A new approach to sex education in Hafnarfjörður

Emphasis is placed on aspects such as sexual health, respect, boundaries, communication and consent.

The City of Hafnarfjörður will, from the autumn of 2023, enhance sex and gender education in Hafnarfjörður's primary schools. The project, led by Kristín Blöndal Ragnarsdóttir, a gender studies specialist and teacher, was initiated in response to a challenge from the Hafnarfjörður Youth Council, the parents' council, The Icelandic Teachers' Association and significant discussion about the importance of increased sex and gender education for children and young people, as well as the initiative fulfilling the objectives of the schools' statutory prevention teams. Comprehensive sex and gender education will be introduced in all 8th to 10th grades in Hafnarfjörður's secondary schools, along with the creation of a curriculum that includes competency-based learning objectives for 1st to 10th grades in sex and gender education.

Promotes a positive attitude towards sexual health and equality in its broadest sense

The purpose and aim of the new approach and increased teaching is to increase young people's knowledge and skills in sexual health, respect, boundaries, communication, consent and other fundamental aspects. Emphasis is placed on young people knowing their own rights and the importance of respecting the rights and boundaries of others, as well as recognising the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and interactions. Mental and physical violence among young people appears to be on the rise, and it is important to respond by engaging with children and young people as early as possible through constructive education and dialogue. „We are taking an important and significant step for our young people in a rapidly changing society that demands we are on our toes and ready to forge new and uncharted paths in their education.“ says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður. „The well-being of children and young people is one of the most important prerequisites for them to grow and flourish, both inside and outside school. Children's world has moved largely onto social media, with consequent effects on identity and perceptions of behaviour. It is important that both home and school provide education about the influential factors that can have a significant impact on well-being and relationships.“

Equality and diversity from all perspectives in a school of many

At a conference at the end of 2022, the Icelandic Teachers' Association issued a resolution calling on the management of all school levels and education authorities to ensure comprehensive sex education for pupils of all school levels. All schools in Hafnarfjörður are participating in the implementation and have the education built into the students' timetables. This active participation from all is a prerequisite for the successful implementation and for the education to gain a foothold in the Hafnarfjörður school community. Gender studies and sex education are not compulsory subjects in the core curriculum for teachers, but part of the City of Hafnarfjörður's implementation project is dedicated to training and preparation for teachers in all primary schools. Training for autumn 2023 has already taken place and was conducted by the implementation manager, Kristínar Blöndal, a gender studies specialist and teacher at Lækjarskóli in Hafnarfjörður, who will also be responsible for presentations to interested parents and for providing ongoing support and education to the school community in Hafnarfjörður through teacher workshops and regular meetings. With this project, the City of Hafnarfjörður is responding to the call of children and young people by providing students with education about equality and diversity from all perspectives, and giving them the opportunity to put themselves in others' shoes, with the aim of reducing prejudice and marginalisation in a diverse society.ity. The working group behind the project is composed of representatives from all schools in the City of Hafnarfjörður who have knowledge and/or an interest in the subject.

Count on me! A chat about sexual health and equality

The health town of Hafnarfjörður held an educational evening for all interested in sexual health and equality in March 2023. The evening was hosted by Kristín Blöndal and was intended, among other things, as part of the project's promotion and the implementation that was due to begin in the autumn.

The event was well attended and featured, in addition to Kristín herself, Rósa Björg Ómarsdóttir, team leader of the BUGL trans team and a nurse, Eygló Árnadóttir, specialist in schools' responsibility regarding gender-based violence, and Sigmar Ingi Sigurgeirsson and Dagný Kára Magnúsdóttir, staff of the HHH youth club – a queer space in Hafnarfjörður. Guðbjörg Kolbeins shared her personal story as a queer young person. An informed and open community supports the City of Hafnarfjörður's goal of being a city of multiculturalism and diversity, where everyone feels safe, welcome, and has the opportunity to flourish. More about the event in March 2023.