You Won’t Learn This at School
Using innovative learning methods to help Polish teenagers navigate their way to reliable sources of information on mental and sexual health.
The Local Challenge
In Poland, access to modern mental health (MH) and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education is limited, leaving young people (aged 13-19) with many unanswered questions. Schools are often failing to meet educational standards, and political authorities have been restricting formal knowledge on these subjects. As a result, teenagers are turning to the Internet for information. This initiative aims to guide them towards safe, reliable and trustworthy sources, encouraging open discussions and a supportive environment for exploring MH and SRH topics and helping to develop a well-informed civil society.
The Initiative
The initiative starts and finishes with workshops and expert talks at the main library in Opole, featuring psychologists specialising in mental and sexual health. Five city libraries are hosting bi-weekly workshops on MH and SRH topics, using games, applied drama and coaching tools to provide practical knowledge and encourage creativity. Beginning with a needs assessment to tailor content to young people’s needs, the project encourages open dialogue and collaboration. Teenagers are gaining reliable health knowledge, a safe educational space, access to professionals and improved communication skills. Indirect benefits include a handbook for local institutions and insights for library staff on young people’s information needs.
After The Europe Challenge
The initiative team identified and prioritised knowledge and skills gaps within the local community, leveraging local institutions including schools and experts for knowledge-sharing to help bridge those gaps, so that the community could acquire essential skills in the most pressing areas of MH, SRH and self-growth and development. The library is sharing its findings in the form of a publication, to help improve the quality of communication and address the needs of local young people, on an ongoing basis. This initiative really imprinted the library’s image as a space where MH & SRH issues are important and respected.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
