Being in a rural setting brought its own set of challenges and numerous learning opportunities. Our CAS trip took us to Daang, a nearby rural area, where we explored the world of dairy organic farming. We learned about its importance, benefits, and current state, while participating in daily discussions on implementing ideas into practical solutions. From brainstorming necessary improvements in the area to learning various farming methods and becoming part of the local community, the experience was transformative. It perfectly embodied the three strands of Creativity, Activity, and Service. Here are some key insights from the experience:

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

Initially, I struggled to communicate with children due to a language barrier and a lack of familiarity, which made the kids hesitant to interact with us. However, as the day progressed, we managed to connect by serving them food and dedicating an extended teaching session on STEM subjects, giving each child personal attention. Gradually, they started engaging in our activities and playing with us. Our goal was not only to spend time with them but also to inspire them to value education and approach learning with enthusiasm. Through shared stories and experiences, we built a bond that we hope left a positive impression on them. This process taught me the importance of patience and how we cannot always expect things to go as planned.

LO3 – Initiate and Plan a CAS Experience

Planning was essential for conducting science experiments at a government school. Two days before the event, six of us who were keen on teaching science got together with our supervisor to brainstorm possible experiments. Many of our initial ideas were rejected due to resource limitations or because the concepts were too advanced for the children’s current syllabus. After consulting the school’s headmaster and our supervisor, we decided on demonstrating the concept of a projectile path.

LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance

Interacting with the Panchayat allowed me to apply my knowledge of global issues and suggest solutions to local problems. For example, the lack of cleanliness in Dang prompted me to question the Panchayat about their efforts to maintain hygiene along the riverside. Recognizing the importance of cleanliness, the village leader initiated a cleanup drive to remove plastic waste and ensure the area became a more sanitary and livable environment.

We also observed that while the region had many children, there was significant resistance to attending school. Despite government schools and some family support, many lacked motivation. In some households, families didn’t prioritize girls’ education, perpetuating cycles of poverty where children were expected to work on farms instead of studying. To address this, we proposed solutions in the Panchayat, such as tracking student attendance, offering midday meals, and providing higher education subsidies to encourage schooling. These measures aimed to ease financial burdens and motivate families to prioritize education over labor.

LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Through our rural immersion, we gained insight into how our actions and choices affect the community. In India, farmers are often seen as low-income earners and are not given the respect they deserve, despite agriculture being an essential and in-demand field. In contrast, farmers in countries like the USA are recognized as producers and highly respected for their contributions to society. Interactions with the Panchayat, farmers, and local residents of Daang helped us reflect on the ethical considerations behind our perceptions and actions. We realized the importance of respecting the people who sustain us and reevaluating how we interact with and view the agricultural community.

Final Reflections

This journey was a profound learning experience like no other. Adapting to the rural environment without the comforts we are used to was challenging, but it provided an invaluable opportunity to live like the locals, even temporarily. It instilled a deep sense of humility, allowing me to disconnect from external distractions and reflect on the immense challenges faced by communities worldwide.