The project seeks to contribute to reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which have shown an alarming increase in both Portugal and across Europe.

Promoted by the Egas Moniz Health Alliance (EMHA) and developed by researchers from the University of Aveiro and the Aveiro Local Health Unit (ULSRA), the initiative is carried out in collaboration with the Dr Mário Sacramento School Cluster.

As part of the project's launch, the workshop "Sexual Education Beyond Borders: Voices and Experiences of Students and Teachers" brought together 40 students and teachers from the 8th and 9th grades, representing Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Lithuania.

The workshop aimed to:

• Share and compare experiences of sexual education across different European countries;
• Identify strengths, gaps, and cultural influences in sexual education approaches;
• Promote empathy, awareness, and new ideas for more inclusive and effective sexual education.

The discussions highlighted the diversity of approaches to sexual education across different cultural contexts—introduced from an early age in some countries and much later in others. They also provided an opportunity to reflect on the discomfort that still surrounds open conversations about sexual health, reinforcing the importance of addressing these topics in an informed, inclusive, and supportive way.

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