ACTIVITY KIT

Student
Name

Jamaica Red Cross HIV/STD Peer Education Project

 . Learn about the spread of STDs.
. Learn how to protect ourselves.
. Practice making good decisions.
. Share our knowledge with others.

Together We Can—Activity Kit is the result of many contributors from two related projects. The initial project was an operations research project, “The Jamaica
Red Cross HIV/AIDS Peer Education Project, Action for Youth,” supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International
Federation) and the World Health Organization. The second, and later project—Jamaica Red Cross Islandwide HIV/STD Prevention Project was supported by the
American Red Cross and funded by cooperative agreement No. AID/DPE-5972-A-00-1031-00, FCO No. 46045: Island-Wide HIV/STD Prevention Program with
Family Health International’s AIDS Control and Prevention Project (AIDSCAP).
Invaluable feedback was given by the youth peer educators and adult leaders during the field test of “Together We Can” programme and materials.
Select drawings and illustrations were provided by Jamaica Red Cross youth Link members.
Appreciation is extended to the Jamaica National AIDS Control Program, Epidemiology Unit for materials made available and adapted for this Manual.

© 1995 by the Jamaica Red Cross

Printed in Jamaica
HIV/AIDS, STDs, AND PREGNANCY:
KEY MESSAGES
FOR YOUNG
PEOPLE
1Young people who have unsafe sex are at risk of getting an STD,
including HIV (which causes AIDS), or of having an unwanted
pregnancy.

2
You can make sure you don’t get HIV/AIDS, an STD, or get pregnant
by not having sexual intercourse.

3You can’t become infected with HIV by touching or sharing food

with someone with HIV/AIDS, or by using telephones, toilets, or
swimming in pools that someone with HIV/AIDS has also used.

4
We need to think about our attitudes and values on sex, and to
decide if, when, with whom, and how we have sex. We can resist
peer pressure to have sex when we want to.

5If we choose to have sexual intercourse, we must use latex condoms

correctly and every time during any type of intercourse.

6
We can work together to teach each other about preventing
HIV/AIDS, STDs, and pregnancy.

1
 RULES
GROUND
RULES
During our activities, we all agree to—

■ Come on time to the meeting.

■ Cooperate.
■ Do our best in all of the games, exercises, and
discussions.
■ Listen to and respect what each person has to say.
■ Respect confidentiality.
■ Help and support each other in our learning.
■ Give our own views honestly.
After the training, we all agree to—

■ Pass on the information we receive to

other young people.
■

2
 Provided by TALC—Teaching-aids At Low Cost, a non-profit making organisation supplying teaching-aids and books to raise standards of health care worldwide. St. Albans, Herts. ALI 4AX, U.K.

3
 How to Play The Snakes and Ladders Game
What you need to play the game:
You will need the game, the dice, the questions, and the game markers.*

How to play:
• Divide the group into three or four teams so that the teams can work together to
answer the questions.
• Put all of the questions in a pile, with the answer side down.
• Each team should select a leader who will give the group’s answer after the group has
agreed on the correct answer.
• Throw the die to see which team goes first. The one with the highest number goes first
and so on.
• The team with the highest die number, picks the top card on the question pile. The
question is read out loud. The team discusses the question to come up with the correct
answer. If the team answers the question correctly, they can throw the die.
• If the team does not answer the question correctly, they lose their turn to throw the
die.
• If they answer correctly they can move ahead the number on the die.
• If the team hits a snake, move down. If the team hits a ladder, they move up.
• If the team goes around the circle of ignorance more than once, they don’t have to go
around again. They may advance to number 13.
• The winner is the first team to reach home (number 50). You can play until each team
reaches home or only until the first team reaches home.
• Once the time limit has been reached, the game can be stopped even if no one has
reached home. The team who is ahead is the winner. However, if the teams want to play
the game a little longer, they can.

* If you don’t have dice, use pieces of paper with the numbers 1 to 6 on them and shake and pick each time you would have thrown.

4
 Snakes and Ladders game cards (cut along dotted lines) 5

Q
What is the most common way
for people to get HIV/AIDS?
Q
Should children with HIV/AIDS
be hugged?
Q
Can you get HIV infection
from food or drink?
Q
How can you prevent HIV from being
passed during full sexual intercourse?

Q
Can mosquitoes spread HIV/AIDS?
Q
Should people with HIV/AIDS be
isolated?
Q
Can HIV pass through unbroken skin?
Q
True or False? All men who have sex
with men will eventually get AIDS?

Q
Is having HIV infection the same
as having the AIDS illness?
Q
What can a boy and a girl do to show
how much they care about each other
without having sex? Q
What should you do if you find
a used condom?
Q
How long does it usually take for
someone who is infected with HIV to
develop AIDS?

