Session E:
Don’t be Scared, Be Aware
Photo Credit: Lisa Harrietha-Benson
Outcomes
(Knowing (K), Doing (D), Valuing (V))
K: I know of safe people and places in my community.
K: I know what to do if someone I do not know approaches me.
K: I know who to tell if I see someone being bullied or feel like I am being bullied.
D: I can show my parents/caregivers the safe places along my route.
V: I know that people like police officers, firefighters, and teachers are safe people to go to if I encounter trouble.
V: I know that walking in a group can help keep me safe from strangers along my route.
Risk Management
Be tactful in how information is conveyed to the participants as some may get upset over the discussions about strangers.
Pay close attention to the way participants react to the information in this session. If you see a participant getting upset, take them aside and explain the importance of knowing about strangers to help them calm down. This activity has the potential to result in participant disclosure of abuse or inappropriate behaviour that has occurred in their lives. It is important to spot this if it does occur. DO NOT discuss sensitive issues in a group setting. Respectfully change the subject and have a quiet chat with the participant at a more appropriate time.
Suggestions for Teaching
While it is important to not frighten participants about the dangers of strangers, it is also important to be open with the participants about interacting with people they do not know. Let them know that problems could arise from their interactions with strangers. This session has a serious tone so be attentive to meeting the needs of the participants.
Debrief
You should complete a Passport for each participant.
Participants should then bring home their Passports to discuss and show their parents/caregivers what they learned if teaching a community group.
Participants must also get their parents/caregivers to initial their Passports, which need to be brought with them when they attend the next session.
Participants can draw pictures of some of the safe people in their neighbourhood.
Participants can take a walk along their route with their parents/caregivers to help determine the best route and then record the potentially safe houses on their route card.