cREating a Safe sPacE for inClusiviTy, sexual and ReprodUctive 

LATVIA

LATVIA

Follow Up Activity 

Participants from Latvia Aleksandra Resetnikova, Joanna Lutjko, Ksenia Ryzhenkova, Pavlou Maria Yakinthi made a follow up activity in Young Folks LV office, Riga. The activity took place on September 29, 2023, at the Young Folks office in Riga. During the event, we welcomed the participants and we introduced the project by also showing a video we had prepared. 

We shared our experience in Cyprus and most importantly all the new tools and competencies we acquired. We also talked about all the available opportunities that the Erasmus+ Programme has to offer and we answered questions that participants had on this topic. We then continued with a quiz game of True or False questions. We had 20 questions on the topic of sexuality education (STIs, consent, menstrual cycle, etc.) and after we completed the quiz we reflected with the participants about the activity and the new knowledge they acquired and we answered questions that came up. In the end, we discussed the situation of sex education in Latvia. The meeting lasted approximately 1,5 hours.

Links for online dissemination of the project 

Feedback from Latvian Participants 

Joanna Lutjko

I was going to Cyprus as blank slate, didn't know much about Cyprus, which made my trip there even more exhilarating but also quite anxiety inducing. The wonderful opportunity to become a quiet sponge- just to be able to observe and absorb all the beauty and uniqueness of foreign culture, nature and historical legacy. To me, a grumpy westerner, all the flora and fauna seemed.. well, alien, unknown. However the extrovercy and the ability to take up space, unapologetically, that I've seen exhibited by the locals- that's what truly amazed me. I wish to be that open, that free. I'm happy that I've had opportunity to meet these people! As for a project- it was challange for me, in a good way. I learned a lot, and learned others. As a medical student, I didn't consider the social aspect of sexual education that much, as physiological and psychological ones. I was glad to meet people, all over the continent,who seemingly shared the same problems in our formal and informal education systems, but at the same time, it did upset me, too. But im happy that all of us, who arrived to this project, in wonderful Pissouri village, cared enough, were aware enough, and maybe even were brave and daring enough to try to change the situation in their respective countries. Im extremely grateful to Nikolas Nikolaou and @acpelia_cyprus for hosting the project and to the @youngfolksoficial, that gathered our latvian group together!

The trainings that I found impactful the most were role plays, when we tried to intervene in violent situations and fix them and art therapy, where I could decompress and express myself freely :) I think one of most useful topics that we raised where misconceptions about violence, consent, sexual life and diseases, and different ways people can be victims and perpetrators of violence in unexpected ways

Maria Yakinthi Pavlou

Taking part in the reSPECTRUM training course was a life-changing experience that made me realize the importance of comprehensive and inclusive sex education. I discovered that creating safer spaces and having open conversations is not only about sharing knowledge, but also about building trust and understanding. The training gave me practical skills to drive positive change. Through various activities and discussions, I gained a new perspective on how sex education can play a vital role in people's lives. I learned that the need for accurate information is universal, regardless of cultural differences. With the help of the trainers, I learned how to communicate effectively and sensitively on various topics, debunk myths, and empower young people. I would like to express my gratitude to Acpelia for organizing this training course and especially to Viktorija Tkačenko for sharing her expertise on inclusive sex education and facilitating such an amazing experience!

Ksenia Ryzhenkova

This was my first time participating in such an immersive project and I am sincerely grateful for the experience. The bonds of friendship we forged were unbreakable and the memories we created will stay with me forever. It was an atmosphere of mutual respect, learning and personal growth.🌿

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers Acpelia, trainer Viktorija Tkačenko for different activities for us and all the wonderful participants who made this trip unforgettable.

Aleksandra Resetnikova

As someone who has been passionate about the topic of inclusive sex education for many years (while having not received proper sex education myself) the reSPECTRUM training was a transformative and enlightening experience. At the training, I was reminded of the importance of building connections and communities through an active and conscious decision to try to understand each other. The activities we had really helped with this, because a lot of them were focused not on formal discussions but rather on learning through practice and experiences. We were lucky to learn and comprehend such topics as consent and non-violent communication not only intellectually but by reconnecting to ourselves and others. I gained practical activist skills and tools, learned about other countries' and cultures' unique situations in regards to sex education. It also became clear that despite differences, our objectives on the topic are universal. I'd like to express my gratitude to Acpelia Cyprus for organizing the project and being accomodating and helpful at all times. I am also grateful to the trainers, and especially Viktorija for sharing her knowledge with us, for inspiring me with her passion, and for being both insightful and kind.

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