The danger of infection from HIV and other STIs can only be reduced by starting sexual education early. Our sex education projects run at schools in many countries. Students teach pupils about different topics such as sexuality, HIV prevention, puberty and homosexuality.

Our goals are to spread information about sexuality and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people, to promote individual self-esteem and empowerment and to facilitate informed decision-making and autonomy regarding sex.

Contents

We concentrate on issues such as the discussion of sexuality and its medical significance and thereby focus on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, for example Chlamydia infections. Based on actual medical findings, the knowledge and ideas young people may have gained from the media and their friends are discussed, inspected critically and if needed corrected. The young people shall acquire a basic knowledge of the ways STI's are transmitted and useful means of prevention.

How do we work?

Instead of giving lectures like teachers we offer the young people the opportunity to work with us on an equal basis. Situations and problems a young person is confronted with in his or her daily life (e.g. puberty) will be worked on with role plays and other sexual education methods. With the same means we want to promote the pupils creativity, and more importantly show the youngsters that talking about sex can be very easy and is nothing to be ashamed of. Creating opportunities to discuss sexual matters in an open, non-judgmental environment helps to reduce the risk of infections and unwanted pregnancy.

Being young adults ourselves it is easier for us to gain access to the youngster's questions and fears since we are more likely to be able to understand their problems and needs. Furthermore, the young people have the possibility to receive answers to questions which they would rather not ask their parents or teachers.

Why are we doing this?

The goal of medical engagement should not only be treatment but also prevention. Especially in the field of sexually transmitted infections it is necessary, to prevent its negligent dissemination by an early educational campaign.

Qualification

In workshops the students are taught about sexual enlightenment, medical knowledge on sexually transmitted infections and different teaching methods from the field of sexual education. In addition to that each of the students has access to continuous studies which are offered by us or our co-operate partners. Workshops and studies are held by sex educators, psychologists and medical doctors.