followed by a discussion (in at least 5 cities) and implementation of a peer sensitization campaign in secondary schools, led by young people trained in the previous part of the project (at least 3 interactive sessions in at least 7 schools).
Summary of project results
The project set out to address various pressing issues and challenges associated with the experiences of LGBTI+ young people. A primary objective was to mitigate the impact of prevalent prejudice and stereotypes, particularly within the school environment. The project aimed to confront and alleviate discriminatory attitudes and biased perceptions that often resulted in negative consequences such as bullying or harassment.
Recognizing schools as potential hotspots for discrimination, the project aimed to tackle instances where manifestations of prejudice and stereotypes escalated to discrimination or harassment within the educational setting. The overarching goal was to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTI+ students.
The project also sought to reduce high rates of harassment documented in survey data, indicating that a significant percentage of young LGBTI+ individuals experienced humiliation or harassment in schools. Efforts were directed towards sensitizing students, educators, and professionals to foster a more supportive atmosphere.
Another key challenge addressed by the project was the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding LGBTI+ issues. This involved not only changing the perceptions of students but also conducting training sessions for professionals, including school psychologists, psychologists, and healthcare practitioners, to enhance their awareness and sensitivity.
In summary, the project aimed to contribute to a more tolerant and accepting society by addressing the root causes of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes faced by LGBTI+ young people, particularly within the educational context. The initiatives undertaken focused on education, awareness-building, and community leadership to create a lasting positive impact on the targeted challenges.
The project encompassed a range of activities and outputs designed to effectively address the identified challenges. These initiatives included:
The primary initiative involved working directly with students and professionals, focusing on the reduction of prejudice and stereotypes. Efforts were concentrated on creating a supportive atmosphere in schools through discussions, workshops, and educational campaigns.
A pivotal aspect of the project centered on the formation of a group of community leaders. These individuals underwent comprehensive training, equipping them with the skills to lead discussions and workshops in schools. The aim was to empower them to be catalysts for positive change within their communities.
The project extended its impact by conducting a peer sensitization campaign in schools across Slovakia. This campaign, led by the trained community leaders, aimed to promote awareness and understanding among students, contributing to a more inclusive environment.
Significant attention was devoted to training professionals, including school psychologists, psychologists, and healthcare practitioners. The objective was to enhance their understanding of LGBTI+ issues, ultimately reducing stereotypes and improving the overall awareness of the LGBTI+ community.
The tangible outputs of these efforts included the successful facilitation of discussions in numerous high schools and universities, involving the active participation of 575 students. Additionally, the project trained 16 community leaders and 67 professionals, showcasing the breadth and depth of its impact on both community leaders and experts.
The project resulted in significant outcomes and impacts across various dimensions, benefiting specific stakeholders:
For students, the project conducted discussions and campaigns in schools, involving 575 students. Many reported a change in attitude and increased sensitivity towards hateful expressions, contributing to a safer environment for LGBTI+ young people. The reduction of prejudice and stereotypes within schools positively influenced the experiences of LGBTI+ students, fostering a more inclusive and accepting educational environment.
Community leaders, empowered by comprehensive training, became catalysts for change within their communities. Sixteen community leaders gained practical experience in preparing and conducting discussions and workshops, contributing to the awareness and acceptance of LGBTI+ issues among peers and fellow community members.
Professionals, including school psychologists, psychologists, and healthcare practitioners, benefited from specialized training in LGBTI+ issues. Enhanced understanding among professionals led to a reduction in stereotypes and improved awareness within the fields of education, psychology, and healthcare, positively influencing their interactions with LGBTI+ individuals and creating a more supportive network.
The LGBTI+ community experienced positive outcomes as the project''s initiatives, such as the peer sensitization campaign and training sessions, contributed to a decrease in expressions of hatred and discrimination against LGBTI+ young people in schools. The project played a vital role in creating a safer and more tolerant society for the LGBTI+ community, positively affecting overall well-being and social integration.
Educational institutions, influenced by the project''s activities, including discussions and campaigns, experienced a shift in the perception of the LGBTI+ community. By creating a more inclusive environment, the project contributed to a positive shift in the overall culture of educational institutions, fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTI+ students.
In summary, the project''s diverse outcomes and impacts targeted specific beneficiaries, ranging from individual students and community leaders to professionals and the broader LGBTI+ community. The comprehensive approach successfully contributed to reducing prejudice, fostering awareness, and creating a more supportive and accepting society for all involved stakeholders.