La Ferté-Macé, Orne – In a first for the region, students from Collège Jacques-Brel and Lycée des Andaines participated in a new forum dedicated to HIV/AIDS and sexual health education on March 5, 2026. The event, organized by the Centre socioculturel Thérèse-Letinturier, aimed to provide a safe and open space for young people to learn about prevention, discuss sensitive topics, and challenge stigmas surrounding sexual health.
Approximately 150 students – 70 from third form at Collège Jacques-Brel and 80 from first form at Lycée des Andaines – attended the inaugural Sidaction Forum. The initiative reflects a growing emphasis on comprehensive sexual health education within the French school system, fulfilling mandatory hours dedicated to the subject. Christelle Tribouillard, director of the Centre socioculturel, emphasized the center’s role beyond recreational activities, stating their commitment to “divers actions de sensibilisation et de prévention, auprès d’un public multigénérationnel” (various awareness and prevention actions, for a multigenerational audience).
Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue
The forum was developed in collaboration with school nurses from both educational institutions, highlighting a coordinated approach to youth health. Tribouillard explained that the goal was to inform young people about HIV/IST prevention and sexual health although fostering dialogue and breaking down taboos related to affective and sexual questions. The event featured booths staffed by the center’s team, as well as representatives from the Planning familial de l’Orne and the CeGIDD (Centre Gratuit d’Information, de Dépistage et de Diagnostic) of Alençon, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration with local organizations.
Students expressed enthusiasm about the forum’s format, which moved the conversation outside the traditional classroom setting. Zoé, a student at Lycée des Andaines, shared, “Cela fait du bien d’aborder un tel sujet hors du cadre scolaire… On se sent moins oppressés, c’est plus facile et naturel pour nous de parler librement et sans tabous” (“It feels excellent to address such a topic outside of the school environment… We feel less oppressed, it’s easier and more natural for us to talk freely and without taboos”). This sentiment underscores the importance of creating comfortable environments for young people to discuss sensitive health issues.
Interactive Workshops and Key Topics
The Sidaction Forum employed a variety of interactive workshops to engage students. The CeGIDD of Alençon focused on HIV/IST testing, while the Planning familial de l’Orne addressed consent and contraception. Debate-style workshops tackled challenging themes such as defining abuse, distinguishing fact from fiction regarding sexual health, and exploring who takes responsibility for contraception. These discussions aimed to empower young people to make informed and responsible choices.
One particularly engaging activity involved a “7 Families” game, where students learned about different sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. Prosper, a student from Lycée des Andaines, explained, “Il y a sept personnes, toutes atteintes d’un VIH ou d’une IST différente… Le jeu nous apprend leurs caractéristiques, leur mode de transmission, comment se protéger…” (“There are seven people, all with a different HIV or STI… The game teaches us their characteristics, how they are transmitted, how to protect ourselves…”). He noted that the game helped him learn about conditions like Chlamydia, which he had previously only vaguely known about.
At the conclusion of the forum, each student received a package containing condoms distributed by Sidaction and promotional materials from Drog’Aide 61. The success of this initial event has prompted organizers to consider making it an annual occurrence.
The Centre Gratuit d’Information, de Dépistage et de Diagnostic (CeGIDD) provides free, confidential information, screening, and diagnosis for HIV and STIs. More information about CeGIDD can be found on the Sidaction website. The Planning familial de l’Orne offers a range of sexual and reproductive health services; details are available on their local branch’s website (information not independently confirmed).
This innovative approach to sexual health education demonstrates a commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and resources they necessitate to protect their health and well-being. As the organizers plan for future forums, continued collaboration between schools, community organizations, and health professionals will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success of this important initiative.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health initiatives and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding your health.
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