20 • MODULE THREE: COMMUNICATION
- Remind the group that they have learned how to make assertive responses and how to say “no.” From
the suggestions in Review, suggest (if the answers are not forthcoming) or reinforce the following:- Saying “No” or “I do not want to do that,” plus walking away if necessary
- Assertive behavior
PLUS - Delaying (Let me think about it, I will tell you later what I want to do, I do not have time today).
- Negotiate or make alternative suggestions such as “Let us go here instead” or “We can
do this as well.” The attempt here is to make a win/win situation from a negative one. - You may also seek the help of a trusted older person.
- Make groups of three to five and give each a role playing scenario. The groups learn to practice
the behavior they have learned. Some suggested role plays are:- The husband comes home drunk. He has not given any money to his wife, and the two
children are hungry. When he returns home, he begins to abuse his wife and insists on
having sex (for children 15 years and above). - During final exams, a child asks a friend to pass some answers. The friend has never
cheated, but the friendship is a very good one. Besides, the child is pestering again and
again to pass the answers. - A group of boys have collected for fun-time at a small restaurant. They force a friend to
have a drink assuring him that it is safe and anyway everyone is drinking. The friend does
not want to drink. - The gang of street children has not eaten the whole day, and the gang leader asks the
younger ones to go steal some food while they distract the shop-owner. One of the younger
ones does not want to get into trouble, but the gang leader coaxes him at lot.
- The husband comes home drunk. He has not given any money to his wife, and the two
- As each role play finishes, ask the audience if it is realistic or if any further changes are necessary.
Experience from the field
Boys and girls aged 11-14 years from the community listed these risk-situations:
If anyone wants us to do something wrong;
If anyone wants us to lie/steal; and
If abusive language is used (CHES, Chennai and Positive Living Project, Namakkal).Linking Learning With Life
Ask the child to pick a buddy or if this is difficult, state that the person on the right is your buddy.
Before the next session, each will help the other to be assertive and use behavior that will lessen
the risk. When the group meets again ask how it felt to assist another and vice versa.Experience from the field
This activity was done separately with boys and girls. Some boys (street and working children) shared
that when there was sexual abuse, they were not assertive and instead ran away. (PCI, Delhi).
Girls (12-18 years who were rag pickers) said that where someone made advances for sex, they could not
say no and preferred to make excuses and avoid the situation altogether. (YWCA, Delhi).