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Sexual Health Education Program

What is it?

The Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP) is a structured educational program designed by age group, supporting children and adolescents through their sexual development processes with a holistic approach. It enables them to understand their bodies, reflect on their self-perception and judgments, make choices, and express what they think about other children and adolescents.

Purpose

Sexual health education that is age-appropriate and delivered in a safe environment that fosters secure social bonds helps adolescents and young people become confident individuals who are at peace with their bodies. It also encourages them to take responsibility in protecting themselves from risky behaviors and attitudes.

Through this program, it is aimed that children and adolescents:

  • Learn about their bodies,

  • Develop correct attitudes and behaviors regarding self-care,

  • Realize that their bodies are private, personal, and valuable,

  • Can say “no” to behaviors that violate their personal space and boundaries,

  • Are prepared for the changes they will experience during puberty,

  • Set boundaries when it comes to sharing private or bodily topics,

  • Question gender stereotypes,

  • Gain sensitivity in respecting others’ values and boundaries,

  • Approach sexuality within the framework of “safe sexuality” and protect themselves from risks,

  • Become informed and take responsibility,

  • Are able to protect themselves against boundary violations and various forms of sexual violence,

  • Are guided toward accurate sources of information.

Core Activities

School-Based Sexual Health Education Programme

The program has a modular structure that is age-appropriate, aligned with developmental stages, and based on scientific and reliable sources. Since 2002, it has reached thousands of students, parents, teachers, and professionals in private schools, public schools, dormitories, and municipalities. By progressing toward effective implementation across all ages and segments of society, it contributes to the formation of a healthier society.

Delivered in co-educational classroom settings where children and young people feel most at ease, the trainings foster a positive and sharing atmosphere that promotes a natural perspective on sexuality. In addition to classroom activities, we adopt a holistic approach to sexuality education through a combination of parent-teacher seminars, psychological counselor workshops, training-of-trainers for educators, feedback and supervision meetings, and assessment and evaluation activities conducted in collaboration with guidance departments. Furthermore, we support the strengthening of bonds between adolescents, young people, and the adults in their lives.

Digital Sexual Health Education Programme

In light of the inescapable reality of remote education under today’s and this era’s conditions, we took the first step of this initiative—launched during the pandemic in collaboration with UNFPA Türkiye—by developing digital sexual health education modules suitable for the middle school level. These modules are made available on TAPV’s educational platform, TAPV Akademi, for psychological counselors and experts who have completed the training of trainers program.

Training of Trainers for Psychological Counselors / Teachers and Experts Working with Adolescents:

We organize asynchronous and 16-hour synchronous training of trainers programs for school-based psychological counselors, teachers, and professionals working with adolescents. After completing the training, psychological counselors can deliver the modules to their students at their respective schools using TAPV’s digital materials.

Psychological counselors and experts who implement the program can continue to receive information, consultation, and supervision from TAPV as needed. Practitioners who join the TAPV network share their experiences and insights at feedback meetings, strengthening one another through peer learning and exchange.

Sustainable Development Goals We Contribute to Through Our Programs and Projects

Good Health and Well-being

Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages

Quality Education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Gender Equality

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

Reduced Inequalities

Reduce inequality within and among countries

Partnerships for the Goals

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development