Garba has always been my favourite festival since it’s the one time of year that fills me with uncomplicated joy. Planning our school’s Garba Fest let me turn that personal happiness into a community celebration. I was happy to volunteer as a decor volunteer for this event which made me contribute to the event I adore. I faced real-world event challenges such logistics, crowd flow, and safety protocols which helped me learn how to convert a beloved tradition into a well-run, inclusive school event. Although I worked under people, I was able to ideate to my fullest potential.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
As a volunteer, I encountered several challenges that taught me new skills. One of the main difficulties was balancing between different responsibilities since sometimes I was needed to help with the entry flow, at other times with the distribution, and occasionally even stepping in to help with crowd management. Switching roles quickly while staying calm was not easy, but it helped me become more adaptable and responsive. During the event preparation, managing the decor, helping the core members with failed ideas, etc was very challenging.
Another challenge was dealing with moments of disorder, such as when participants were confused about where to stand or when a sound issue delayed the schedule. These situations required me to think on my feet, communicate clearly, and maintain a positive attitude. From this, I learned the skill of problem-solving in real time and gained confidence in managing small but important tasks that ensured the event didn’t lose its rhythm.
LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
Although my role was not the most visible, it required consistent commitment throughout the event. I had to be present well before the program started to help with the setup and stayed until the very end to assist in clearing up. There were moments when I felt tired, but I reminded myself of how important volunteers are in keeping everything running behind the scenes.
Perseverance also came in the form of staying engaged even when the tasks seemed repetitive. Handing out items, answering similar questions from participants, or standing at one place for registrations could feel monotonous, but my commitment to the event and my love for Garba kept me motivated. This experience taught me that perseverance often lies in doing the small, consistent things that make a big difference in the overall success of an event. Having ideas cancelled repeatedly was also a challenge that I overcame.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
Garba Fest showed me the true value of collaboration. As volunteers, we had to coordinate with each other constantly, dividing roles and covering for one another when needed. For example, when one person was busy handling an urgent situation, another had to step in to ensure that no area was left unattended. This taught me how much smoother things are when people trust and support each other.
Even though my contribution was small compared to the heads, I realized that volunteering is equally valuable. It gave me a sense of pride to know that my teamwork contributed to creating a joyful and successful festival for everyone.
LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
During Garba Fest, I became more aware of the ethical responsibility to reduce resource wastage. As volunteers, we handled items like food, water, and decorative materials. I noticed how easy it was for things to be wasted. For example, when leftover water cups and décor items were thrown away carelessly. This made me realize that even in a celebratory event, resource management is a crucial ethical consideration.
To address this, I consciously encouraged participants to be mindful. For instance, by reminding them to reuse water cups. I also tried to use supplies efficiently and avoid unnecessary duplication of materials. This experience taught me that the choices we make, even in small ways, affect sustainability. It made me reflect on how we can celebrate festivals joyfully while still being responsible with resources, an ethic that applies to both school events and society at large.
In conclusion, volunteering for Garba Fest was a meaningful experience because it combined my love for Garba with the satisfaction of contributing to a larger school event. Even though I wasn’t leading, I faced challenges that helped me develop adaptability and problem-solving skills, and I showed commitment by staying dedicated to my role throughout. Working collaboratively with other volunteers and acting ethically made me realise the value of even the smallest contributions in creating a safe, inclusive, and joyful celebration.