Q
How many babies born to mothers
with HIV are likely to be infected?
Q
How can you find out whether your
sexual partner has HIV?
Q
Can anyone get HIV?
Q
What is anal sex?

Q
Does alcohol or ganja put a person
at risk of STDs or HIV?
Q
Name two symptoms of an STD
that peopl could notice on
themselves or their partner? Q
Can someone with HIV still work
and play normally?
Q
Why does anal (bottom) sex carry
more risk of HIV transmission than
other kinds of sex?

Q
Can any sexually transmitted diseases
(aside from HIV/AIDS) be fatal?
Q
Can a man or woman have an STD
and not know it?
Q
Can you catch HIV if someone with
the infection sneezes on you?
Q
True or False? A person who is not gay
does not need to practise safer sex?

Q
Can all sexually transmitted diseases
(except for HIV/AIDS) be cured?
Q
How many times can a condom be used?

Q
Why shouldn’t you keep
condoms in the sun?
Q
If you can’t get AIDS from casual
contact, why do doctors and nurses
wear rubber gloves?

Q
Do birth control pills (the Pill) protect
women against sexually transmitted dis-
eases? Q
What can be said to a person who thinks
that condoms spoil sex?
Q
Can HIV be transmitted on
cups or glasses?
Q
Is giving blood at the blood bank safe?

Q Q Q Q
Can a person get a sexually transmitted How can a person make sure that Can HIV be transmitted through sweat? What is the safest way to avoid
disease more than once? a condom is reliable? HIV infection?

Q Q Q Q
Imagine that you have just found out When should a condom be put on and Can a mother who has HIV Can you get HIV from kissing?
that someone you know has HIV/AIDS. when should it be taken off? pass it on to her baby?
What should you do?
6 Snakes and Ladders game cards

A
By using a quality condom every time.

A
NO

A
Yes, they need to be hugged to keep
well and happy. (There is no risk
of being infected with HIV through
hugging.)
A
Through sexual intercourse, because
HIV is in men’s semen and women’s
vaginal fluids.

A A A A
FALSE NO No. (Since casual contact with people No. (HIV cannot get into the mosquito’s
with HIV/AIDS cannot pass the saliva, which is what they inject into
infection, there is no need to deprive humans when they bite.)
them of their right to work, travel,
and live like other people.)

A
5-10 years.

A
Leave it alone and stop any children
from touching it.
A
They can talk, go dancing, hold hands,
hug, kiss, and stroke each other (this is
considered to be ‘safer sex’). A
No. (People can have HIV but stay
healthy for several years. People
only have AIDS when they have a
combination of typical symptoms
and infections).

A A
Sexual intercourse performed in Yes, (If they don’t wear a condom and
the anus (bottom). have oral, anal (bottom) or vaginal
sex with someone who is infected, or
if they get the blood of someone who
is infected into their blood).
A A
By asking them to have an HIV test. About one baby in four will be infected
(There is no other way of knowing; you when they are born.
cannot guess by looking at them.)

A A A A
The rectum (bottom) bleeds easily, YES Sores or rashes on the sexual parts; a Yes, they may be more likely to become
allowing blood to mix with semen carry- discharge from the penis or vagina; a careless and have unsafe sex.
ing HIV. burning sensation when passing urine,
or; a bad smell.

FALSE. Anyone who doesn’t use

A A A A
NO Yes. (A person might not know they Yes. (Gonorrhea and syphilis can be
a condom is at risk for HIV have an STD if they can’t see any fatal if not treated in time. Genital
transmission. symptoms. This is more likely for warts are associated with cervical cancer
women than men because their sexual which can be fatal if not treated early.)
parts are inside and men’s are outside.)

A A A A
To protect themselves from contact with Because they will break when they are One time ONLY. No. Herpes can be treated, but not
body fluids like blood while they treat used. cured; some types of gonorrhea and
patients. syphilis are not affected by antibiotics.

A A A A
Yes. All instruments and needles are NO The risk of getting sexually transmitted No. (The Pill protects women from
sterile. diseases (including HIV/AIDS) is worse; pregnancy but not STDs or HIV/AIDS.)
try different types and find one that’s
better; it is better after practice when a
couple gets used to them.

A A
Not having sex and not sharing needles

A
Use a condom with a standard Yes, a person can get the same or

A
NO
used for drugs. mark within 5 years of the date of different STDs many times. (The body
manufacture (or not after the expiry does not become immune to any STDs.)
date if there is one). Don’t use a
condom that is stiff, stained, or sticky.

