Learning Objectives:

• To discuss the process of decision making.
• To discuss case studies and arrive at decisions using the decision-making process.

Structure:

Small group discussion.

Time:

30-45 minutes.

Materials:

Case stories of young people (note these are generic stories, you may be able to draw up your own case stories applicable to the young people you work with).
Visual aid "The decision making process".

Method:

• Show the decision-making process and discuss each item.

• Explain and clarify that good decisions require a step-by-step process, thus:
1. Recognising what it is you are deciding upon. This can be a problem, a situation or a challenge.
2. Aiming and desiring positive results.
3. Analysing and weighing the consequences of an action.
4. Setting alternatives or options and considering the consequent results.
5. Acting responsibly or standing up for the decision made.

• Allow time for clarifications and questions. Provide to each patrol a short case story and ask them to discuss about it. They should be able to fill in the table below:
"The decision making process":

• Allow ample time for groups discussion and presentation.

Evaluation:

• How was the experience reading through the case stories and going through the decision-making process?
• What factors did you consider when you were deciding on the case?
• Why did these factors influence you?

Tool: The Case Studies:

1. Dorji, 15 years old, male. He wants to quit school because he thinks school is boring. Instead he wants to work as _____(insert) and thinks that he would be better off working there. He says that by working, he is able to contribute to the family income.
2. ____ (insert name) 16 years old, female. Her boyfriend asked her to have sex with him as proof of her loyalty and love for him.
3. ____ (insert name)16 years old, male. He met up with some friends who have tried drugs and told him that he should try them too.
4. ____ (insert name) 14 years old, male. He wakes up one morning and doesn't feel like going to school.
5. ____ (insert name) 17 years old, female. She found out that she was pregnant. She can't tell her parents
6. ____ (insert name) 19 years old, male. He suspects that he has contracted a sexually transmitted disease, but is too shy to consult a doctor.
7. ____ (insert name) 17 years old, female. She knows that her boyfriend has had multiple sexual partners. She'd like to ask him to go and see a doctor for an HIV-AIDS test before she marries him next year. What can she do?