If a teenage girl and they are having unprotected sex, they have to be careful. I've told them they can be fathers. But Anoee has to be careful himself about how much information he provides, and, since a difficult run-in with parents, he's no longer at ease giving instructions on condom use. One time I brought in different colours of condoms with the condom demonstration kit. They were saying something like we were encouraging sex by showing colourful condoms.
Condoms are, however, still freely available at the local health centre.
We offer condoms, and sometimes they go out of stock, but we're not too sure if kids are using them or just playing with them. The nursing staff at the health centre has trouble simply keeping on top of the many health problems facing Arviat's growing young population, and there's never enough time for prevention. Arviat's extraordinarily high rate of teen pregnancy and the lack of enthusiasm for birth control also appears to be linked with a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases. But despite the concern of educators and health workers, many youth don't seem to take these high incidences very seriously. When the high rates for STD's in Arviat were posted in around town, showing Arviat's top position, many were reportedly impressed rather than worried.