A Lesson Plan from Life Planning Education: A Youth Development Program

Purpose: To identify places to buy condoms and to become more comfortable obtaining condoms

Materials: Handout, “Condom Survey” (pdf)

Time: Session 1: 10 minutes; Session 2: 30 minutes

Planning Notes:

• Discuss this activity with your supervisor for support and permission to do it. Decide whether the teens will purchase condoms or simply survey the availability of condoms in their community.
• If the teens will purchase the condoms, plan how to pay for them.
• Many communities have health departments, community or free clinics that distribute condoms without charge. Offer phone numbers for local resources of free condoms. Teens will still have the experience of actually asking for or taking condoms.
  

Procedure:
Session 1

1. Explain that most people, at some point in their lives, will need to obtain and effectively use condoms. This is an important life skill because most people will have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives. People who decide to have intercourse and don't want to risk pregnancy or STDs will need to use condoms to avoid pregnancy and STDs. This activity will focus on condoms.
2. Ask participants where they believe condoms are sold in their community and if teens are comfortable purchasing condoms in these settings. After a brief discussion of these questions, distribute the handout and the assignment.
• Choose a pharmacy, grocery or convenience store in your neighborhood.
• Go to the store and complete the Condom Survey..
• Buy a package of condoms and leave the store.
• As you leave consider the following questions:
• How did you feel completing the survey in the store?
• How did you feel when you purchased the condoms?
• What recommendations, if any, would you make to the store manager for making condoms more accessible to teenagers?
3. Answer any questions about the activity.

Session 2

1. Ask for a show of hands of those who conducted the condom survey and/or bought a condom. Congratulate teens on completing this assignment.
2. Ask a few volunteers of both sexes to tell their story of finding and purchasing condoms. Ask each person to talk about:
• Where she or he went
• Where the condoms were located in the store/clinic
• How she or he felt looking at and/or buying condoms
• Interaction with store clerk/adult in charge
• Price of condoms
3. When several people have shared their stories, conclude the activity using the Discussion Points.
   

Discussion Points:

1. What feelings did everyone have in common during this activity?
2. How did the girls' experiences compare with the boys?
3. If you ever needed condoms, how would you feel about getting them the next time?
4. Which stores displayed condoms so they were accessible?
5. How could you encourage stores to make condoms more accessible to teenagers?
6. Did anyone discuss the assignment with a family member? What was that person's reaction?
   

Optional Follow Up Activities:

1. Have teens survey local stores and the accessibility of condoms. Assist them in compiling and publicizing the results.
2. Invite teens to form teams and survey a number of stores on over the counter contraceptives. Award a prize or special privilege to the team that finds the best bargains or the friendliest store. Consider having the group award prizes to the stores with the best bargains, most courteous service and so on.