Offer them friendship. Treat them with

A A A A
Yes, to about one baby in four. It should be put on when the penis is
Not from dry kissing, but wet kissing hard (but before the penis is inserted) the same respect that you would show to
may be risky if there are sores in the and taken off after ejaculation (but anyone else (and that you showed them
mouth. before the penis goes soft). before you found out). If they want to
discuss their situation, listen to them.
Remember
. HIV/AIDS is spread primarily by sex between males and females
and males and males.

. HIV/AIDS is not spread by holding

hands, using the same telephone,
or by sitting next to someone
who is infected.

. People with AIDS need understanding and help.

. People infected with HIV may have no symptoms and probably

don’t know they are infected.

. Even if a girl or woman uses birth control pills, she can still
get an STD, including HIV.

7
STD Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
Key Facts
What are STDs?
1 Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are
spread through sexual intercourse, or other
sexual activities. The old name for STDs was
venereal disease (VD).
2 AIDS is an STD. But, there are more than 20
other STDs, including gonorrhea (“dose” or “a
leak”), syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts,
and chlamydia.
Who gets STDs?
3 Anyone who has sex can get an STD. STDs do
not respect age, marital status, wealth, or edu-
cational level.
4 More and more young people in Jamaica are
getting STDs.
5 Youhavecannot tell by looking at someone if they
an STD.
Is there a cure?
6 Some STDs (like gonorrhea and syphilis) can
usually be cured with antibiotics. Others (like
herpes and HIV/AIDS) cannot be cured at this
time.
7 If someone thinks they might have an STD, they
must not hide it. They must go to a doctor or
clinic. Only a doctor or nurse can tell if some-
one has an STD, and give the right treatment.
After the treatment, the doctor will also make
sure that the STD has been completely cured.
8
8 IfSo,youyougetcouldan STD, you may have no symptoms.
have an STD for a long time with-
out knowing it. Always tell your partners if you
have an STD (so they can also get treatment).
People who know they have an STD may need
to be counselled on how best to notify their
partner, because the partner could also be
infected and will need to get medical treatment.
What do STDs do?
9 STDs can have serious consequences. If untreat-
ed, they can possibly damage your sex organs,
damage your health, and make it difficult or
impossible to have children.
10 Often, people (especially women) don’t know
they are infected because they have no symp-
toms until serious damage has occurred.
11 Many STDs cause sores or rashes on the sex
organs. These sores or rashes are openings
and therefore promote the transmission of
HIV/AIDS. So, someone with an STD has a
greater chance of getting HIV if they have
sex with a person who has HIV.
How are STDs prevented?
12 You(including
can reduce your chances of getting an STD
HIV) by—
• Delaying sex until you are older, and can
have a more permanent relationship.
• Only having sex with one person who does
not have an STD and who only has sex with
you (mutual faithfulness).
• Always using a latex condom when having
sex, and using it correctly.
STD
Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
True and False Quiz
What do you think? Circle true or false beside each sentence.

1. HIV/AIDS is an STD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. You can go to a pharmacist (or drug store) to get medicine
to cure an STD without going to a doctor or nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
t
t
f
f
3. Using a condom is the most sure way
for young people to know they won’t get an STD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
4. Boys and men always know if they have an STD
because they have problems taking a leak (urinating) . . . . . . . . . . . t f
5. Even if a girl or woman uses birth control pills,
she can still get an STD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
6. Girls or women who have STD infections
may have problems getting pregnant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
7. Men who are idlers often get STDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
8. You can tell by looking at someone that they have HIV . . . . . . . . . . t f
9. People often have an STD and not know it
and can spread it to others . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
10. STDs, including HIV, are a very serious problem
for young people in Jamaica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
11. Only men who have sex with men get HIV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . t f
12. Men who have an STD can be cured by having sex with a virgin . . . . t f

