As part of my CAS creativity experience, I had the opportunity to contribute to Aabal Nahi Sabal, an NGO dedicated to empowering multi-disabled individuals by providing them with a space to create handmade products like bags and candles. Their mission is to bridge the gap between neurodivergent individuals and companies, ensuring that everyone has access to meaningful work opportunities. To support their initiative, I painted cloth bags to add a unique and artistic touch to their products, making them more appealing to buyers.

Reflection:

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Painting has always been a hobby of mine, but working on cloth bags was a completely new experience. I had to experiment with different fabric paints and brush strokes to ensure the colors were vibrant and long-lasting. Initially, I struggled with keeping my designs precise, as the texture of the fabric made it harder to control fine details. However, with practice, I adapted my technique by using softer brushes and layering colors carefully. This experience helped me develop my painting skills while also pushing me to be more patient and adaptable.

LO3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

This project was an initiative taken by my friends and me to support Aabal Nahi Sabal in making their handmade bags more unique and appealing. We came up with the idea to paint the bags to add a personal, artistic touch that could attract more buyers. Before starting, we discussed different design ideas, ensuring they were simple yet visually striking. We also planned how to divide the work efficiently so that each bag was painted with care while maintaining consistency. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, organization, and taking initiative to create something meaningful.

LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals for employment. Many of them struggle to find work due to societal prejudices, even though they are capable of learning and contributing meaningfully. By painting these bags, I was able to support their efforts in creating unique, handmade products that could attract more buyers, ultimately helping the NGO sustain its mission. It made me realize how small creative contributions can support larger causes and bring attention to important social issues.