The Department of Education and the Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation announced today that they will continue to support Family Life and AIDS education in grade nine classrooms across the Island.
"The Government of Prince Edward Island has a crucial role to play in the protection of our Island youth," said Education Minister, Chester Gillan. "Providing information to our grade nine students on the prevention, contraction, transmission and treatment of AIDS is a definite part of this role."
A standing committee made up of parents, teachers, administrators and trustees has reviewed the curriculum and delivery of the Family Life and Grade Nine AIDS Education programs last year. In addition, input from public meetings held in May 1996 was used in establishing the current programs' curriculum.
"The PEI Home and School Federation strongly endorses the Family Life and Grade Nine AIDS Education programs in the classroom," said Sherry Cheverie, president of the PEI Home and School Federation. "We believe the information offered by these programs is delivered in an age-appropriate manner and is important to our children's health and futures."
Minister Gillan said the programs offer a balance of information that has been positively accepted by most parents. "Some parents think we are offering too much information while others are criticizing us for not offering enough. But the majority of parents feel we've been successful in finding a balance of information that will educate their children on AIDS and its realities."
Schools are required to hold an information meeting for parents explaining course content and delivery. Parents then have the option of granting or not granting their children permission to enroll in the Family Life and AIDS Education courses.
"We want to educate parents first so they can determine if they want their child to receive this type of learning. If parents don't agree with the course content or delivery they can opt not to enroll their child -- it's that simple," said Cheverie.
"It is the ultimate goal of a health program to positively influence the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours leading to an enhanced quality of life for young people," said Cheverie. "We believe the Family Life and Grade Nine AIDS Education programs achieve this goal."
For more information, contact Eldon Rogerson, Department of Education, (902) 368-6070.