9
 Sexually Transmitted Diseases:
True and False Quiz Answers
1. HIV/AIDS is an STD.
Answer: TRUE—HIV/AIDS is sexually transmitted. It can also be transmitted from infected blood, shared needles,
and from infected mother to child.
2. You can go to the pharmacist (or drug store) to get medicine to cure an STD without going to a doctor or nurse.
Answer: FALSE—You must go to the doctor so he or she can find out if you have an STD, which one it is, and how it
can be treated. Taking medicine from the chemist or friends is dangerous. It may not cure your STD, and your
body may get too used to getting drugs. If that happens, some drugs will not work when they are needed.
3. Using a condom is the most sure way for young people to know they won’t get an STD.
Answer: FALSE—Using a latex condom is a good way to make sure you don’t get an STD—but not having sex
at all is the most sure way.
4. Boys and men always know if they have an STD because they have problems taking a leak (urinating).
Answer: FALSE—Some STDs (like HIV/AIDS) don’t have this symptom. Sometimes a boy or man can have an STD
like gonorrhea (“a dose” or “leak”) and not have symptoms.
5. Even if a girl or woman uses birth control pills, she can still get an STD.
Answer: TRUE—The birth control pill does not protect against STDs. Latex condoms are the only contraceptive
method that can provide protection from STDs. Condoms are also good for preventing pregnancy.
6. Girls or women who have STD infections may have problems getting pregnant.
Answer: TRUE—STDs can cause damage to the women’s reproductive organs, making it difficult for her to
have children.
7. Men who are idlers often get STDs.
Answer: FALSE—It is not who you are, it is what you do. It is people who have sex without using latex condoms,
especially if they have a number of partners, who often get STDs.
8. You can tell by looking at someone that they have HIV.
Answer: FALSE.
9. People often have an STD and do not know it and can spread it to others.
Answer: TRUE.
10. STDs, including HIV, are a very serious problem of young people in Jamaica.
Answer: TRUE—Each year more and more young people get an STD.
11. Only men who have sex with men get HIV.
Answer: FALSE—Anyone who doesn’t practise safer sex can get HIV.
12. Men who have an STD can be cured by having sex with a virgin.
Answer: FALSE.

10
 N
Letters to Auntie Maggie
You are going to help Auntie Maggie answer
three letters from young people that were sent
for her advice column in the newspaper.

Dear Auntie Maggie,

My name is Rosie, and I am 19 years old. I am worried about my younger sister, June, who
is 15, and still at school. June has a boyfriend, Peter, who is 17. June and Peter have been
special friends for some time now. I can see that they are starting to look at each other,
and touch each other. I had a baby myself when I was 16, so I know that young people can
be tempted. And now there are all these diseases around. Should I talk to my sister?
What should I say? Please tell me what to do.

Yours,
Rosie

Dear Auntie Maggie,

I am worried. My uncle has been living in New York, and now he’s come back to the yard. He stays
in our house. Now he is skinny and ill, and is very sad. I am worried that he might have that killer
disease. But, he hugged me, and I washed his clothes for him. I love my uncle, but I don’t want to die.
I am afraid of being near him—what should I do?

Martin, 15 (not my real name)

Dear Auntie Maggie,

Hello, I am Pearl and I am 16. I live at home with my mother. I have a baby girl, who is
five months old. My problem is that I still love my baby father, Sonny, who is 25. I heard
that Sonny saw some other girls when I was pregnant and that one of these girls has
gotten a disease. Sonny wants us to start being together again, but I am worried
about these other girls, and diseases. I was thinking about condoms, but Sonny refuses
to use them. My mother tells me not to be foolish, to stay at home, and to finish up
school. Tell me what I should do—I love my baby father, and don’t want to lose him.

Thanks,
Pearl
11
 Remember
. Communicate.
In our friendships and relationships, it’s important
to talk to each other. We can often avoid problems
when we talk clearly and openly.

. Get correct information.

Rather than being worried and confused, it is better
to find out the true information on topics like pregnancy,
family planning, HIV/AIDS, and STDs.

. Think through and decide.

Don’t let something like sex just “happen.”
We have a right to decide.

12
THE HIV/AIDS RISK GAME
The three risk categories are: High Risk, Some Risk, and No Risk.

Giving a person with HIV/AIDS a hug Giving first aid that doesn’t involve blood

Having many sexual partners Giving blood

Giving first aid to someone who is bleeding Having your ears pierced

Having sex in the vagina without a condom Swimming in a pool

Using a public toilet Getting a tattoo

Oral sex (mouth on vagina

Sharing a needle with a drug user or mouth on penis)

Using someone else’s toothbrush Getting pregnant while having HIV/AIDS

Being bitten by a mosquito that has bitten Having sex in the vagina with a condom
someone with HIV/AIDS

Having sex in the bottom (anus) without a Abstinence

condom (anal sex)

Based on Action for Youth, AIDS Training Manual, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Organization of the Scout Movement, Geneva,
Switzerland, 1990.

13
 THE HIV/AIDS RISK GAME
Cut out these cards to play the game with your friends.
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14
 Personal Risk Assessment Sheet
RISK
ARE YOU RACING OM
E HIG

HR
50
30 40 60 70 8

ISK
TOWARDS HIV? 0

09
0 10

0 100
Start NOW to slow down! NO RISK
How do you score?
Question Answer Preventive measures
0 no
1. Have you started
having sex? 20 yes
Abstinence—don’t have sex.
Or delay having sex until you have
once/twice completed your education and have
40 yes—on a one faithful uninfected partner.
regular basis
2. Have you had more than
one sexual partner? 0 no Be faithful to one uninfected partner
who is faithful to you too.

