Video link: https://youtu.be/t7lLuoBOXQc
Our non-profit focuses on helping the underprivelaged in as many ways as possible. We started out going to a girl’s orphanage and a small learning center for underprivelaged kids of labour workers who work on minimum wage, and doing fun activities like arts and crafts, dance, and playing games with them to create a memorable experience. Later, to create a bigger impact we first hosted a large bake sale to raise funds to conduct drives donating food packages and sanitary product as a small step towards zero hunger and improved sanitation which I feel is a pressing global issue. Additionally, we’d volunteered at a medical drive for children with Down syndrome, aiding them in managing the flow and keeping the kids entertained. As co-founder and head of communications, it was my job to reach out to as many NGOs as possible for a chance to help and more.
LO3 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
As co-founder and head of communications, I learned that initiating and planning each activity required careful coordination with various stakeholders. For the bake sale, we had to find a location, arrange ingredients, and manage volunteers for preparation. I also reached out to the head of Bubbles (an NGO
that supports children with Down Syndrome) to volunteer for their medical camp and inquire about our role. Despite some challenges—like forgetting to record our bake sale for social media and receiving responses from only a fraction of our 15–20 volunteers—we managed to adapt and keep our projects on track by finding temporary volunteers and still managing to be active in our social media.
LO4 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experience
Balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and university applications alongside running People First was challenging, but my dedication to the cause motivated me to persevere. There were times when deadlines piled up, yet I still set aside time to coordinate with NGOs, organize events, and manage volunteers. Even when participation from volunteers was inconsistent or resources were limited, I remained committed to ensuring our projects moved forward. For instance, during the food drive, when some volunteers dropped out last minute, we adjusted responsibilities and found last minute volunteers to make sure the drive succeeded. These experiences strengthened my perseverance, teaching me that meaningful service often requires problem-solving skills and deep commitment.
LO5 Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration was at the center of every initiative. Internally, I had to work closely with my co-founder and our social media head to communicate what future/current plans were or could be, as well as how to achieve our goals and ensure smooth events, along with what content to post and how best to reach our audience. Externally, I coordinated with orphanage owners, NGO leaders, and caterers to align our plans with their requirements. The most rewarding collaboration, however, was with the children we served. Whether it was through arts and crafts, dance, or games, our activities only succeeded because we worked together and adapted to their energy and enthusiasm. Although, communication was sometimes difficult especially when explaining new games or activities, but we found ways to make sure they understood everything so everyone could participate.
LO6 Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Through People First, I engaged with issues that extend beyond local communities. Food insecurity, lack of access to sanitation, and limited healthcare opportunities for differently abled children are part of broader global challenges recognized by the UN SDGs. Our food and sanitary product drives connect directly to the goal of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being, while our volunteer work with children with Down Syndrome raised awareness of healthcare inequality and inclusion. We plan on conducting food drives in this rural area (left img) where we also did arts and crafts with kids, and the ngo owner told us that due to the instability of their parents’ jobs, these kids often don’t have food to eat even once/twice a day. Hence, we aim to conduct food drives there as a small step towards their well-being.
Co-founding People First has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my CAS journey. It allowed me to step outside the classroom and take meaningful action to address real issues like hunger, lack of sanitation, and inequality. All of our activities helped develope leadership, adaptability, problem-solving, and communication skills that I will carry forward. Most importantly, I got to personally observe local and global issues, and make a small impact towards improving them and that perseverance and collaboration are key to making an impact. We hope to continue expanding People First and growing our reach in the future.
