In our previous article, we reported on the experiences of the pilot development phase of the Taboo-Free Zone and how our colleague, Melinda Gemza, worked on developing a drama education methodology focused on sexuality, mental well-being, and healthy relationships. From the very beginning, one of the project’s key goals was to ensure that the developed approach and methodology reached as many professionals and communities as possible.
An important milestone in this effort was the two-day workshop held in Zugló in April 2026, organized by the prevention team of Zuglói Közbiztonsági non-profit Kft. (ZKNP).
Practical Knowledge and Safe Dialogue
The training focused on how professionals working with young people can discuss topics related to sex education safely, sensitively, and naturally using drama-based teaching methods.
Melinda Gemza is very open-minded, engaged and committed; she worked with social workers and psychologists in the neighborhood over the course of the two days. This collaborative effort reaffirmed an insight that had already become clear during the development phase: there is an extremely high demand for practical knowledge and methods that help educators and support professionals avoid treating the topic of sexuality as an uncomfortable or taboo subject. Rather, it should be treated as a natural and safely addressable issue that is part of young people’s everyday lives.
Not just methodology, but connection as well
Based on the feedback, participants not only gained concrete tools and new perspectives, but also greater self-confidence to address these topics more boldly within their own professional contexts. A particularly important experience was that the workshop went beyond traditional training settings. Genuine dialogues emerged during our collaborative work, and in many cases, the internal taboos that often hinder open communication about such topics began to dissolve.
This sense of connection and safe environment is one of the most important strengths of the drama education approach.
A New Milestone in the Project’s Life
A particularly important milestone for SIXAGON is that, in addition to Debrecen, the opportunity has now arisen to implement the program in Budapest as well.
We believe that authentic, taboo-free communication and safe and open sexuality education must reach more and more young people and the professionals working with them. That is why we would like to continue the program in new locations and communities in the future.
Thank you to ZKNP for their trust and to the participants for their active engagement!
If you are a company, educational institution, or other organization that considers it important to support young people’s mental well-being, relationship culture, and safe dialogue, and would like to get involved in similar social innovation initiatives, please contact us.
