Description of the Experience
For my CAS project, my team and I focused on menstrual health awareness and sustainable pad-making. Over four months, we organized and led a project that involved:
- Two hands-on sessions where we learned and practiced making eco-friendly sanitary pads.
- Producing a large number of pads ourselves, ensuring they were clean, safe, and comfortable.
- Distributing these pads to students in three different schools in underprivileged communities.
- Conducting awareness sessions in these schools to break taboos surrounding menstruation, educate students on menstrual hygiene, and encourage open dialogue.
This project allowed us to address both a social and health-related issue, while simultaneously applying planning, creativity, and teamwork.
Learning Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
During the project, I recognized my strength in public speaking and leading group discussions, which was useful during the awareness sessions. However, I also realized that my crafting and stitching skills needed improvement, as making the pads required precision and patience. Over time, with practice during the two making sessions, my skills improved, and I became more efficient.
Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
This project was filled with challenges—from learning to make pads properly to ensuring they met hygiene standards, to coordinating with schools for distribution. I developed new practical skills like stitching and layering the pads correctly, and soft skills such as communicating about sensitive topics with younger students. Overcoming initial awkwardness while discussing menstruation in public was a significant personal growth point for me.
Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate how to plan and initiate a CAS experience
Our team planned this project from scratch. We started with research on reusable pad-making techniques, identified resource people to guide us in the making process, and scheduled two making workshops. We then contacted three schools, coordinated visits, and structured our awareness sessions to suit the age group and context. Creating a timeline and allocating responsibilities among team members taught us how to execute a long-term initiative effectively.
Learning Outcome 4: Show commitment and perseverance in CAS experiences
The four-month duration required consistent dedication. There were times when attendance at making sessions was low, or school visits had to be rescheduled. We stayed committed, rearranged plans when needed, and continued production until we met our distribution goals. Balancing this project with academic responsibilities taught me perseverance and time management.
Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
This project was entirely team-based. Everyone brought different strengths—some were good at making the pads, some at coordinating logistics, and others at presenting during awareness sessions. We collaborated closely, divided tasks effectively, and supported each other through challenges. Working as a team helped us achieve far more than we could have individually, and it also built a sense of shared purpose.
Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Menstrual health is a global issue, with millions of individuals lacking access to affordable sanitary products and facing social stigma. By making and distributing pads and conducting awareness sessions, we contributed in a small but meaningful way to promoting menstrual hygiene, gender equality, and education, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals such as Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5).
Learning Outcome 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
We made sure to approach this project ethically and sensitively. While discussing menstruation, we ensured privacy, respect, and cultural sensitivity. We also chose to make reusable pads to promote environmental sustainability and affordability. Before distributing, we made sure the pads were properly sterilized and packaged. All actions were taken keeping the dignity and comfort of the recipients in mind.
This CAS project has been one of the most impactful experiences of my IBDP journey. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, acquire new skills, engage with real social issues, and lead meaningful conversations. Seeing the positive response from the students during awareness sessions and knowing that our pads could make a tangible difference was deeply fulfilling. This experience has not only developed my leadership and collaborative skills but also made me more socially aware and responsible.
