Feb 24 • 16:35 UTC 🇵🇱 Poland Wprost

Flagship move of the Ministry of Education for correction? Expert warns. "It cannot be separated"

Controversy continues to surround health education in Polish schools, with varying participation rates and objections from religious authorities.

Controversy surrounding health education in Poland has intensified even before its formal introduction into schools, revealing deep divisions among stakeholders. Currently, health education classes are non-mandatory, with only about 30% of eligible students participating. A significant aspect of the curriculum includes teachings about human sexuality, which has sparked heated debates and opposition from conservatives, particularly from the Catholic Church through statements urging parents to withdraw their children from the classes due to fears of 'systematic depravity'.

The Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) has responded to these criticisms by asserting that the curriculum has not been ideologized, framing it instead as a necessary protective measure against contemporary threats facing young people. Barbara Nowacka, a prominent figure in the education sector, emphasized her desire to increase student participation in health education, indicating that a compromise is needed to prioritize the well-being of children. This reflects a broader struggle within Polish society over issues related to education and sexuality, particularly in the context of conservative and progressive viewpoints.

As discussions evolve regarding potential changes to the program, the stakes continue to rise. The MEN is under pressure to ensure that the curriculum can effectively address health education while also navigating the strong opposition it faces. The outcome of these deliberations will have significant implications, not only for how health education is perceived and implemented in Poland but also for the ongoing discourse surrounding education, morality, and the influence of religious bodies in public policy.

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