Experience Description:
As part of the school’s Bal Mela event, I was responsible for handling the origami stall, where I taught children how to make different paper crafts, including butterflies, hearts, and flowers. The event was organised to bring together children from various socio-economic backgrounds, offering them a day filled with learning, creativity, and fun activities.
Our goal was to create a welcoming and interactive environment where students could explore art, learn new skills, and enjoy the process of making something with their own hands. Preparing for the event required us to plan the activities carefully, practice the origami models, and arrange materials like colored paper and instructions beforehand.
This experience was a blend of creativity, teaching, collaboration, and community engagement.

Learning Outcomes Achieved:

LO1: Identifying Own Strengths and Developing Areas for Growth
I realized that one of my strengths was clear communication. I was able to explain the steps simply and demonstrate the folds in a way that the children could follow. However, I also noticed that my patience needed improvement. Some students struggled to understand the folds, and I had to repeat instructions multiple times. Over time, I learned to slow down, stay calm, and adapt my teaching style based on each child’s pace of learning.

LO2: Demonstrating That Challenges Have Been Undertaken and New Skills Developed
Handling the stall was challenging because there were many students at once, each with different skill levels. Some were quick learners, while others needed individual attention. Initially, it was overwhelming to manage everyone, but I quickly learned how to organize the activity flow, provide instructions step-by-step, and encourage peer learning by asking faster learners to help others.
I also developed teaching and leadership skills, learning how to engage an audience, explain concepts effectively, and make the activity enjoyable while maintaining order.

LO3: Initiating and Planning a CAS Experience
Planning the stall required initiative and preparation. Before the event, I practised making various origami designs, decided which models would be easy for beginners, and prepared visual step-by-step guides to make the process simpler. I also coordinated with the organising team to arrange materials like colored papers and markers.
This taught me the importance of planning, anticipating challenges, and preparing solutions to ensure smooth execution on the event day.

LO4: Showing Commitment and Perseverance in CAS Experiences
Managing the stall throughout the day was physically and mentally demanding. There were constant waves of students coming in, and I had to demonstrate the folding techniques repeatedly without losing energy or enthusiasm. Despite feeling tired, I stayed committed because I wanted the children to have a memorable experience and leave with something they created themselves.
This experience taught me that dedication and consistency are key to making an event successful.

LO5: Demonstrating Skills and Recognising the Benefits of Working Collaboratively
Even though I was responsible for leading the origami stall, this experience required teamwork. I collaborated with my peers to divide tasks; some handled crowd management, others distributed materials, while I focused on teaching. This division of roles helped us manage the stall efficiently, even during peak hours.
I also worked closely with the Bal Mela organising committee, ensuring our stall setup aligned with the overall event plan. Through this, I learned that collaboration leads to better time management, creativity, and problem-solving.

LO6: Demonstrating Engagement with Issues of Global Significance
Bal Mela was attended by students from varied socio-economic backgrounds, including children who do not have regular access to creative learning opportunities. Through this experience, I understood the importance of promoting inclusive education and giving every child a chance to explore art and creativity.
Engaging with these students made me reflect on educational inequality, which is a global issue. While origami may seem like a small skill, activities like these spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage learning beyond traditional academics.

LO7: Recognizing and Considering the Ethics of Choices and Actions
Working with young students required sensitivity and ethical responsibility. We ensured that every child felt included, respected, and supported — regardless of their skill level or background. I made sure to encourage students instead of correcting them harshly, keeping the environment positive and non-judgmental.
This experience taught me the importance of cultural sensitivity, empathy, and fairness when interacting with diverse groups of people.

Final Reflection:
Handling the origami stall at Bal Mela was an incredibly fulfilling CAS experience. It allowed me to express creativity, develop teaching and leadership skills, and engage meaningfully with children from different backgrounds. I learned to adapt under pressure, collaborate effectively, and manage responsibilities independently.
More importantly, this experience helped me grow as a person, becoming more patient, empathetic, and socially aware. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces when they successfully made their butterflies and hearts made every effort worthwhile.
Bal Mela reinforced my belief that small acts of teaching and sharing knowledge can create a lasting impact on others and ourselves.