LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 1•Making decisions is a complex process. Our values
determine many of the decisions we make. Many of
our values also change over time. Good decision-
making depends on understanding the situation
well, being aware of our choices and, most
importantly, seeing the consequences of our
choices.
We make decisions every day on what to eat, what
to wear or how to reach a place, but HIV/AIDS
prevention demands that we make difficult
decisions to reduce our risk behavior. These
decisions can affect the outcome of our lives. This
means that we not only need to understand what
risk is, but also how to make the right choices so
that we can be safe. Each person is different
regarding the risks they are willing to take: some
may dive headfirst into a situation, others are more
cautious, and others change decisions frequently. It
is therefore important to understand which type of
risk taker the person is. Changing one’s behavior is
hard and requires practice as well as
encouragement from others.
Learning to make decisions that keep us safe
requires both critical and creative thinking. The Life
Skills Education Program not only discusses the
steps in good decision-making but also prepares
young people to face the many dilemmas andMODULE FIVE: Decision-Making
problematic situations that arise in the course of
life and teaches them to make responsible and
sound decisions to ensure a happy and safe life.
Many young people make decisions without
understanding the full consequences of the decision.
Once a decision is taken, we have to own up to it and
take responsibility for it. If some decisions turn out to
be bad, we need to review them so that we are more
careful the next time around.
In many situations, girls are neither expected to
make decisions, nor are they consulted before a
decision is made. They are expected to abide by the
decisions made by others. Girls do not get the
opportunity to make decisions that affect their
bodies and their lives. This increases their
vulnerability and exposes them to risk situations
that are avoidable if they had the ability to make
decisions. With HIV infecting more and more
young women—many of whom have been faithful
to their partners—the ability to make safe and
sound decisions becomes increasingly important.
All activities in the sessions are applicable to both
younger and older children. Each activity comes
with suggestions that include simple as well as
complex tasks. The facilitator may choose the
most appropriate tasks according to the needs of
the children.