The trip to Mokamal was a unique and eye-opening experience. Staying in a remote village disconnected from modern city life allowed us to witness a completely different way of living. We interacted with the local community, especially the students, and gained meaningful insights into their daily lives. Surrounded by nature and fresh air, the experience was refreshing and helped us develop skills and perspectives we wouldn’t usually gain in the city.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

The trip gave me time to reflect on myself and discover personal strengths I hadn’t fully recognized before. I realized I’m quite good at self-management and teamwork. During the grocery run, for example, I helped bargain with local vendors and maintained respectful communication, which improved my interpersonal skills. However, communicating in Gujarati language was difficult for me, as I am inept in that. Preparing meals for the schoolchildren also helped me develop practical collaboration and time-management abilities—skills I hadn’t explored in this kind of environment before.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

This experience brought many challenges, from adapting to early mornings to adjusting to minimal facilities. Living outside my comfort zone taught me to be more resilient. Whether it was cooking for the hostel students, bargaining in the local market, or distributing clothes and books to children, each task required quick thinking and problem-solving. Through these activities, I gained a deeper understanding of social issues and learned that even small efforts can make a meaningful difference.

LO3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

We started by identifying the community’s basic needs, such as food, clothing, and school supplies. As a team, we gathered donations, organized resources, and divided tasks to ensure everything was well-managed. From coordinating transportation to budgeting for groceries, every step required planning and teamwork. This experience made it clear how essential good preparation is for any successful project—especially one meant to support others.

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Even when things got tiring, we remained committed to the goals we had set. Whether it was collecting donations, preparing meals, or distributing materials to the children, we stayed focused and motivated. There were moments of exhaustion and stress, but seeing the kids smile made all the effort feel worthwhile. It reminded me that consistency and dedication are key to creating a lasting impact.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

The success of the trip depended entirely on teamwork. We coordinated every task, from shopping and cooking to organizing donations, by relying on clear communication and mutual trust. Everyone played their part, and we supported each other whenever challenges came up. This experience showed me how effective collaboration can make even complex tasks manageable and enjoyable.

LO6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Spending time with children who had limited access to basic resources made global issues like poverty and educational inequality feel very real. It made me reflect on the privileges I often take for granted. Donating simple items like water bottles and books had a visible impact on their day. It reminded me that contributing to global challenges doesn’t always require something big—small actions can also create change.

LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Throughout the trip, we were conscious of acting responsibly—whether it was dealing fairly with local vendors, distributing donations respectfully, or cooking with care for the children. These tasks reminded me that our actions, no matter how small, carry weight. Doing the right thing, even when it’s not expected, is what ensures a positive and meaningful outcome for everyone involved.