During my CAS experience, I visited a Balashram, with the NGO founded in our school named Sowkind, where children of diverse age groups live and study. Most of them come from families facing financial hardship, with parents who are daily wage workers or unable to afford proper education. Spending time with these children was eye-opening, as I got to help them with studies, interact through games, and observe their eagerness to learn despite the challenges they face. It made me reflect on how privileged I am to have easy access to education, while also motivating me to give back to the community. The visit was both rewarding and challenging, as it required patience, empathy, and adaptability on my part.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Working with children of varied age groups and learning levels was a challenge. Some needed very basic guidance while others required more advanced explanations. Adapting my teaching methods and adjusting my communication style helped me develop new interpersonal and problem-solving skills, while also making the learning sessions more effective.

LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
Throughout the visit, I remained fully engaged with the children, committing my time and energy to ensure they felt supported. Even when some children found tasks difficult or were easily distracted, I persevered with patience, making sure everyone got attention and encouragement. This consistency helped me build a meaningful connection with them.

LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
This experience highlighted the global issue of poverty and unequal access to education. By interacting with the children at the Balashram, I became more aware of how these challenges affect individuals and communities, and why education is such a powerful tool for empowerment. It pushed me to think critically about these issues and my role in addressing them, even in small ways.