Preventing gender-based violence and promoting mental wellbeing in schools requires acting where personal and relational growth takes shape. It is precisely among students, together with qualified professionals, that real and lasting change can begin: a daily practice of listening, awareness and dialogue that helps identify signs of distress, strengthen relationships, and support the creation of a safer and more inclusive school community for everyone.
On 28 November, in the Aula Magna of IISS “Francesco Ferrara”, the Counselling Service dedicated to the entire school community was officially launched. The initiative, closely connected to the themes highlighted during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, aims to strengthen the sense of community, promote violence prevention and foster greater emotional and relational awareness among students, teachers and families.
The event opened with institutional greetings from the Headmistress and several teachers, followed by the presentation of the CESIE and COIRAG teams, which, together with the Institute, made it possible to launch this new free service.
The Bottom-Up Talks initiative and its three main streams of action were presented. At the heart of the project is the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a committee composed of young people who reflect on issues related to relationships, identity, wellbeing and respect. Throughout the year, the group will carry out various peer education activities both within the school and in the local community.
The second activity is the Sex-Ed Council, introduced as a network of associations, professionals, institutions and schools committed to developing inclusive educational pathways capable of valuing differences and promoting a culture of respect.
Completing the framework are the Counselling Services themselves, safe spaces where people can talk, seek support, share difficulties and receive guidance. The service launched at IISS Ferrara is a meeting point between listening, education and community: a place where individuals can speak freely about emotions, relationships, conflicts and vulnerabilities, and where group activities may also be offered, such as expressive dance therapy workshops for students and psychodrama sessions for teachers and parents.
The participants were strongly engaged, and the positive atmosphere was further enriched by the contribution of the Municipal Councillor for Equal Opportunities, Dr Calabrò, who emphasised the importance of building solid and lasting educational alliances.
Change starts from the bottom, but it truly grows only when we cultivate it together. The Counselling Service is an open and welcoming space for students, teachers and families: a place where every voice can be heard and where wellbeing becomes a shared journey.
About BOTTOM-UP TALKS
BOTTOM-UP TALKS – Preventing teen-dating and school-related gender-based violence and promoting psychological well-being from the bottom-up is funded by CERV-2024-DAPHNE programme.
Partners
- CESIE ETS (Italy, Coordinator)
- C.O.I.R.A.G. ETS – Confederazione di Organizzazioni Italiane per la Ricerca Analitica sui Gruppi (Italy)
- KMOP – Kentro Merimnas Oikogeneias Kai Paidiou (Greece)
- CSI – Center for Social Innovation (Cyprus)
- House of Diversity Education (Lithuania)
- FEA – Femmes Entraide et Autonomie (France)
For further information
Read more on the project fact sheet, visit www.thegendertalk.eu, follow as on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact Ruta Grigaliunaite: ruta.grigaliunaite@cesie.org.
