Bal Mela was a unique and fulfilling experience where I volunteered to teach seventiles to children from government schools. My role was to teach them the game of seven tiles a traditional outdoor game that combines teamwork, strategy and agility. It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and excitement as they learned the game and engaged in friendly competition. Beyond just playing this experience allowed me to interact with the children, understand their perspectives and ensure that they had a fun and enriching time at the event.

LO3: Initiating and Planning a CAS experience

This experience connects with the third learning outcome (LO3) as it required me to initiate and plan a CAS experience effectively. Teaching a group of children who were unfamiliar with me and the game required careful planning. I had to consider how to communicate instructions clearly and in an engaging way to ensure that they understood the rules and could participate actively. Additionally given the limited time, I had to structure the session efficiently, explaining the rules and allowing ample time for them to play and enjoy it. Through this process I learned the importance of adapting my communication style based on my audience and making decisions to keep the session interactive and engaging.

LO6:  Engagement with issues of global significance.

This experience also connects with the sixth learning outcome (LO6) as it involved engagement with issues of global significance. Education and recreational activities play a crucial role in child development yet access to structured play and learning opportunities remains limited for underprivileged children worldwide. By participating in Bal Mela, I was able to contribute, in a small yet meaningful way, to bridging this gap. The game not only provided them with a fun learning experience but also encouraged teamwork, a skill that is valuable beyond the playground.