During August and September 2024, our school organized a series of community service sessions. As part of this initiative, I participated in a six-session program where I taught various skills to underprivileged children from nearby SMC schools, helping them develop new abilities. My primary role in this project was to introduce the children to frisbee.
As a part of my community service requirement, I took the lead in managing the frisbee program, ensuring that the sessions were engaging and interactive. Every weekend for a month, students from disadvantaged backgrounds visited our school to learn and practice the sport. To make the experience enjoyable and dynamic, I not only taught them the fundamentals of frisbee but also mentored other volunteers in delivering effective training sessions.
Having played frisbee for five years as part of my school’s holistic development program, I have participated in multiple tournaments and gained significant experience in the sport. This community service project provided me with a meaningful opportunity to share my skills and passion for competitive team sports with children who had limited access to such activities. Witnessing their enthusiasm and progress throughout the sessions was incredibly rewarding.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was teaching a large group of students, as it was an entirely new experience for me. Explaining concepts to a few friends was quite different from instructing unfamiliar students in a new learning environment. At first, I struggled to communicate effectively, making the initial phase quite difficult. However, over time, I developed better strategies to manage the students, and in the process, my communication and critical thinking skills improved. The lessons became more engaging when my friends and I incorporated interactive activities, such as block-based addition exercises and multiplication games inspired by tic-tac-toe. This creative approach not only made learning more enjoyable but also allowed us to explore and develop innovative teaching methods together.
LO3 – Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience
Planning and organizing the frisbee practice sessions was both exciting and challenging. I began by collaborating with teachers and gathering the necessary equipment. To encourage teamwork and cooperation, I designed various drills and games that also helped develop fundamental skills. My primary goal was to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment where every student could learn and have fun.
LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance
This experience also gave me the opportunity to discuss broader concerns about young people in our community and their access to sports and recreational activities. I realized that these kids rarely had the chance to participate in such experiences. Providing them with opportunities to play and learn was incredibly important. I came to understand that supporting their growth is essential because they have the potential to achieve great things in the future.
A key aspect of my growth during this project was developing the IB Learner Profile attributes, particularly communication. Since the children were 9–10 years old and attended government schools, effective communication was essential. To ensure they fully understood the game, I adapted my approach by using their native languages, Gujarati and Hindi, which helped bridge the gap and make the sessions more engaging and accessible.
Overall, leading frisbee practices for children from disadvantaged schools was an incredibly rewarding experience. I took the initiative to plan and manage a meaningful CAS project, allowing me to recognize both my strengths and areas for growth while demonstrating perseverance and teamwork. More importantly, I reflected on the ethical aspects of my actions and engaged with significant social issues. This experience not only enhanced my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of how service can create a positive impact in our communities. Moving forward, I hope to find more opportunities to use sports as a tool to inspire and uplift others.