For me, the Staff Garba Fest was an amazing experience—not just as an occasion, but also as a project that pushed me, expanded my skill set, and strengthened my appreciation for teamwork and cultural heritage. As the primary organiser, it was my duty to oversee all aspects of the event, from volunteer management to décor, making sure that everyone had a smooth and joyful day. I was really impacted by this creative, collaborative, and introspective journey.

L1: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Growth
Leading the Staff Garba Fest made me aware of a number of strengths I wasn’t previously aware of. I discovered that I was good at making posters and carrying them out with design. But I also recognised areas where I could improve, especially in time management and balancing my project’s obligations with schoolwork. These realisations inspired me to improve my assigning and time management abilities so that subsequent projects go even more smoothly.

L3: Initiating and Planning a CAS Experience

As the project lead, I oversaw the Garba Fest from beginning to end, which needed careful planning. This involved coming up with ideas for the event, creating decorations, finding volunteers for the food and activity booths, and working with the school administration to get permissions and arrange logistics. I learnt from this experience how crucial it is to divide a big project into smaller, more manageable jobs, set deadlines, and foresee expected obstacles.

L5: Demonstrating Skills and Benefits of Working Collaboratively

The success of the Staff Garba Fest highlighted the power of collaboration and teamwork. While I took the lead on the project, it was the combined effort of the entire team that truly brought the event to life. From designing the flyer and creating the playlist to managing the stalls and coordinating setup and cleanup, everyone contributed in meaningful ways. This experience reinforced the importance of communication, as it allowed me to trust in others’ strengths, seek their input, and appreciate diverse perspectives. Working together in this way also enhanced our sense of community, underscoring how effective communication—one of the key qualities of a good communicator—can turn a vision into reality.

L7: Recognizing and Considering the Ethics of Choices and Actions

As the leader, I was conscious of the moral considerations involved in planning the event. This involved establishing reasonable prices at the stalls, making sure everyone felt welcome, and managing resources sensibly to reduce waste in order to ensure inclusivity. Additionally, I emphasised the value of volunteers respecting one another and working as a team, which helped to create a happy and encouraging environment during the event. The Staff Garba Fest was more than just a festival; it was an incredible experience that helped me develop as a team player, leader, and person.In addition to deepening my understanding of cultural customs, this project gave me the courage and resolve to face obstacles head-on.