Bal mela is an exciting and impactful event organised by the school to help underprivileged children have some moment of joy and form memories in their lives. In this event we basically focused on playing with them and also making them play different games, sport and arts for a laughter evening. I was responsible for making them play musical chairs. A game which they really enjoyed. We played several rounds and also rewarded the childrens who won the game. This allowed us to interact better with the children and put a smile on their faces. 

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience.

Organizing and managing the Musical Chairs game required careful planning and initiative. Before the event, I had to ensure we had enough chairs, space, and music equipment to facilitate smooth gameplay. I also had to think about ways to keep the children engaged, as their excitement levels were high, and ensuring fairness in the game was crucial. During the event, I took the lead in explaining the rules, organizing rounds, and keeping the energy lively. Additionally, I had to manage minor conflicts when some children felt they had been eliminated unfairly, teaching me the importance of patience and quick decision-making. Through this experience, I learned how to take responsibility for an activity, think on my feet, and create an engaging atmosphere where every child felt included and valued.

LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance. 

Bal Mela is an event that highlights the broader issue of social inequality and access to recreational activities for underprivileged children. Around the world, many children lack opportunities for play and leisure due to financial struggles, lack of infrastructure, or difficult living conditions. Play is an essential part of childhood, contributing to emotional, social, and cognitive development. By participating in this event, I became more aware of the importance of equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background. Engaging with these children first hand made me realize that even small actions—like organizing a game—can have a meaningful impact on their happiness and well-being. It reinforced the importance of giving back to the community and recognizing the privileges and resources we often take for granted.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

As a volunteer, I had a responsibility to ensure that my actions during the event were ethical, fair, and inclusive. One of the key ethical considerations was ensuring that every child had an equal chance to participate and enjoy the game. Some children were naturally more competitive, while others were shy or hesitant to join. I had to actively encourage inclusivity, ensuring that no child felt left out or discouraged. Additionally, fairness was essential in Musical Chairs, as some children became emotional when eliminated. I had to ensure that the rules were applied consistently and that no one felt cheated or mistreated. Moreover, distributing prizes fairly was another ethical responsibility—I made sure that rewards were given in a way that celebrated participation and effort, not just winning. This experience helped me understand how ethical decision-making plays a role even in seemingly simple situations, reinforcing the importance of fairness, respect, and responsibility in all actions.