As part of our CAS trip, we visited Mokhamal Dang, a rural village, to gain firsthand insight into their lifestyle, culture, and challenges. At first, majority of us were not quite excited for the trip but over the course of our trip, we engaged in various activities such as preparing meals for students, interacting with local students, exploring the market system, and taking part in traditional art forms which we all didnt expect that we’d enjoy doing such tasks. This experience not only helped us understand rural life but also allowed us to develop new skills, collaborate as a team, and reflect on global issues such as education, financial practices, and sustainability.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.
During our stay, we faced various challenges that pushed us to develop new skills. Cooking meals for school students was a completely new experience, requiring us to work efficiently in a group setting. Bargaining for spices at the local market taught us negotiation skills, as we had to interact with vendors and ensure we got the best prices. Additionally, our early morning trek to witness the sunrise tested our endurance and resilience, making the breathtaking view even more rewarding.
LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience.
Throughout the trip, we remained committed to fully immersing ourselves in rural life. Every night, we participated in reflection sessions to analyze our learnings and experiences. One of the most rewarding tasks was completing a Warli painting, which took two days of dedication and patience. Despite the effort required, we stayed committed to ensuring it turned out well. The trip as a whole required perseverance, from adapting to a new environment to fully engaging in every planned activity.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.
Collaboration played a crucial role in this experience. We were divided into groups and assigned different responsibilities, such as purchasing spices from the market and buying anything we’d like to donate, which required teamwork and communication. Cooking meals together for students also strengthened our ability to work efficiently in a group. Beyond tasks, our class bonded in ways we never had before playing games, sharing experiences, and working on activities that required collective effort.
LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance.
Interacting with local students made us reflect on the differences in education and lifestyle between urban and rural communities. Many students lived in hostels while their parents worked in sugarcane farms for months, yet they expressed happiness and contentment with their lives. This highlighted the importance of education, social structures, and financial stability in shaping rural communities. As a small gesture, we brought nail polishes and lipsticks for the young girls, seeing their excitement and joy.
Our rural immersion trip to Mokhamal Dang was a truly enriching experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones. From learning new skills to working together as a team, we gained a deeper understanding of rural life and its challenges. This trip not only strengthened our resilience and adaptability but also helped us appreciate community, collaboration, and simple joys in everyday life.