LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA• 15
ACTIVITY FIVE
Wanted: Friends Forever
This activity follows naturally from the previous ones.
Group check in- Mention that boys and girls have different types of relationships. Some could be with friends of
the same sex, such as boy and boy or girl and girl that was discussed earlier. Some could be
with the opposite sex, as in boy and girl. Ask the children to list what sort of relationships they
can think of. Discuss so that the list includes:
a. Just friends or brother-sister like relationship: call it bhai-behan;
b. Girlfriend-boyfriend casual relationships: call it time-pass; and
c. Marriage or serious relationship: call it true love. - Ask the children how they would know which relationships among these three include a boy and
girl. How would each behave? What qualities would they choose or look for in a boy or girl in
each of these relationships. List what the children say in three columns.
Point out the similarities and differences in the three columns to the children. Discuss with
them the question that if you want a serious relationship you need to look for different qualities
than in a casual “time pass” relationship. Children should see the difference between a casual
relationship and the need for commitment in a longer one. If the children are older, you can
introduce the need to respect your relationships and delay sex until marriage. Children should
understand that a serious relationship is based on mutual trust and faithfulness. It is important
that these messages be given in a positive manner and not as if one is giving advice or being
moralistic. - You should be able to get a final list of respect, caring and faithfulness for a serious relationship
like marriage. - Divide the children into four groups, and ask them to make up an advertisement. Two groups
will make an advertisement for a “brother” and a separate advertisement for a “sister;” the
other two groups will make two advertisements for “true love,” one for a future husband and
one for a future wife.
If the children are still talking about stereotypes or idealistic behavior in their advertisements,
you can discuss the matter with them and structure future sessions around this. Remember, it
is not easy to change our attitudes towards many of our relationships.
Younger children may not be able to mention many characteristics but even just a few would be
adequate.