We visited different ashrams where we not only donated food packets but also engaged in meaningful activities to create joy and connection. We used the money raised during Pi Day to purchase some of the food items and books we distributed. To make a bigger impact beyond just giving, we also set up donation boxes throughout our school and encouraged participation from both students and teachers. Once the items were collected, we visited the ashrams and distributed the food. In one ashram, we made children danced and interacted with them, while in another, we played games and spent time talking with them. This experience showed me that giving is not limited to financial contributions,it is also about sharing time, spreading happiness, building bonds, and creating a sense of belonging for the people we interacted with.

LO 1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
During the ashram visits, I realized that I am comfortable engaging with children and enjoy organizing activities that bring people together. At the same time, I noticed that I need to improve my time management and coordination skills to ensure that activities run more smoothly. Reflecting on this helped me recognize my personal strengths while identifying areas where I can grow.

LO 2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process : Interacting with residents from different backgrounds and age groups was a challenge at first, as I had to adapt my communication style and think on my feet to keep everyone engaged. By playing games, dancing, and having conversations with them, I developed social, leadership, and problem-solving skills that I had not fully explored before.

LO 3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience:

Planning the visits involved coordinating donations, organizing activities, and ensuring that all logistics were in place. Taking the initiative to plan effectively taught me the importance of preparation, teamwork, and foresight when running a service activity.

LO 5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively:

I worked closely with my peers to set up donation boxes across the school, encourage participation, and engage with residents at the ashrams. This collaboration helped me see how sharing responsibilities and supporting each other leads to a more successful and impactful outcome.

LO 6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance:

Through spending time with underprivileged communities, I became more aware of social inequalities and the importance of community service. This experience helped me understand that even small acts of kindness, like sharing food and time, can contribute to addressing broader social issues.

LO 7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions:

?Distributing food and interacting with the residents required thoughtful decision-making to ensure fairness and respect for everyone. I reflected on the ethical implications of my actions and learned how even simple choices can have a meaningful impact on others’ lives.