Divyang is an NGO that works towards teaching blind students the game of football. I go there every Sunday as the founder of this NGO. It has taught me several new skills and developed me as a person.
LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
As the founder of Divyang, I have recognized my strengths in leadership, empathy, and adaptability. Leading training sessions every Sunday has helped me develop strong communication skills, ensuring that instructions are clear and effective for visually impaired children. However, I also identified areas for growth, such as improving my patience and teaching techniques to better cater to the needs of each child. This experience has taught me how to adapt coaching strategies to suit different learning paces, making the sessions more impactful.
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Working with blind children in a physically demanding sport like football comes with unique challenges. One major challenge was developing a training method that allows children to understand and navigate the game without visual cues. Over time, I learned to incorporate verbal instructions, sound cues, and touch-based guidance to improve their skills. Additionally, organizing sessions, managing equipment, and ensuring a safe playing environment have strengthened my problem-solving and organizational skills.
LO3: Initiate and plan a CAS experience
As the founder, I took the initiative to establish Divyang, bringing together volunteers and resources to create a structured football training program for blind children. This involved planning weekly sessions, coordinating with volunteers, and organizing events to raise awareness and funds. I also worked on securing necessary equipment, such as audible footballs, and collaborated with experts to improve training methods.
LO4: Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience
Teaching football to visually impaired children requires consistent effort, patience, and long-term commitment. Every Sunday, I dedicate time to training the children, ensuring they receive regular practice and motivation. There were times when progress seemed slow or when external challenges, such as weather conditions or lack of resources, made sessions difficult. However, my commitment to the cause kept me going, and seeing the children grow in confidence and skill has been incredibly rewarding.
LO5: Demonstrate skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Running Divyang would not be possible without teamwork. Collaborating with volunteers, coaches, and supporters has been essential in making the initiative successful. I learned how to delegate tasks, coordinate efforts, and communicate effectively to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, working with the children has reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and mutual trust, strengthening my ability to collaborate in diverse environments.
LO6: Engagement with global issues
The inclusion of visually impaired individuals in sports is a global issue, as accessibility in athletics is often limited. Through Divyang, I am addressing this issue by creating opportunities for blind children to engage in football, a sport they typically have little access to. This experience has also made me more aware of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, inspiring me to advocate for inclusive sports programs on a larger scale.
LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
As a leader, I have to ensure that my actions uphold fairness, inclusivity, and ethical responsibility. Organizing sessions responsibly, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children, and making ethical decisions regarding resource allocation are all aspects that I carefully consider. I also ensure that our activities respect the dignity and rights of every child, fostering an environment of equal opportunity and encouragement.
