Jennifer Gibson, MA is the coordinator of our community education program. She believes that sexual health education should be factual, relevant and fun.
Community sexual health education program
We have a well-established comprehensive sex education program on Vancouver Island, offering sexual health education in schools, as well as workshops for community groups, parents and adults in the Greater Victoria area.
To book sexual health workshops,
- Contact our offices
- Email our education coordinator,
Due to the demand for our workshops, we generally book 10-12 weeks in advance for workshops. Timelines do fluctuate depending on time of year so please contact us for specific information if you require a date sooner as we may be able to accommodate your request.
We believe in taking a preventative approach to sexual health. Our comprehensive sex education workshops support healthy sexual decision-making for teens, youth and parents. We are the only organization in Victoria able to offer subsequent clinical support (STI/Pregnancy testing, contraception, education, exams) to participants who need it following a workshop.
About our workshops
Program goals
To provide children, youth, and parents with current and factual information in an effort to promote healthy sexuality and healthy choices and to prevent unplanned pregnancies, exposure to sexually transmitted infections and sexual exploitation. All programs welcome and encourage questions from participants.
We work closely with other agencies such as:
- Project Respect, from the Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre
- AIDS Vancouver Island, to promote inclusive and comprehensive sexual health education for youth and the community
Sex education workshops for all ages
We offer a variety of workshops to meet the needs and interests of specific groups based on subject matter, age level, and time available.
Elementary and Middle school workshops
Child sexual health education topics include:
- Bodies, Birth, and Babies
- Changing Bodies, Changing Minds
- The 5 w’s of The P word – puberty
- healthy relationships and friendships
- building self-esteem
- sexual health overview
- birth control and sexually transmitted infections (for older youth)
Secondary school and university workshops
Sex education for teenagers and young adults can include topics such as:
- birth control options
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs/STDs)
- sexual decision making
- healthy relationships
- teen pregnancy (using the “empathy belly”)
Youth Training
ISHS is proud to deliver comprehensive sexual health training for youth in peerhelping and leadership classes and other community groups. Training is delivered over 9 hours and includes detailed information on contraception, sexually transmitted infection risk reduction, healthy relationships, decision making, community resources and what to expect during a sexual health exam. Through the generous support of The United Way and Direct Access, we are able to offer this training free of charge to a limited number of schools and groups.
Parent workshops
The Approachable Parent workshop can be tailored to meet the needs of specific age groups (Pre-school through Adolescence) and will include the following information:
- The five stages of childhood sexual development & what children should know at each stage
- Teaching tips and specific examples of ways to explain bodies & body processes Strategies for answering the tough questions children ask
- Tips for incorporating family values, beliefs, religion, and culture into sexuality education
- Resources for parents to review and information to take home
See also our tips for parents talking to kids about sexual health.
Facilitator
Jennifer Gibson MA, the Coordinator of Community Education Services with ISHS, is a professional sexual health educator whose knowledge, sense of humour, enthusiasm, and comfort level give her the unique ability to make sexual health education accessible and relatable.
Commonly referred to as “The Sex Lady” by youth participants, Jennifer believes in making sexual health education relevant, accessible, and fun for all participants. She also believes that effective sexual health education combines factual information with humour and popular culture. Jennifer is passionate about creating space for every person to become comfortable with and knowledgeable about sexual health. Read Jennifer’s complete biography to find out more about Jennifer and why believes she has the best job ever.
Feedback on Jennifer’s Education
“Jennifer is open, has a great sense of humour, and has a lot of information to offer.” Parent, Hillcrest Elementary
“You made this really awkward subject be not so awkward. Thanks so much!!!!” – Grade 8 participant
“Thank you for teaching my class. This was the best talk I have ever had in school”-Grade 10 participant
“Thanks for teaching me how to be more safe. This has been the most I have enjoyed this class all year. P.S. Don’t tell the teacher! – Grade 11 participant
“Thank you Jen. It’s always a joy to see you and learn new things about sexual health. I’ve learned a lot of useful information from your groups. My body’s my temple. -Youth participant, employment skills group.
“Thanks again for the outstanding presentation – you certainly had the student’s attention for the entire presentation and created an atmosphere where students felt comfortable”- Instructor, Camosun College
You can reach Jennifer @ 250-592-3479×204 or through
