The Abal Nahi Sabal project lasted for a few months. This form of service was about helping specially challenged people and their NGO create bags for them to earn. Their NGO sells handmade bags with beautiful paintings on them, the works are creative and unique. I got the opportunity to paint the bags for them to sell. I have had my interest in paintings for a very long time, I have painted since I can remember but it had been a while since I had done it because of academics. So with my skills and learnings I was able to help those in need. Through this activity I got the chance to overcome global issues, make ethical choices for the better and learn perseverance.
LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
LO 4 : The project lasted for 3 months and we had to visit each week twice and work there for 4-5 hours each time along with the time we spent at home to continue painting. The work was tiring as we had to paint over 10 bags with different sizes and unique styles or designs. We were on a time constraint so it was important to manage my time rather than procrastinate. This service helped me improve my perseverance and make me more committed to my work as I was successfully able to complete all of them with precision. There were a lot of times where I procrastinated and was exhausted from coming up with designs which took around 30 min – 1 hr. To spend time doing research and put thoughts into action and continuing the same process for 3 months tested my commitment. After this service not only did I help the people but also showed commitment to perseverance in this CAS experience.
LO 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
LO 6 : The Abal Nahi Sabal initiative addresed the global issue of disability inclusion, by empowering specially challenged individuals through employment. At the NGO the painters are all specially challenged people who find it difficult to survive due to outcasting or disrespect they face everyday. By painting bags for their NGO, I contributed to their financial independence, aligning with the SDG goals as well. My artistic skills supported sustainability, I actively participated in reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting decent work (SDG 8). Through another perspective, the bags I painted were paper bags and jute bags which are sustainable for the environment. Through these actions we are reducing the consumption of plastic bags. I am painting bags to make them look more attractive to lure customers to buy the products and choose sustainable alternatives. My service was engaged with two significant global issues: inequalities and unsustainability.
LO 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
LO 7 : In the service it required me to make ethical choices to fulfill my responsibility towards the people and environment. My choice to contribute to their business of making bags benefitted the specially challenged individuals. I used my personal talents for the greater good of society. I did not just help but I reinforced my understanding of fairness, inclusivity and sustainability. The ethical choices and actions were towards the environment as well, my small action to help them paint can help reduce plastic and therefore reduce climate change. These small steps and ethical decisions can positively influence people.
