CAS Blog: Bal Mela Experience

Event: Bal Mela
CAS Strands: Creativity, Activity, Service

Bal Mela was a truly enriching experience that allowed me to engage with children from government schools, offering them an opportunity to explore various activities in a joyful and inclusive environment. My role in the event was to teach the children how to hit and shoot a football, helping them develop basic coordination, balance, and confidence while ensuring they had fun.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this experience was witnessing the children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Many of them had never played football before, so guiding them through the basics and seeing their progress within a short period was incredibly fulfilling. Their excitement after successfully kicking the ball or scoring a goal was contagious and made the entire experience even more meaningful.

Connection to CAS Learning Outcomes:

1. LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
   Teaching football was a challenge as I had to break down a relatively simple skill into smaller, easy-to-understand steps for children who had never played before. I learned how to communicate effectively, using demonstrations and encouragement rather than technical explanations. This helped me develop patience and adaptability as I adjusted my teaching methods based on their responses.
2. LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
   Before the event, I had to prepare for my role by understanding how best to introduce football to young children. I discussed strategies with my peers and thought of engaging ways to teach them while keeping the session enjoyable. This planning helped ensure that the activity ran smoothly and that the children remained interested.
3. LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
   Teaching football was not a solo effort. I worked alongside my classmates to organize drills, provide feedback, and encourage the children. Collaboration was crucial in managing the group effectively and ensuring that each child got individual attention and motivation. By working together, we created a positive and inclusive learning environment.
4. LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
   The event highlighted educational and social inequalities, as many of the children lacked access to extracurricular activities like sports. Through this experience, I became more aware of the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. This reinforced my belief in the power of education and sports to bridge gaps and build confidence in young learners.

Reflection:

Bal Mela was not simply aimed at teaching the children football – it was about building a strong rapport with the children, stimulating their interest in learning, and most importantly, giving them a day filled with joy and new experiences. In the process, I learned how to communicate more effectively, how to exercise patience, and most importantly, how to appreciate the impact service initiatives have on people. Inspired by this experience, I am motivated to find more work where I can use my skills to seek community engagement in a more constructive manner.

EVIDENCE: