“It’s a bit of a manipulative discussion, colleagues are manipulating emotions, misunderstanding, ignorance, because I’m not sure how many people actually read the program and found something inappropriate in that program. You should sit down, read the program, and there is really nothing scary or dangerous,” the Prime Minister told reporters in the Seimas on Thursday.
I.Šimonytė noted that the preparation of the life skills program began in 2020, together with the renewal of all general education programs, and the topics that were scattered in different subjects were condensed into one program, and teachers began to prepare such a program for teaching.
“Now it is proposed to put a part in the lessons of ethics and religion, that’s how it was, those parts were put into a consistent program, teachers have consistent training on how to teach it, and why now take out one part and put it in the (another subject – BNS) program for teachers , who are not trained to teach it, I don’t know much,” said the Head of the Government.
She also said that every time a case of pedophilia comes to light, questions are raised about how to teach children to recognize inappropriate behavior, and both left-wing and right-wing politicians agree on that, and that is exactly what would be taught in life skills classes.
“I just want to remind you that when there is a scandal related to pedophilia, there is a question of how to explain to children, how to teach children, how to help them understand what adult behavior is inappropriate. And then everyone, both the position and the opposition, agree that it is very important and it should be done, now suddenly, when it started to be done at school, it seems to someone that it does not correspond to their religious or ethical beliefs”, said the Prime Minister.
On Thursday, several dozens of people demanded to stop the life skills program that started in schools in September, arguing that it introduces an attitude towards sexuality that is unacceptable to parents.
Amendments are planned to be submitted to the Seimas on Thursday as part of the opposition agenda, so that sexuality education topics are integrated into religion or ethics lessons.
The amendment to the Education Law would establish that “a component of the development of social and emotional competences related to the education of the student’s sexuality is integrated into the moral education (religion and ethics) programs”.
According to the initiators, the life skills education program would remain, only the sexuality education component would be removed from it, which would become part of moral education.
The life skills program implemented in schools since this school year has received criticism from some politicians and parents’ organizations. They accuse the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of spreading LGBTIQ propaganda during classes and teaching children about contraception instead of abstinence from sexual intercourse.
Life skills are taught one lesson per week in grades 5 and 7, and one lesson every two weeks in grade 9. Gradually from class 1 to class 10, one lesson per week will be devoted to this subject.
The life skills curriculum integrates many topics: social and emotional development, health education, substance abuse prevention, bullying and violence prevention, human safety, traffic safety, first aid, sexuality education, mental health promotion, gender equality, building respectful relationships, human rights and others.
The ministry claims that misleading information is being published in the public space about the life skills program, and that educators are ready for these lessons and will still be able to improve.
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Interview with Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė on the Life Skills Program in Schools
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Prime Minister Šimonytė. Recently, there have been discussions surrounding the life skills program introduced in schools that some parents find concerning. Can you elaborate on the nature of these concerns?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: Thank you for having me. The main issue seems to stem from misunderstandings and emotions surrounding the program. I’ve noted that many critics may not have actually read the program in its entirety. If they did, they would find that there’s nothing frightening or dangerous about it. It’s essential to take a closer look at what’s being taught.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned that the preparation for the life skills program started back in 2020. Could you explain the rationale behind merging various topics into this single program?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: Absolutely. We recognized that important topics were scattered across different subjects. By consolidating them into one comprehensive program, we provide teachers with a more structured approach to teaching these vital life skills. Additionally, teachers receive specialized training to effectively deliver this content, particularly regarding ethics, religion, and recognizing inappropriate behavior.
Interviewer: Some parents and opposition members argue for the integration of sexuality education topics into moral or ethics lessons instead. How do you respond to this proposal?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: I understand their perspective, but I’m concerned about removing essential lessons from the life skills program. When incidents of inappropriate behavior, like pedophilia, arise, there’s a universal agreement—across the political spectrum—that we need to teach children to recognize what is inappropriate. It seems contradictory to advocate for this teaching in response to scandals and then resist it when implemented in schools.
Interviewer: There’s a sentiment among some groups that the program goes against their religious or ethical beliefs. What do you say to those parents?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: I urge them to engage with the program fully before forming opinions. The program aims to empower children with knowledge and skills to navigate complex situations safely. It’s not about imposing beliefs but equipping young people to make informed choices. I believe our collective responsibility is to ensure children understand their safety and well-being.
Interviewer: Moving forward, what steps do you plan to take to address the concerns surrounding the program?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: We remain open to dialogue with all stakeholders. It’s important to have conversations about education that include varied viewpoints, but these must be grounded in facts and educational integrity. We’ll continue to monitor the implementation of the program and are ready to clarify any misconceptions.
Interviewer: Thank you, Prime Minister Šimonytė, for your insights on this important issue.
Prime Minister Šimonytė: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss it. It’s a critical time for our education system, and I appreciate the engagement from all sides.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Prime Minister. You mentioned that the life skills program is crucial for children’s safety and development. How do you believe it addresses the issue of teaching children about inappropriate behaviors?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: This program is designed to equip children with the knowledge and skills to recognize and understand what constitutes inappropriate behavior. When we encounter incidents of pedophilia and other abuses, the consensus is clear: we must empower children to speak up and protect themselves. The life skills curriculum provides this education—by discussing relationships, consent, and recognizing boundaries, we are fostering a safer environment for our students.
Interviewer: There have been claims that the program is promoting LGBTIQ propaganda. What is your stance on this criticism?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: I believe that the concerns raised are largely based on fear and misunderstanding. The program includes comprehensive health and relationship education, which encompasses various aspects of human development. It’s not about promoting any specific viewpoint but rather about giving children an understanding of diversity and respect for others. Education should reflect the reality of our society, including discussions on gender equality and human rights.
Interviewer: As opposition members prepare amendments to focus sexuality education within ethics or religion classes, do you think this would effectively address parents’ concerns while maintaining educational integrity?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: While I respect the opinions of those advocating for amendments, I stand firm that separating these components from the constructed life skills program could dilute the effectiveness of the teaching. A consistent and structured program, where trained educators can address these topics in a holistic manner, is far more beneficial than scattering the content across subjects where teachers may not have received the appropriate training.
Interviewer: In light of the ongoing debate, what do you hope will be the outcome of these discussions regarding the life skills program?
Prime Minister Šimonytė: My hope is that we can engage in a constructive dialogue that prioritizes the wellbeing and safety of our children. It’s essential that we move beyond manipulation and fear, and focus on the facts of what is being taught. Ultimately, any decision should reflect a commitment to educating our young people in a way that promotes their health, safety, and understanding of the society they belong to.
