Sexual Health & Wellness Programs
Education
YWCA Edmonton now offers sexual health education services in our city.
What we do
Grades 4 – 9 education support.
CALM education support.
Community based education. Our presentations for community groups are tailored for the group. Presentations are available for children, youth, adults, and parents.
Community engagement. We support our local community by offering interactive and educational booths at events around the city.
We believe in:
- Supporting teachers in their classroom however they need us.
- Fact-based information that is scientifically accurate.
- Judgement-free education delivered in a way that encourages comfort.
- Curriculum based presentations designed to achieve outcomes.
- Accessible presentations to all inclusive of age, race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and cultural or religious background.
- Presentations that incorporate a balanced approach to sexual health promotion that includes the positive aspects of sexuality and relationships as well as the prevention of outcomes that can have a negative impact on sexual health and well-being.
- The promotion of human rights including autonomous decision-making and respect for the rights of others.
The difference our Education Services makes
Last year, our school education program visited over 400 schools in the Greater Edmonton area.
School Education
Our Educators role is to present healthy sexuality learning sessions for elementary, junior high, and high school classrooms. These presentations are ~80 minutes in length and are tied directly to curricular outcomes (specific to healthy sexuality). YWCA Edmonton is an approved EPSB vendor.
The goal of our comprehensive sexual health education is not limited to the achievement of biological/physical wellness but also include psychological, emotional, relational, and social well-being related to sexuality. Throughout each session, we facilitate and engage students in conversations around a healthy relationship with their sexuality, a positive outlook on their normal, natural, and holistic sexual wellness, and empower them to make healthy sexual decisions in their lives.
All presentations are structured similarly:
Introductions: Who we are, where to find us, and what we do
Classroom expectations: Establish their rights and responsibilities as learners
Core Content: Cover content specific achieving the expected curriculum outcome
Anonymous Questions*: Allows for candid engagement with students
Wrap Up: How to contact us and access additional resources (both online and in the Edmonton-area)
*Note: The anonymous questions have been shown to be a valuable tool for students to ask questions of our educators while circumventing the usual embarrassment and peer pressure that students may feel.
Elementary School
Our presentations for elementary school classes take place in May and June and cover many topics.
Topics Covered
- Puberty Development
- Menstruation
- Changing Moods
- The Human Reproductive System
- Human Development
- Respect for Peers During Puberty
Specific Outcomes
Grade 4
W-4.3: describe physical, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty; e.g., menstruation, secondary sexual characteristics, changing identity and moods
Grade 5
W-5.3: identify the basic components of the human reproductive system, and describe the basic functions of the various components (e.g., fertilization, conception)
Grade 6
W-6.3: identify and describe the stages and factors that can affect human development from conception through birth
W-6.6: examine and evaluate the risk factors associated with exposure to blood-borne diseases such as HIV, AIDS, hepatitis B/C (e.g., sharing needles, body piercing, tattooing, helping someone who is bleeding, being sexually active)
Junior High
Each junior high school presentation is between 80-100 minutes in length (double block).
