The Healthy Youth worker Vaclav Jiricek addresses sensitive topics of intimate interpersonal relationships with fifteen-year-old high school students. In a world where information is abundant for young people, Vaclav’s program stands out as particularly useful. Read on to learn why.
The positive atmosphere enables the children to engage in open and calm discussions about such a sensitive topic with the HY worker.
Discussing sexuality and all kinds of related topics has become quite commonplace among teenagers today. Whether having intimate conversations with loved ones, chatting with friends, or participating in discussions on various social media platforms, almost every teenager is involved in such conversations regularly.
The discussion with the HY worker Vaclav Jiricek provides a fresh perspective on the topic. At the beginning, Vaclav divided the students into smaller groups to encourage more open discussions about the subject. After a certain time, each group shared their ideas with the rest of the class. Vaclav then categorized the said topics into three subsets and, together with the students, addressed them one by one. However, it was not a traditional lecture dictating how things are and should be understood by others. Instead, it fostered a sensitive communication environment, allowing for natural discussions and the exchange of opinions.
Students are offering advice to the fictional boy Archie, participating in voting, having discussions, learning, and reflecting on the topic.
In the last part of the program Vaclav introduced an imaginary boy named Archie. And, in collaboration with the students, they learnt about his relationship with his girlfriend. Whenever core events or decisions arose, Vaclav facilitated voting to determine Archie’s choices and the direction of his life. This approach empowered the students to actively influence the storyline, fostering personal involvement and instigating debates on decision making and preferred outcomes. Through this organic method, Vaclav stimulated ethical discussions and encouraged the expression of opinions among the students, prompting contemplation on challenging life scenarios.
While the conclusion of the story may vary, and likely does so each time, the essence lies in the process rather than the resolution—the idea that “the journey is the destination”. In this case, the significance lies in the thoughtful debates among the students, skillfully orchestrated by Vaclav.
Sexuality can be discussed with respect, devoid of vulgar expressions, in all honesty. For some students, this is a pleasant surprise and a welcome shift.
The three-hour program passed in no time. It was both an engaging and sophisticated discussion, offering a refreshing contrast to the uncontrolled and anonymous debates on social media for which the students expressed their appreciation. The resounding applause from the audience at the end spoke for itself.
Martin Stavjanik, the Authorized Supervisor of the HY Program workers
