The LoveAct project recently marked a significant milestone with two groundbreaking events in Vilnius, Lithuania, as well as in other partner countries and cities. These initiatives, focused on advancing sex and relationship education while addressing gender-based violence prevention, overcame cultural sensitivities to foster open dialogue, creativity, and determination.
Inspiring Youth Through Education
On the 25th of November 2024, the National School Festival for Youth brought together 57 students from various schools and youth centers for a transformative day. Teenagers were given the opportunity to explore essential themes like personal boundaries and healthy relationships in a safe, engaging environment.
The event began with a powerful film screening about the #MeToo movement in Greece, sparking meaningful discussions on gender-based violence and harassment. From there, interactive activities like “Agree/Disagree” debates and a lively quiz energized participants, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking. To keep motivation high, prizes were awarded to the most involved attendees, adding an element of fun to the day’s important conversations.
A standout feature of the festival was the facilitators’ ability to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Students not only explored complex topics but also connected with peers from other schools. Feedback from participants highlighted the value of interactive learning and suggested shorter sessions to maintain high energy throughout.
Equipping Educators for Change
Just a few weeks later, on the 13th of January 2025, the focus shifted to educators, psychologists, social workers, and youth workers at the National School Festival for Educators. This event emphasised collaboration and innovation, laying the foundation for sustainable sexuality education in Lithuania.
The day opened with an impactful film about women’s rights and the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. This set the stage for rich discussions and collaborative activities where professionals exchanged ideas and brainstormed strategies to address these pressing issues.
Participants at the educator festival praised the event’s emphasis on team-based learning and its thought-provoking format. Many underscored the need for broader promotion of similar initiatives to engage more educators and stakeholders in the future. The discussions and activities offered practical insights for overcoming societal taboos and tackling the challenges of delivering sex education in a culturally sensitive context.
A Movement Toward Progress
Both events highlighted the importance of fostering open, inclusive spaces for dialogue about sensitive yet critical topics. From teenagers exploring the value of shared conversations to professionals collaborating on long-term strategies, the LoveAct project demonstrated that meaningful progress is not only possible but achievable.
Of course, challenges remain. Societal taboos and logistical hurdles persist, but these festivals and especially the project itself – have laid the groundwork for a brighter future. The LoveAct project is proving that with persistence, creativity, and innovation, conversations about relationships, boundaries, and human rights can become the norm rather than the exception.
As part of the broader initiative, a powerful advertising campaign was launched to share the project’s ideas and raise awareness. Featuring impactful quotes gathered from project activities, the campaign aimed to spark conversation and reflection on these sensitive topics. While partners encountered mixed reactions, especially in countries like Lithuania where these issues remain delicate, the campaign achieved its goal: making the topic visible, discussed, and reflected upon. This, in turn, demonstrated how awareness can serve as the first step toward positive change.