Young teenagers have a great desire to learn about sexual and reproductive rights and health, says Croatia's Center for Education, Counseling and Research (CESI), but they have no opportunity to do so in the existing education system.

The opinions of young people on socially sensitive issues, including the right to abortion and emergency contraception, are often based on distorted facts and incomplete information. High school students that have had discussions with CESI have stated:

• We think we know something, but we don't and we are ashamed to ask.
• I'm interested in a certain topic and I read interesting articles about that topic. I already have my opinion and the new information just completes a picture. I learn something new.
• Young people who are still developing (14-16 years) would be interested in these topics. Older ones think they know everything.
• We do not know exactly what information to ask for or how to ask for it.

'We want to animate young people'

Therefore, CESI believes that if young people expand their knowledge about these issues, they will be able to enjoy their rights to the full extent, in a responsible and appropriate manner.

Furthermore, CESI aims to explain them in a simple way, and to do so for many sexual and reproductive rights — they will not cover only the right to abortion or contraception, for example. CESI will do this through visual presentations and sharing articles and videos.

"We want to animate young people to think about, discuss and share content that is closely related to their lives and their potential choices," CESI stated.

More information can be found here.