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Teenagers in Velez-Malaga are about to get some very real lessons that don’t involve algebra or Shakespeare. This winter, the town’s Social Affairs Department is rolling out a series of workshops on preventing sexual violence. It is a project aimed directly at 13- and 14-year-olds across local secondary schools. The initiative, run by the Municipal Centre for Women’s Information (CIM), wants to go beyond slogans and actually help young people talk about consent, respect and healthy relationships before harmful patterns take root. Education, the weapon against gender-based violence Councillor for Social Affairs and Equality Juan García stressed that education is still the town’s strongest weapon against gender-based violence. “We’re still facing a social scourge, violence against women,” he said. “Our goal is zero assaults in Velez-Malaga. That’s why we focus on prevention, especially among the young.” The programme will reach students from five secondary schools: Juan de la Cierva, Miraya del Mar, Reyes Catolicos, Salvador Rueda and Almenara. It will run between November 2025 and February 2026. The “Tenlo Claro” technique Each session uses ‘Tenlo Claro’ (Make It Clear), a visually engaging educational magazine developed as part of the town’s award-winning ‘Objective: Zero Assaults’ campaign, recognised by both Atresmedia and the Andalusian Government. “This magazine is essential,” García said. “It’s fresh, visual and easy to digest, perfect for teenagers. We want to plant the seeds of respect, equality and empathy.” Behind the glossy design lies a serious mission: to make conversations about consent and respect normal, not taboo. Because teaching empathy at 14 might just prevent violence at 24. The bigger picture For Velez-Malaga, the workshops are part of a bigger picture, one where equality isn’t just a word in a policy document, but something practised daily in classrooms. “Education is the most powerful tool for real social change,” García added. And if that change starts with a magazine and a few awkward classroom conversations, that’s still a pretty good place to begin. Read here more news from Axarquia.
