Development of Tools on
 Sexual Behaviors for Street Children

   Street children have exposure to sexual behaviors. It challenges their capability to improve 
the quality of their lives for a better future. A survey of Drop-in-centers (DIC’s) shows that sexual behavior, and emotional issues need to be addressed. To bring about change it would be necessary to have interactive methods to capture their interest and to facilitate healthy living. Sahil was hired as a consultant by Groupe Developpement - Sanjog to develop tools which could address sexuality issues among adolescents exposed to sexual behaviours and accessing facilities at drop-in centres/shelter.

Objectives:

• To find creative and interesting methods of sharing information with children

• To talk to children on sensitive issues comfortably and effectively

• To build the capacity of care givers on the tools

A need assessment survey was carried out with 13 DICs and shelter houses in 06 major cities of 04 provinces of Pakistan: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi by Sahil team from 17th August till 12th September 2007. Among these 13 centers, 08 were day centers and 04 were the day and night shelters. The age of the children visiting DICs was ranging between 5-18 years. A total of 66 staff members were interviewed using a standard questionnaire developed by Sahil in coordination with Imtizaj Coordinating Office (ICO). The staff included project coordinators, managers, DIC-in–charge, psychologists, teachers, motivators/peer agents, doctors, vocational trainers and support staff.

After the need assessment survey these four components were selected:

• Masculinity

• HIV & AIDS

• Child Sexual Abuse & Pornography

• Commercial Sexual Exploitation & Prostitution

Methodology:

Children show a preference for those activities which are interactive and hands-on. This was considered as an important element in developing this intervention tool. It was seen that the information and orientation on issues related to sex must be addressed through different activities for the children. The DIC staff shared that children take more interest in watching movies and TV. The tool has been developed by using clips from films and docu –drama videos, which are divided into different interactive session with specific objectives, activities, presentations and pictorial charts. During sessions animated energizers & other play activities have been included. Following methodologies incorporated:

• Video clips from movies/documentaries are used for highlighting issues and as discussion points

• Brainstorming

• Interactive sessions of the appropriate skills to deal/address these issues among adolescents on streets

• Role Plays/Activities/Games

• Issue Identification

• Solution finding

• Participatory discussions

• Group Work

• Presentation/Handouts

• Pre-test/Post Test

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