“Know. Understand. Choose.”: How the safe adolescence project was piloted in an educational institution

It all began in August 2025, when NGO Girls announced specialized training on safe adolescence for adolescents. Anna Bychenok, a teacher at Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 2, became interested in it.

The project “Know. Understand. Choose.” is aimed at providing adolescents in grades 5–9 with accurate knowledge about their own bodies, puberty, emotions and relationships, as well as developing responsibility and self-respect.

“The topic immediately caught my attention, as modern adolescents need accurate information about health, growing up and safe relationships,” Anna shares.

After receiving her trainer certificate, in September 2025 Anna gradually began introducing a modern approach to the topic of safe adolescence. The biggest challenge was to overcome certain stereotypes around the topic itself.

Some people initially perceived it with caution. However, the students were very interested in the new subject.

“When an atmosphere of trust is created, children are very open to communication, actively engage and take part in practical exercises. This confirmed that such classes are truly relevant,” the teacher says.

Over the year, a cycle of thematic classes was implemented. Particular attention was given to developing critical thinking, assertive communication skills and a culture of healthy relationships.

Children were most interested in issues related to changes during puberty, relationships, personal boundaries, emotions and responsibility.

“Perhaps the most difficult part was learning to talk about personal boundaries, consent and responsibility in relationships. These are topics that require not only knowledge, but also a reconsideration of one’s own patterns of behavior,” Anna says.

As part of the piloting, a personal hygiene and self-care corner was set up in the safety classroom, containing feminine hygiene products, contraceptives for women and men, personal protective supplies, single-use HIV self-testing kits and specialized literature.

Thanks to the successful implementation of the project, the pedagogical council of Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 2 continued the introduction of the course in the educational institution.

This example once again proves that the topic of safe adolescence is not only needed by children in schools, but also receives positive feedback from teachers.

“This experience has become very valuable both for me and for the gymnasium as a whole. I am convinced that such projects should become an integral part of a modern school, as they help children grow up more consciously, confidently and safely,” says Anna Bychenok.