34all"" (three for all)

Description

The project goal is to increase access to modern, evidence-based, and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and information on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The aim of the project is to create reliable, informed, and professionally available content for the website, which will serve as the first contact point for anyone who understands the Slovak language and is interested in SRHR and KVSV. As the project team is located in Bratislava and Košice, the main activity will take place in both cities. One of the activities of the project is the mediation of workshops for teachers and the public. Workshops for students will be facilitated thanks to the partner organization Teach for Slovakia and its partner schools in the Košice, Prešov, Bratislava, and Trenčín self-governing regions. The prevention of gender and domestic-based violence is an agenda rooted in the approach to human rights. Although most of the programmes focus on sexual health (education, advocacy), these activities also include gender awareness education and are fully compatible with the objectives of preventing gender-based and domestic violence. Therefore, a synergistic effect is expected within the portfolio of programmes and activities. Opening up space to prevent DGV should increase interest in sex education activities and vice versa, and also to bring up activities tackling inclusion and empowerment of Roma, vulnerable groups, and minorities and enhance anti-discrimination measures.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to tackle the lack of comprehensive, innovative, and age-appropriate sexuality education in Slovakia. This gap affected both youth and adults, leaving them without adequate information and skills in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and violence prevention. There was also a need to envolve pupils from marginalized groups in implementing effective and inclusive sexuality education.

The project accomplished several key activities and outputs:

• Innovative Educational Resources: The team developed and published three new teaching methodologies for educators, making sexuality education more accessible and practical.
• Informative Content for the Public: One hundred articles were published on the project’s website, making reliable information on sexuality and health widely available. Additionally, eight handouts tailored for young people were distributed to provide age-appropriate insights.
• Educational Sessions: The project reached 654 students across 23 schools, including 11 schools with marginalized pupils. It also delivered training sessions for teachers, companies, and healthcare workers on creating safe environments and improving communication skills regarding sexual and reproductive health.
• Awareness-raising campaign: An awareness campaign reached over 160,000 views, highlighting the importance of compulsory relationship and sexuality education, which was subsequently integrated into the new curriculum.

Good Practice Example:

Addressing Key Challenges in Slovakia

The 34all (Three for All) project was designed to address the lack of comprehensive, innovative, and age-appropriate sexuality education in Slovakia. Traditional approaches to sexuality and relationship education were often outdated, insufficiently inclusive, and failed to address the real-life concerns of young people. As a result, students and educators lacked access to quality resources and structured guidance on topics related to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and violence prevention.

Additionally, there was a need to support schools working with marginalized groups, including students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of these students had limited access to reliable information about healthy relationships, consent, and bodily autonomy, making them more vulnerable to misinformation and harmful stereotypes. The project aimed to bridge this gap by providing accessible and engaging educational content tailored to different age groups.

Methodological Approach

The project adopted an innovative, research-based methodology that combined experiential learning, interactive workshops, and digital resources to make sexuality education more engaging and relevant. Key elements of the methodology included:

• Age-Specific Educational Materials: Three structured teaching methodologies were developed, each tailored to specific age groups: 10–13 years, 14–19 years, and young adults. These materials focused on core topics such as puberty, relationships, sexual and reproductive health, consent, and online safety.
• Experiential Learning Workshops: A series of interactive workshops encouraged students to engage in discussions and activities that promoted critical thinking, self-reflection, and informed decision-making.
• Workshops on Specialized Topics: Sessions were developed to address complex and sensitive issues such as pornography, power dynamics in relationships, and sexuality in cultural contexts. Each session was facilitated by trained experts using participatory methods to ensure inclusivity and active engagement of participants.
• Comprehensive Teacher Training: Teachers and educators received specialized training to effectively implement sexuality education in classrooms. This training covered both subject knowledge and pedagogical approaches to ensure that educators felt confident discussing sensitive topics with students.
• Thematic Days and Community Involvement: The project introduced the concept of "Healthy Relationship Days," implemented in schools to provide an immersive learning experience. These events combined expert-led discussions, student-led activities, and peer-to-peer learning.

