Shilpa School for Special Children Reflection
Volunteering at Shilpa School for Special Children was one of the most heartwarming and eye-opening experiences I’ve had. We spent a few hours with the kids, playing games like dodgeball and volleyball and engaging them in fun activities like thumb painting. We also handed out balloons to each child, which brought so much joy to their faces. The kids were full of excitement and energy, and it was incredibly rewarding to see them so happy and engaged.
What made this experience even more special was the connection we built with the children in such a short time. Their genuine happiness and warmth touched me deeply, and it gave me a new perspective on life. Before leaving, we promised them that we would return, and that moment really solidified how much this experience meant to both the children and us as volunteers.
Connection with Learning Outcomes:
- LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth.
I realized that I have a natural ability to connect with children and make them feel comfortable. My patience and adaptability helped in engaging the kids in different activities. However, I also identified that I could work on improving my communication skills to better understand and cater to the specific needs of the children. - LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.
Interacting with children with different needs required me to adjust my approach and be more sensitive to their emotions and responses. I learned how to create a comfortable and engaging environment for them while ensuring that everyone felt included and valued. - LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience.
Spending time with the children required patience and focus. Ensuring that every child was involved and having fun meant that I had to stay engaged and responsive throughout the session. My commitment to making the experience enjoyable for them kept me motivated. - LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.
Working alongside other volunteers helped us manage the activities more effectively. We supported each other in organizing the games, handing out balloons, and guiding the children during thumb painting. The teamwork made the session more structured and enjoyable for the kids. - LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions.
Volunteering at Shilpa School made me more aware of the importance of treating everyone with respect and dignity. We ensured that every child had an equal opportunity to participate and feel valued, reinforcing the need for inclusivity and fairness in all our actions.
This experience was not only heartwarming but also transformative. It opened my eyes to a part of life I hadn’t seen before and taught me the importance of empathy, patience, and understanding. The genuine smiles of the children made it one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
