Before my engagement with the Robin Hood Army, I knew I would encounter situations that would challenge my viewpoints and ethics. I was excited but nervous about contributing positively to the lives of the students we would serve. During my time volunteering, I participated in 7-10 drives. These ranged from teaching sessions, distribution of stationery items, to the distribution of food items. Each drive required careful planning, organisation, and the collaborative effort of all volunteers involved.

LO3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Initiating and planning each CAS experience with the Robin Hood Army involved meticulous attention to detail and effective communication. From identifying community needs to scheduling drives and coordinating volunteer efforts, I learned to navigate logistical challenges and ensure smooth execution. By taking the initiative to organize and plan these activities, I honed my leadership skills and gained practical experience in project management, setting a strong foundation for future community engagement endeavors.

LO5 – Collaborative Skills and Benefits

The collaborative atmosphere was one of the first things I noticed during my volunteering experience. Teamwork was essential in efficiently organizing and executing the drives. From teaching students to distributing food and stationery, we had to work collectively to make sure our efforts reached as many people as possible. Through this, I realized the power of collective action and how it amplifies the impact we can have on the community.

LO6 – Global Significance

While the work we were doing was localized in Surat city, the issues we tackled—education inequality and food scarcity—are of global significance. I felt that our local actions were part of a broader global movement to alleviate poverty and improve education. This experience gave me a practical understanding of how grassroots initiatives can make a genuine impact on pressing global issues.

LO7 – Ethical Choices and Actions

In the process of volunteering, ethical considerations were always at the forefront. When distributing limited resources like food and stationery, we had to make sure they were allocated fairly and reached the students who needed them most. This experience made me think deeply about ethical distribution and the responsibility we have to ensure equality in the work we do. Moreover, we also took into consideration the sustainability of the items we distributed, aiming for eco-friendly options whenever possible.

CONCLUSION

This experience was both rewarding and eye-opening. It has instilled in me a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in charity work and the value of working collaboratively for the greater good. As I continue my educational journey, these invaluable experiences will serve as a guidepost for my future contributions to the community and the world.