Based on Are You Racing Toward HIV?, Jamaica Ministry of Health, Epidemiology Unit, Communications Department, Kingston, Jamaica.
40 yes

100 never
3. When you have sex,
do you use a condom?
Condoms—use a rubber latex
condom every time you have sex.
50 sometimes

5 always
4. Do you have sex when you
are high on alcohol or other
0 no Don’t do drugs.
drugs including ganja?
40 yes

5. Have you ever had a

sexually transmitted
0 no Education—get the facts on STDs.
If you have a sexually transmitted
disease (STD)?
disease, your chances of getting HIV
90 yes are greater. Get treatment.

If you are at some or high risk you can change your behavior and be at lower risk for being infected with HIV. If you need help you can talk to an
✂

adult or any of the persons listed in “Where to Get Help” on the inside of the back cover of this Activity Kit.
15
Personal Risk Assessment Sheet
RISK
ARE YOU RACING OM
E HIG

HR
50
30 40 60 70 8

ISK
TOWARDS HIV? 0

09
0 10

0 100
Start NOW to slow down! NO RISK
How do you score?
Question Answer Preventive measures
0 no
1. Have you started
having sex? 20 yes
Abstinence—don’t have sex.
Or delay having sex until you have
once/twice completed your education and have
40 yes—on a one faithful uninfected partner.
regular basis
2. Have you had more than
one sexual partner? 0 no Be faithful to one uninfected partner
who is faithful to you too.

Based on Are You Racing Toward HIV?, Jamaica Ministry of Health, Epidemiology Unit, Communications Department, Kingston, Jamaica.
40 yes

100 never
3. When you have sex,
do you use a condom?
Condoms—use a rubber latex
condom every time you have sex.
50 sometimes

5 always
4. Do you have sex when you
are high on alcohol or other
0 no Don’t do drugs.
drugs including ganja?
40 yes

5. Have you ever had a

sexually transmitted
0 no Education—get the facts on STDs.
If you have a sexually transmitted
disease (STD)?
disease, your chances of getting HIV
90 yes are greater. Get treatment.

If you are at some or high risk you can change your behavior and be at lower risk for being infected with HIV. If you need help you can talk to an
adult or any of the persons listed in “Where to Get Help” on the inside of the back cover of this Activity Kit.
17
 Where Agree Not Sure Disagree
Do You
Stand?
1. All boys over 14 years old should
have had at least one sexual encounter.

2. Drugs and alcohol can cloud your

judgement and lead to major problems.
3. Many sex partners is natural and normal
and will eventually occur in every life.

4. Postponing sex until later is a wise

decision for teenagers.

5. If no one knows you are taking drugs

then it is alright.

6. Condoms should be banned.

Key Things to Remember:

1. Values are what a person views as important.
2. Values influence the choices we make about sex and drugs.
3. The choices we make can prevent HIV and other STDs.
4. You can change your behaviours that are putting you at risk for HIV and
other STDs.

18
 Some People We Might Know
Assessing HIV/AIDS Risks
These are people we might know. What is their HIV/AIDS risk?

Miss Carol Grey. She has a boyfriend, Robert.

Robert only has sex with Carol, and they sometimes use a condom.
But, unknown to Robert, Carol has another boyfriend in Kingston.
Carol doesn’t use condoms with this other boyfriend.
Mrs. Black only has sex with her husband. They don’t use
condoms, but Mrs. Black uses the pill. Mr. Black lives in the USA.
He sometimes has sex with prostitutes, but always uses a latex condom.
Miss Julie Brown has a secret boyfriend, Mike. They
haven’t had sex yet. Sometimes Mike has homosexual relations with
other men, but always uses a condom. Julie is a blood donor.
Mrs. Brown is a good Christian, and only has sex with her
husband. But Mr. Brown has a girlfriend, who used to inject
drugs. Mr. Brown doesn’t use condoms.

Can you put the people in the correct boxes?

High Risk

Some Risk

No Risk

Based on materials developed by Dixon, G. and P. Gordon. A Handbook for Those Involved in Training on HIV and AIDS, Cambridge, England: FPA Educational Unit
and AIDS Education Unit, Cambridge Health Authority, 1987.
✂

19
Some People We Might Know
Assessing HIV/AIDS Risks
What we have learned

Key Things to Remember

There are two key points:
1. It is what you do, not who you are, that puts you at risk.
2. It is both your own behaviour and your partner's behaviour that can
put you at risk of getting HIV/AIDS or other STDs.

21
 The Story of
Angela Mark &
Angela and Mark attend St. Peter’s High School. She is in the 5th Form,
and is 16; he is 18 and is in the 6th Form. Both are doing well in school.
Angela wants to continue studying, and train to be a lawyer. Mark wants
to become an accountant.

