I participated in a beach clean-up for my service experience. It was held every Sunday, starting from 24th November 2024 to 9th February 2025. I attended these sessions on 8th december and 12th & 26th January. It happened in 2 different location one was on Dumas Beach and another one was Navdi Ovaro. The objective of this initiative sought to maintain marine life, reduce pollution, and raise the public’s awareness of environmental responsibilities. Not only was the experience rewarding, but it also aided in developing my abilities, broad perspective, and teamwork. I addressed multiple CAS learning outcomes with this endeavor.
LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Getting up at 6:30 on a Sunday was not challenging for me, but in the freezing winter it felt almost unbearable and it felt like a battle against the warm bed and the comforting pull of sleep. There were several times where I wanted to quit. However I was aware that my time was being used to contribute meaningfully to a cause that would have a significant influence rather than being wasted on a pointless activity. While I was cleaning on-site, I made sure to collect all the trash I was able to spot and clean a whole area before going on to the next. This event was possible because I was accompanied by my friends to motivate me and have fun.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
The clean up process was more effective and pleasurable when everyone worked together. As we were divided into pairs of two and worked together to distribute tasks, encourage one another, and share knowledge on environmental conservation. I discovered how crucial communication and teamwork are to reaching a common objective. Working together also gave everyone a feeling of shared achievement.
LO 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Collection of plastic waste is a crucial step in maintaining and restoring urban water bodies, which is in sync with the 6th Sustainable Development Goal: Clean Water and Sanitation. Cleanup initiatives in the community are an essential means of addressing global issues including social responsibility, public health, and environmental sustainability. These programs combat local waste pollution and support to broader global environmental objectives, such as reducing garbage and preservation of ecosystems.
LO 7: Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
During this event, I thought about the effects of human activity on the ecosystem. My commitment to reduce my ecological impact and inspire others to follow the same was reinforced when I noticed how much trash was on the beach. I grew more conscious of the ways that both individual and group activities, such as plastic litter and unsustainable consumption patterns, contribute to environmental destruction. Although cleaning up the beach was a small step but it was significant step, it caused me to consider the ethical concerns about our need to take into account the effects of our actions on future generations and to protect the natural ecosystems.
The beach cleanup was a valuable CAS experience that helped me grow and learn while also enabling me to give back to my community. It improved my perseverance, teamwork, and environmental awareness. Above all, it motivated me to take steps more to promote sustainability and manage waste disposal.
