“The Robin Hood Army (RHA) is a charitable organization dedicated to tackling the challenges of food wastage and hunger in India and beyond. RHA functions entirely through volunteers, who collaborate as individuals or in groups to gather surplus food from restaurants, coffee shops, and similar establishments. They subsequently distribute this food to individuals facing food insecurity. Additionally, RHA strives to provide basic education opportunities for disadvantaged students living in impoverished areas.
My involvement in RHA as part of my CAS experience has deepened my understanding of a significant global problem. Engaging with RHA has underscored the critical importance of resolving these issues to pave the way for a brighter future for our nation.
Learning Outcomes:
LO 2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
In the beginning, I struggled to allocate time to a task that didn’t initially spark my interest. However, as I developed a genuine passion for helping the less fortunate, I found it easier to dedicate more of my time to this service. Collaborating with fellow volunteers to support those in need not only enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills but also honed my time management abilities. This was particularly challenging as I had to juggle volunteering alongside demanding academic commitments and impending deadlines.
LO 4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
This was my inaugural experience engaging with an organization like the Robinhood Army for the betterment of society. Initially, my involvement was driven by the requirement to fulfill my CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) commitment through participation in food drives. However, as I invested more time, I recognized the potential to positively impact a larger number of individuals. What began as a short-term endeavor evolved into several months of dedicated service within the group, leading to a meaningful contribution to society. My leisure hours soon became intertwined with the Robinhood Army, as I found immense satisfaction in volunteering and supporting their cause.
LO 5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
After just one month, I earned a promotion to the role of a ‘robin,’ as I mentioned earlier. In this capacity, I had the responsibility of closely collaborating with numerous fellow volunteers. Our teamwork played a vital role in identifying suitable venues and securing sponsors for our drives. The synergy that emerged from our joint efforts made the tasks more streamlined and effective for all involved. Consequently, we were able to efficiently organize drives that accommodated a growing number of volunteers.
LO 6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
During the event, I gained a broader perspective on the significance of the local issue in my region within the context of global concerns. The concept of “Zero Hunger and Quality Education” has been recognized as a sustainable development objective, encompassing vital themes. As a volunteer with the Robinhood Army, I actively engaged in activities and initiatives aligned with the overarching mission of promoting “Zero Hunger and Quality Education.