A ngela and Mark have known each other for a long time. Over the past year, they have become closer, and
are now special friends. Mark is beginning to feel that he wants to have sex with Angela, but isn’t sure
that she will agree. His friends are all bragging that they have had sex. Mark is beginning to feel that they will
begin to think that he is a small boy if he doesn’t also start having sex. Angela is beginning to get worried that
Mark will press her for sex. She doesn’t feel ready, and her mother has warned her about this. But, Angela does
feel loving towards Mark and wants to keep him as her boyfriend.

A ngela and Mark go to a friend’s birthday party one night. They have some beer and begin slow dancing.
They go outside to cool off, and start cuddling. Mark starts telling Angela how much he loves and
cares for her and says that he wants to be even closer. Angela loves Mark, and is also feeling physical. But,
she doesn’t know what to do. All of her friends have been saying how wonderful love is, and that it makes you
into a big woman. Mark continues to cuddle and sweet talk Angela. She says no, and tries to stop him,
but not very seriously. Soon Mark has her skirt up, and they have sex. It happens quickly, and they are both
embarrassed afterwards.

T he months go on. Angela and Mark continue to see each other. When they are together, Mark pressures
Angela to continue to have sex. He tells Angela that since they have already done it, there is no harm in
continuing. And he tries to be careful, and withdraw before it happens. Angela still likes Mark, but is worried
about what is happening. They have never talked about sex, and Angela can’t bring herself to talk about this
with Mark.

A fter about four months, disaster strikes. Angela’s period doesn’t come on time. She waits, hoping it will
start. Another month goes by, she is sick every morning, and her mother suspects she is pregnant and
takes her to the doctor. Angela has to leave school to have the baby. Mark’s family is very angry with him, and
his father refuses to pay for him to go on to the university. Angela and Mark are uncomfortable with each other,
and eventually drift apart.

22
 The Story of
Team Hunt for
Angela Mark & Decision Points
From the story of Angela and Mark, what decisions could they have made
to have a different ending to the story?
Your team should try to find as many decision points as possible. We have found eight—
how many can your team find? The team with the most decision points wins the game.

1
Decision Mark could have decided not be influenced by his friends,
and to wait until he was ready for sex.

2
Decision

3
Decision

4
Decision

5
Decision

6
Decision

7
Decision

8
Decision

Are there any other decisions your team or group can find?

23
 The Story of Angela and
Angela Mark & Mark’s Choices
Abstinence (Not having Sex)
What are the advantages (good points) about Angela and Mark deciding to remain abstinent?
Can your group identify five advantages in this choice?
1
2
3
4
5
What are the disadvantages (bad points) about Angela and Mark deciding to remain abstinent?
Can your group identify three disadvantages in this choice?
1
2
3

Safer Sex (Using latex condoms, or not having full sexual intercourse)
What are the advantages (good points) about Angela and Mark practicing safer sex?
Can your group identify four advantages in this choice?
1
2
3
4
What are the disadvantages (bad points) about Angela and Mark practicing safer sex?
Can your group identify three disadvantages in this choice?
1
2
3

24
NO THANKS!
ASSERTIVENESS PRACTICE
ROLE PLAY
PERSON A (ASSERTIVE PERSON): You are a 15-year-old young man. You are with your girlfriend at
a party. She wants you to have a beer. But, you don’t drink. Be assertive about your right not
to drink.

PERSON B (PRESSURING PERSON): You are a 15-year-old girl. You are at a party with your
boyfriend. Everyone else is drinking beer. You are drinking some beer, and want your
boyfriend to also have some so he can enjoy himself. Try to pressure him to drink some beer.
Not having sex means no sexual risk for HIV and other STDs. If you have sex, deciding to and using
a condom properly every time is effective protection against HIV, STDs, and pregnancy.

3
1.
Ways to be Assertive
1. Say no, and keep repeating it. You don’t have to offer reasons or excuses for saying “no.”
2.
2. Clearly state how you feel.
3.
3. Refuse to discuss the matter further. Walk away from the situation.

Based on Postponing Sexual Involvement: An Educational Series for Preteens. Emory/Grady Teen Services Program, Grady Medical Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia,
Revised July 1990. 25
 IF YOU Examples of
LOVED ME Pressure Lines
& Answers
YOU WOULD. . .

PRESSURE LINE POSSIBLE ANSWER

If you loved me, you would have sex with me If you loved me, you would wait until I was ready.
Everybody’s doing it. I’m not everybody; I’m me. I don’t really believe everyone
is doing it.
It’s just part of growing up. Having sex doesn’t mean you are grown up. To me it is
deciding what I believe, and sticking to it.
Don’t you want to see what it’s like? Yes, someday. But that isn’t a reason for having sex now.
I have to get rid of the oil in my back. There is no oil in your back—just spinal fluid.
At your age you will get sick if you don’t have sex soon. No I will not, but I might get sick with an STD if I do.

