Step 1: What do you understand by the term “vulnerability”?
Answer: Vulnerability means in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect.

Step 2: Now, think of people who are vulnerable or live in circumstances that make them vulnerable. Then, think about these questions:

• Why are these people vulnerable?
• Where does this vulnerability come from? Is it something inherent in them (e.g. because they are still babies/children) or is it due to circumstances (e.g. poverty)?
• What are the consequences of being vulnerable?
• What are our obligations towards people who are vulnerable?

Step 3: Now, think about when you were a baby and you were completely vulnerable and completely dependent on the care of adult care givers. Think about how you started gaining independence. Draw a timeline on which you write/draw the process from total dependence to the state that you are in now. These questions will help you:

• What has changed?
• In which ways have you lost the need to be dependent on adult care givers?
• In which ways are you still dependent?
• Are you still vulnerable?
• In what ways were you vulnerable in your childhood?
• Do you think that you can be more independent if you allowed to do so? (e.g. to make certain choices like going to private lessons, staying out late and so on).
• Or are you being given too much independence and at times feel the need to go back for comfort, if nothing else?
• Is it possible that people of your age would still be vulnerable, at least much more than you?
• What are the circumstances that can make people of your age more vulnerable?

Step 4: Write a reflection about what makes people vulnerable.