Fountainhead School hosts Bal Mela every year. The sole motto of this event is to provide a fun-filled time for underprivileged children. We invite children from government schools and have creative and lively activities planned for them such as face painting, 3-legged races, dog and the bone, and a lot more. Our school has given students the opportunity to interact with underprivileged children in order to contribute to society. This event is held to allow children from less privileged economic status to experience the same happiness that we as privileged children do. I grabbed the opportunity to volunteer in this event. The activity assigned to me was bowling.

LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Finding my own strengths and areas for improvement was one of the most important learning experiences for me. Since I was unable to clearly and entertainingly explain the game’s rules to people from different backgrounds, I realised that communication with them was one of my communication weaknesses. I understood that I needed to improve my abilities to lead huge crowds of people, though. Although handling a big number of participants was challenging, the experience allowed me to gain new expertise in planning. Despite the weaknesses I also identified my strengths which were engaging with the students happily as I enjoy spending time with them. This created a positive environment.

LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

The ability to take on challenges and gain new abilities in the process was another crucial learning result of CAS that I showed. It was a difficult task to facilitate the game for the participants because I had to be flexible and respond to their demands. But, I gained new activity leadership and interpersonal abilities from this experience that I will be able to utilise in many different aspects of my life. Maintaining the decorum was challenging as they were a huge crowd and there were only 3 of us who had to handle. 

LO 5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively. 

Collaboration with other volunteers was yet another worthwhile learning opportunity for me. I was able to make sure that everything went off without a hitch by collaborating with other volunteers. I used each volunteer’s strengths wisely after recognising them in order to give the participants a smooth experience. The other two volunteers were worse with their language hence it was easy for me to understand them. Collaboration allowed me to accomplish my objectives more quickly, which was a useful lesson for me. 

LO 6: Engagement with issues of global significance.

I had the chance to interact with issues of global importance at the Bal Mela event.  By organizing an event that encouraged inclusivity and involvement among students from various backgrounds. Access to education and the tools needed for study are not widespread. People rarely look for opportunities that will assist them learn skills anywhere in the world, with the exception of academics. As a result of my work and my time with the kids, I have gained fresh perspectives and a greater appreciation for all the wonderful things I have, my privileges, and my surroundings. It helped me grow up and taught me not to take things for granted. This encounter was illuminating all around. We also gave them food, dealing with the global issue of lack of nutrition. This event brought a lot of self-realization in me.

About the learner profiles, I showed signs of being a communicator and a caring person. I worked cooperatively with other volunteers and effectively communicated with the participants. I also treated the participants with kindness and understanding, which helped them feel at ease and like a part of the event. This event was an experience for a lifetime with a lot of learning and fun. It has made me understand small things that probably wouldn’t have struck me without being in the event. In conclusion, I learned a lot from my experience volunteering at the Bal Mela event.

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