I know you really want it; you are just afraid of what I am the one who knows what I want. And I am telling you
people will say. that I don’t want sex now.
If you get pregnant, I’ll marry you. I don’t want to risk getting pregnant, and I don’t want to
get married now.
If you don’t agree, I will have to find another girlfriend It sounds like I am only a body to you. Maybe we should
(boyfriend). think again about our friendship.
You can’t get pregnant the first time. That’s not true—you don’t know the facts. I am also
putting myself at risk for HIV.
Don’t worry, I’ll pull out... Pulling out doesn’t work. I could still get pregnant.
You want it as much as I do. No, I don’t. I have a lot of plans for my life, and I don’t
want to make a mistake and get pregnant now.

26 Based on Postponing Sexual Involvement: An Educational Series for Preteens. Emory/Grady Teen Services Program, Grady Medical Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia,
Revised July 1990.
Tips for Safer Sex
. Whether you are a man or a woman, you can become infected with HIV through sex with an
HIV-infected partner, especially if you engage in unprotected sex.

. Mutual fidelity between two

uninfected partners protects
both people from HIV.

. The more sex partners you

Four Key
have, the greater the risk that
one of them will be infected Tips for
and can infect you. The more
partners your partner has,
the greater the risk that he
Having
or she will be infected and
can infect you.
Safer Sex:
. If you or your partner has an
STD, the risk of getting HIV is
1. Always use a latex condom during vaginal,
anal, or oral intercourse.
greater. 2. Do not use petroleum jelly, baby oil, or any
. You cannot tell by looking at a
person whether or not he or
other oil-based product with a condom as it
will destroy the condom. USE A WATER-
BASED LUBRICANT, especially with anal sex.
she has HIV or other STDs.
Some people may not even 3. There is no risk of getting HIV from hugging
know if they are infected. and petting as long as there is no contact with
semen (cum), vaginal secretion, and blood.

4. The safest course of all is abstinence.

Based on World Health Organization, World AIDS Day Resource Kit, Geneva, Switzerland, 1991.
27
28
TALKING ABOUT AIDS
AND NEW BOYFRIENDS
Lisa has met a new man
at the disco. She is thinking
about having sex with him.
Her friend Sheila advises
her not to have sex with
someone she doesn’t know.

Copyright 1994 Nancy Fee after an idea in Aggleton, Peter, et al, (1990), AIDS: Working with Young People, AVERT, Horsham, West Sussex.
 TALKING ABOUT AIDS
AND WAITING FOR SEX
Donald and Elaine are a boy
and girl friend. They have
not yet had sex. Help them
decide to wait to have sex
until they have finished
school.

Copyright 1994 Nancy Fee after an idea in Aggleton, Peter, et al, (1990), AIDS: Working with Young People, AVERT, Horsham, West Sussex.

29
 HOW TO USE A CONDOM
Check the expiry date or manufacture date.

1 Hold the top of the condom.

Press out the air from the tip
and roll the condom on.
Use both hands.

2 Roll the condom right to the base

of the penis. Leave the space at the tip
of the condom for the semen.
3 After ejaculation, when you start
losing erection, hold the condom at
the base and slide it carefully off.

4 Remove the condom.

Be careful not to let any
semen spill or leak from
the condom.

Never Use a 5 Make a knot

and dispose of
Condom Twice! the condom.
Based on Jamaica Ministry of Health, Epidemiology Unit, Protect Yourself—The Right Way to Use Condoms, Kingston, Jamaica; and Action for Youth, AIDS Training

30 Manual, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Organization of the Scout Movement, Geneva, Switzerland, 1990.
 1. Store condoms in a cool, dark place, if possible. Heat, light, and humidity can
TIPS FOR CONDOM CARE damage condoms.

2. Use latex condoms.

3. Take care when handling condoms. Fingernails and rings can tear them.
4. Use water-based lubricant.
5. Do not use cooking oils or shortenings, baby oil, mineral oil, petroleum jellies
(such as Vaseline), skin lotions, suntan lotions, cold cream, butter, or margarine.
These can cause the condom to break.

6. Dounrolled
not unroll condoms before using them. You may weaken them, and an
condom is difficult to put on. Keep extra condoms on hand if you want
to practise.

7. Use another condom if the one you have—

- Has been torn or damaged.

- Bears a manufacturing date more that five years past.

- Is uneven or has changed color.

- Feels brittle, dried out, or very sticky.

31
32
TALKING ABOUT
CONDOMS
Jason has a girlfriend. David,
a Peer Educator, helps Jason
decide to use a condom when
he has sex.

