LO1: Identifying My Strengths and Areas for Growth

Taking part in Anand Utsav, a festival for underprivileged communities, was one of the most heartwarming experiences I have had. I spent the day organizing fun games and activities for children from different backgrounds. Through this, I became more aware of my emotional strength in empathy — I was able to connect with the children easily, understand their joy, and share in their excitement. However, I also recognized that I needed to work on developing greater patience, especially when managing energetic groups of children who each required attention and care. This awareness helped me grow more mindful about how to balance compassion with composure in social settings.

LO2: Demonstrating That Challenges Have Been Undertaken and New Skills Developed

Handling large groups of excited children was definitely a challenge, especially when trying to keep everyone engaged and safe at the same time. I had to think quickly, adapt my communication, and find creative ways to keep the activities running smoothly. Through this process, I developed interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, as I learned how to maintain order while ensuring that everyone felt included. By the end of the day, I found myself more confident in managing unpredictable situations and more capable of staying calm under pressure.

LO3: Initiating and Planning Activities

Being responsible for organizing games for the children gave me an opportunity to plan, coordinate, and execute meaningful experiences from start to finish. I had to ensure that the activities were safe, age-appropriate, and enjoyable for everyone. Taking initiative in this way taught me how much effort and thought go into event organization — from managing materials to adjusting plans on the spot. It was rewarding to see the smiles and laughter that resulted from something I helped create.

LO4: Showing Commitment and Perseverance

Throughout the event, I realized that true commitment means staying dedicated even when things become tiring or chaotic. It took determination and focus to remain motivated during long hours, especially when children’s attention spans fluctuated or plans changed unexpectedly. Yet, seeing their happiness gave me energy and purpose. I learned that perseverance isn’t just about enduring — it’s about continuing to give your best effort because the impact matters.

LO5: Working Collaboratively with Others

This experience also emphasized the importance of teamwork and cooperation. I worked alongside fellow volunteers, and we had to rely on each other constantly — from dividing responsibilities to stepping in when someone was overwhelmed. Effective collaboration made the entire event run smoothly and ensured that every child had a positive experience. I discovered that great teamwork requires both trust and adaptability, and that helping others in a shared cause can create powerful bonds.

LO6: Engagement with Global Issues

Anand Utsav opened my eyes to broader issues of inequality and social development. Spending time with children from underprivileged communities made me realize how access to joy, education, and opportunity still varies widely. It made me appreciate how social events like this contribute, even in small ways, to promoting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. This experience inspired me to think about how I can continue supporting initiatives that bring inclusion and happiness to communities that need it most.