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Anja Rubik criticizes Poland's decision to make health education optional in schools

17.01.2025 14:00
World-renowned model and founder of the SexEd Foundation, Anja Rubik, is disappointed by Poland's Ministry of Education's choice to make health education a voluntary subject starting from the 2025/2026 school year.
Model and founder of the Sexed.pl foundation, Anja Rubik, is seen in this 2024 archival photo during the signing of a letter of intent regarding a partnership for educational initiatives on HPV vaccination prevention and safety in Polish schools.
Model and founder of the Sexed.pl foundation, Anja Rubik, is seen in this 2024 archival photo during the signing of a letter of intent regarding a partnership for educational initiatives on HPV vaccination prevention and safety in Polish schools.Photo: PAP/Marian Zubrzycki

The Polish supermodel has been involved in social causes for years and is the co-founder of the SexEd Foundation – an educational platform that "provides young people, parents, and adults with comprehensive, age-appropriate education on human rights, gender equality, relationships, and reproduction." The aim of this initiative is to provide reliable sexual education, a topic that Polish youth have struggled with for a long time.

"How is it possible that a subject teaching us how to be safe, healthy, and understand ourselves and the world around us is not mandatory?!" Anja Rubik wrote on her Instagram. "This is the most important subject in school in 2025," she added.

Photo: Instagram/@anja_rubik Photo: Instagram/@anja_rubik

Anja Rubik was surprised by the decision of Polish Minister of Education Barbara Nowak, who decided that the subject of health education would be optional.

This matter is linked to the pressure from opponents of spreading this knowledge, including the Polish Episcopate, which fears that sexual education might conflict with Christian values.

The Polish Ministry of Education assures that it plans to encourage students to choose this subject and convince parents that addressing modern health threats, including mental health issues and sexual education, will help better prepare young people for the challenges of today's world.

Barbara Nowak explained her decision on RMF FM, saying that she must protect schools from political controversy and opted for the optional nature of the classes after consulting with politicians and due to social tensions. Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk supported such a solution.

The SexEd Foundation (Sexed.pl), co-founded in 2018 by Anja Rubik, a world-renowned top model, is a Polish organization focused on providing comprehensive sexual education, advocating for sexual health awareness, and promoting safe practices, especially in schools and among young people. Photo:  PAP/Marian Zubrzycki Photo: PAP/Marian Zubrzycki

The SexEd Foundation (Sexed.pl), co-founded in 2018 by Anja Rubik, a globally recognized supermodel, is a Polish organization focused on providing comprehensive sexual education, promoting sexual health awareness, and advocating for safe practices, particularly in schools and among young people.

Since the change in Poland's government, the organization has been actively involved in partnerships for educational initiatives, such as HPV vaccination prevention among young people in Polish schools.

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Source: Radio Poland/Instagram/@anja_rubik

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