A pioneering sexual education program based in Saanich faces imminent closure as provincial funding runs dry, leaving thousands of Vancouver Island youth without access to crucial health information. The Sexual Health Education and Resource Program (SHERP), which has been operating for over two decades, describes the situation as “soul-crushing” as it scrambles to secure alternative funding sources.
“We’re looking at potentially shutting our doors by June,” says program coordinator Maya Thorn. “After serving our communities for 23 years, it’s devastating to think we might not be here for the youth who need us most.”
The program, which reaches approximately 8,000 students annually across Greater Victoria and surrounding regions, provides comprehensive sexual education that goes beyond the basic curriculum offered in schools. Through interactive workshops, one-on-one consultations, and resource distribution, SHERP addresses topics ranging from consent and healthy relationships to gender identity and sexual health.
The funding crisis emerged when provincial grants that had sustained the program for years were not renewed, leaving a significant budget shortfall. Program staff have been operating on reduced hours since January while pursuing alternative funding avenues.
“What many people don’t realize is that comprehensive sexual education isn’t just about preventing unwanted pregnancies or STIs,” explains Dr. Eliana Chen, a public health specialist with expertise in adolescent health. “Research consistently shows that young people who receive quality sex education make healthier decisions across all aspects of their lives and experience better mental health outcomes.”
Local parents have expressed concern about the potential loss of the program. Sarah Martinson, whose teenage son participated in SHERP workshops last year, told CO24 News that the program provided crucial information in an accessible way.
“The school curriculum just doesn’t cover everything kids need to know in today’s world,” Martinson says. “My son came home with accurate information and felt comfortable asking questions he might not have asked otherwise. These resources are essential.”
SHERP’s approach has been particularly valuable for marginalized youth, including LGBTQ+ teens and those from communities where discussing sexuality remains taboo. According to internal surveys, 87% of participants reported feeling more confident in making informed decisions about their sexual health after attending program sessions.
The funding crisis comes amid growing concerns about youth mental health across Canada, with experts pointing to comprehensive sexual education as a key component in building resilience and healthy relationship skills among adolescents.
Municipal leaders have acknowledged the program’s value but note that funding healthcare initiatives traditionally falls under provincial jurisdiction. Saanich Mayor Rebecca Thompson expressed support for finding a solution, stating, “These educational services provide essential information that contributes to community health and wellbeing.”
SHERP has launched a community fundraising campaign and is pursuing grants from private foundations, but program directors acknowledge these sources may not provide the sustainable funding needed for long-term operations.
As students, parents, and health advocates rally to save the program, the question remains: in an era of increased awareness about the importance of comprehensive sexual health education, who will step forward to ensure these vital services remain accessible to the young people who need them most?