Key Outcomes and Impact

The project successfully reached a wide range of beneficiaries, bringing tangible benefits to students, educators, and the broader community:

• Engaging Students Across Slovakia: A total of 654 students from 23 schools participated in the project’s educational sessions, including students from 11 schools working with marginalized communities. These students gained crucial knowledge about sexuality, relationships, and personal well-being.
• Empowering Educators and Institutions: Teachers, healthcare professionals, and company representatives benefited from training sessions that improved their ability to foster safe and inclusive environments for discussing sexuality and relationships.
• Public Awareness and Policy Influence: The project’s awareness campaign reached over 160,000 individuals, highlighting the importance of comprehensive sexuality education. This contributed to the successful integration of relationship and sexuality education into the national curriculum.
• Accessible Educational Content: Over 100 articles and eight handouts tailored for young audiences were published and distributed through online platforms, ensuring that reliable, research-based information remained accessible to students, educators, and parents.

Innovation in the Slovak Context

What makes the 34all project stand out as a model of good practice in Slovakia is its holistic, inclusive, and progressive approach to sexuality education. Unlike traditional curricula, which often rely on passive learning methods and outdated materials, this project actively engaged students in meaningful discussions and real-world scenarios.

The project’s success was also due to its ability to challenge cultural taboos around sexuality education while maintaining a respectful and evidence-based approach. By working directly with marginalized communities, the initiative ensured that no student was left behind, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Furthermore, the emphasis on teacher training and institutional collaboration strengthened the sustainability of the project, ensuring that the impact extends beyond its initial implementation. Schools and educators are now better equipped to provide ongoing, high-quality sexuality education that aligns with the needs and realities of Slovak youth.

The 34all (Three for All) project serves as an exemplary model of how comprehensive, inclusive, and innovative sexuality education can be successfully implemented in Slovakia. By integrating experiential learning, digital resources, and policy advocacy, the project not only improved the educational experience for students but also contributed to systemic change in how sexuality education is approached nationwide. The project’s methodologies and outcomes provide valuable insights for other initiatives seeking to enhance sexual and reproductive health education in diverse educational settings.

The project produced impactful outcomes for various groups:

• Students: 654 students benefited from comprehensive education on sexuality and relationships, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills.
• Teachers, Companies, and Healthcare Workers: Training sessions empowered these professionals to foster safer and more inclusive environments.
• Public Awareness: The campaign significantly raised public awareness and contributed to implementing relationship and sexuality education as part of the national curriculum, impacting future generations of students.
• General Public: The articles and handouts reached a broad audience, promoting informed discussions and healthier attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health across Slovakia.

Summary of bilateral results

The partnership with Sex og Politikk from Norway was instrumental for the InTYMYta project, as it allowed the project team to leverage Norway’s well-established expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Sex og Politikk brought valuable perspectives and best practices that informed the development of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) materials, ensuring they were both culturally adaptable and aligned with international standards. This collaboration enriched the project’s educational methodologies, enabling InTYMYta to deliver content that was evidence-based, age-appropriate, and relevant to the Slovak context. The cooperation strengthened the project''s impact, particularly in creating safe and respectful learning environments.The bilateral cooperation yielded several tangible results. Through an exchange visit in Norway and multiple online training sessions, InTYMYta and Sex og Politikk gathered essential data and insights from key target groups (youth, teachers, healthcare workers, and the general public). These exchanges informed the project’s approach to CSE and allowed both partners to document the experience in a short film, which showcases how international collaboration can enhance CSE initiatives. Additionally, these interactions helped develop a deeper understanding of the cultural and social needs of the Slovak audience, ensuring the project’s resources were highly effective and locally relevant.Both InTYMYta and Sex og Politikk are interested in extending their partnership beyond this project. They remain in contact to share updates on their ongoing SRHR work and are exploring opportunities to apply for additional grants together.