Copyright 1994 Nancy Fee after an idea in Aggleton, Peter, et al, (1990), AIDS: Working with Young People, AVERT, Horsham, West Sussex.
 TALKING ABOUT
SAFER SEX AND AIDS
Chester and Joyce are
boy and girlfriend.
Help them decide to use
a condom during sex.

Copyright 1994 Nancy Fee after an idea in Aggleton, Peter, et al, (1990), AIDS: Working with Young People, AVERT, Horsham, West Sussex.

33
 Some People We Might Know: Assessing
HIV/AIDS Risks—Answer Sheet
Can you put the people into the correct Risk Boxes?

High Risk Mr. Brown Mrs. Brown

Carol Robert

Reasons for high risk: Mr. Brown—because he doesn’t use a condom when he has sex with his girlfriend who has injected
drugs. Mrs. Brown—because she has sex with Mr. Brown without using a condom and he is at high risk for being infected.
Carol—because she doesn’t use condoms with her other boyfriend. Robert—because he doesn’t always use a condom with
Carol and Carol has more than one partner and doesn’t use condoms when having sex with them.

Some Risk Mr. Black Mrs. Black

Mike

Mr. Black, Mrs. Black, and Mike are at some risk because, although they always use condoms when having sex, condoms are not
100% fail safe. (Birth control pills do not protect against HIV.)

No Risk Julie Brown

Not having sex (postponing sex) is the best way to prevent HIV, other STDs, and unwanted pregnancy. A person cannot get HIV
by donating blood.

34
Angela Mark&
Team Hunt for Decision Points: Answer Sheet
From the story of Angela and Mark, what decisions could they have made to have a different ending
to the story?

1
Decision Mark could have decided not to be influenced by his friends and to wait until he was
ready for sex.

2
Decision Angela could have decided that she wasn’t ready for sex, and could have clearly told
Mark so.

3
Decision Either Angela or Mark could have decided to talk with the other about his or her
feelings, to decide what he or she wanted to do.

4
Decision Alcohol reduces inhibitions and makes risky sex more likely. Either Mark or Angela
could have avoided drinking at the party.

5
Decision Mark and Angela knew that they were physically attracted to each other. So, if they
wanted to avoid sex, they could have decided not to slow dance—which can be very
arousing.

6
Decision If Angela had clearly decided that she didn’t want to have sex, she could have told
Mark so, and told him to stop cuddling with her after the party.

7
Decision Before they began having sex, either Mark or Angela could have said that they didn’t
want to continue without using a latex condom. If they didn’t have a latex condom,
they could have done other things (holding hands), so there was no risk.
8
Decision After having sex the first time, Mark and Angela could have talked and decided not to
have sex again. Or they could have decided that they wanted to continue having sex
but would use a condom.
We have heard about the story of Angela and Mark, and have thought about the decisions that
they might have made to avoid the sad ending of their story.

35
 Angela Mark
&
Angela and Mark’s Choices: Answer Sheet
Abstinence:
What are the advantages about Angela and Mark deciding to remain abstinent?
1. Will not get an STD.
2. No chance of pregnancy.
3. No chance of getting HIV/AIDS from sex.
4. Can complete education without interruption.
5. Can enjoy youth to the fullest.

What are the disadvantages about Angela and Mark deciding to remain abstinent?
1. Friends may make fun, saying you aren’t a real man or woman.
2. Chance of losing the love of boyfriend/girlfriend.
3. Will miss the physical pleasure of sex .

Safer Sex: (Using condoms, or not having full sexual intercourse)

What are the advantages about Angela and Mark practising safer sex?
1. Greatly reduced risk of pregnancy.
2. Greatly reduced risk of STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
3. Improved love and communication by talking about safer sex.
4. Discovering different ways of loving each other (kissing, fondling, etc.).

What are the disadvantages about Angela and Mark practising safer sex?
1. Difficult and embarrassing to begin talking about safer sex.
2. Partner may have suspicions about other boyfriends/girlfriends.
3. Some men say that condoms reduce sensations.

36
Where to Get Help
You need to know people and places where you can get help
when you need it. Some of these are:
. Your adult leader

. Your school nurse, or guidance counsellor

. The AIDS/STD Help line number: 92-99408-9 or

toll free 991-4444 open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday

. The Jamaica Red Cross, Central Village, St Catherine, telephone 984-7860-3

. Epidemiology Unit, 30-34 Half Way Tree Road, telephone 92-66430

. Comprehensive Health Centre, 21 Slipe Pen Road, telephone 922-0078, 924-9473,

or 922-3042

. Your local Health Centre or Clinic

(Write in name)

37
Jamaica Red Cross HIS 0464
Jan. 1995