Topics Covered
- Puberty Review
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Masturbation
- Abstinence
- STI Information & Prevention
- Personal Boundaries
- Sexual Decision-Making
- Safer Sex (e.g. condoms, dental dams)
- Birth Control
- Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation (LGBTQ2S+)
- Healthy Relationships & Consent
Specific Outcomes
Grade 7
W-7.3: examine the human reproductive process, and recognize misunderstandings associated with sexual development
W-7.12: identify the effects of social influences on sexuality and gender roles and equity (e.g., media, culture)
W-7.13: examine the influences on personal decision making for responsible sexual behaviour
W-7.14: examine abstinence and decisions to postpone sexual activity as healthy choices
Grade 8
W-8.3: recognize and accept that individuals experience different rates of physical, emotional, sexual and social development
W-8.12: identify and describe the responsibilities and consequences associated with involvement in a sexual relationship
W-8.13: describe symptoms, effects, treatments and prevention for common sexually transmitted infections (e.g., chlamydia, HPV, herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B/C, HIV)
W-8.14: identify and describe basic types of contraceptives (e.g., abstinence, condom, foam, birth control pills)
Grade 9
W-9.12: determine “safer” sex practices (e.g., communicate with partner, maintain abstinence, limit partners, access/use condoms/contraceptives properly)
W-9.14: develop strategies that address factors to prevent or reduce sexual risk (e.g., abstain from drugs and alcohol, date in groups, use assertive behaviour)
R-9.5: describe and analyze factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy relationships, and develop strategies to deal with unhealthy relationships
High School/CALM 20
Topics Covered
- Masturbation
- Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
- Consent
- STI Information & Prevention
- Abstinence
- Safer Sex (e.g., condoms, dental dams)
- Birth Control
Specific Outcomes
P11: examine the relationship between commitment and intimacy in all its levels
- identify expectations and commitments in various relationships
- examine a range of behaviours for handling sexual involvement
- describe how personal values play a role in relationships
- explain the role of trust and ways to establish trust in a relationship
- develop strategies for dealing with jealousy
P12: examine aspects of healthy sexuality and responsible sexual behaviour
- explain the ongoing responsibility for being sexually healthy
- examine a range of behaviours and choices regarding sexual expression
- describe sexually healthy actions and choices for one’s body, including abstinence
- analyze strategies for choosing responsible and respectful sexual expression
- describe the ways in which personal values influence choices
- assess the consequences of being sexually active
The goals of comprehensive sexual health education are to equip people with the information, motivation, and behavioural skills to enhance sexual health and well-being and to prevent outcomes that can have a negative impact on sexual health and well-being.
– Sex Information & Education Council of Canada
Community Education
We offer presentations and/or workshops for community groups serving children, parents, youth, and adults. We are happy to work with you to create a presentation tailored to your group’s needs and interests.
Some topics that could be included:
- Sexual Anatomy and Physiology
- Sexuality Throughout the Lifespan
- Healthy Relationships and Consent
- Personal Boundaries and Communication Skills
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
- Sexual Decision-Making
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Safer Sex (i.e. condoms, dental dams)
- Birth Control
Guest Lectures for Post-Secondary Courses
Many Post-Secondary Institutions have courses that require a more in depth look at personal relationships, sexuality, birth control, and pregnancy. YWCA Edmonton offers presentations that cover these topics and more to assist in undergraduate and graduate courses.
Topics Covered:
- Safer Sex & Birth Control
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Pregnancy Options
- Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
- Sexual Health Education
- Healthy Relationships and
- Consent
We can also customize a presentation on human sexuality based on your needs.
Talking to Kids About Sex
We offer an interactive and educational workshop that explores how to most effectively talk to kids about sex.
Topics Covered
- Myths About Children’s Sexuality
- Childhood Sexual Development
- Concerns to Watch for
- Each Developmental Stage and What to Talk About
- General Tips for Success
We can also customize a presentation on sexuality based on your needs.
Sex & Disability
People with disabilities are often incorrectly assumed to be asexual. Because of this, people with disabilities often never receive sex education, or are only taught to be abstinent. YWCA Edmonton offers sex-positive, sex education to individuals, couples, and/or groups with varying ability levels.
Topics Include:
- Safer Sex & Birth Control
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
- Abstinence
- Masturbation
- Sexual Boundaries
- Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
We can also customize a presentation on human sexuality based on you or your client/group’s needs.
Community Engagement
We are passionate about being involved in not only classrooms but also in our community. Our mobile education booth is run by our volunteer Peer Educators who have extensive training around sexual health and wellness.
We attend various events around Edmonton educating people on sexual health with our interactive games and handing out condoms, lube, and other safer sex barriers.
Peer Educators
Our Peer Educators are knowledgeable, personable, and enthusiastic about sexual health. We provide opportunities within the community where Peer Educators will share information about safer sex practices, harm reduction and sex positivity.
We provide in depth training and support with two intake and mandatory training sessions per year. Our Peer Educators become ambassadors in the community to promote comprehensive sexual health and wellness.
Contact Us
Need to ask a sexual health question? Please fill out the form below with your email and question. Our educators will send an answer to your provided email address.
Phone: 780-423-9922 Ext 310 | Email: education@ywcaedm.org | or fill out the following form (please note that you must include either an email or phone number for us to be able to contact you):
Your SupportMakes a Difference
When you support YWCA Edmonton, you transform the lives of thousands of women and families in need.
