The key objectives of the project were to: (1) Increase awareness and understanding of the concept of consent: to ensure that all clearly understand what consent is and why it is important in all types of relationships. (2) Develop communication skills: Through drama and storytelling activities, all parties involved can practice communicating boundaries, desires, and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. (3) Build empathy and respect: By exploring different scenarios and perspectives through drama and storytelling, all parties involved can develop a greater sense of empathy and respect for others. (4) Address harmful societal norms and values: challenge harmful societal norms and values that perpetuate harmful beliefs and attitudes about sex and relationships and encourage critical thinking and reflection on these issues. (5) Foster a sense of community: Through group activities and discussions, foster a sense of community and support among all parties involved where everyone feels comfortable and respected. (6) Provide support and resources: to provide all parties involved with the resources and support they need to continue learning about and promoting consent education in their school and wider community.
Across all EU Member States, the importance of consent is steadily increasing, as it is recognized both as a fundamental human right and as a topic that must increasingly be addressed in the education of young people. Today, consent extends across many areas of life: from interpersonal relationships to digital communication. Raising awareness of this crucial issue among young people helps to foster a culture of respect, self-empowerment, and open communication. Despite its significance, however, the topic of consent has not been adequately incorporated into the curricula of education systems and youth work in many European countries. As a result, young people often rely on informal sources such as peers, the media, and the internet for information. Moreover, social norms and values that perpetuate harmful beliefs and attitudes about sexuality and relationships can make young people particularly vulnerable. For these reasons, ACT4CONSENT has developed a new educational approach to support secondary school teachers, youth educators, young people, and parents in addressing and working on the topic of consent actively yet sensitively.