We embarked on a week-long immersion to Sankheda not for leisure, but for profound learning. This journey was more than just a change of scenery; it was a purposeful dive into a new environment, an experiment where I aimed to build resilience, discover the value of teamwork, and awaken a global perspective. I demonstrated all the three strands of CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Learning Outcome 1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:

As an introvert, Opening up and sharing my thoughts with people is very challenging for me. This trip to Sankheda has helped me open up with everybody including my friends, teachers and even strangers. Activities like interaction with locals and ashramshala students helped me understand the challenges faced by them. It made me realise how privileged I am but still not happy with what I have and on the other hand, they are grateful even after not having the basic needs.

Learning Outcome 4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience:

On the 2nd and 3rd day, we were supposed to harvest a field and sow. It was my first time doing it and I was not good at it but after several tries and help from the farmers, I was able to plant a seed perfectly. On the same days we visited their gaushala, farms and the milk processing unit under the scorching sun. Learning about the seasonal crops, milk production, milk packaging and their gaushala under the scorching sun was very tiring for me but still I paid attention towards the farmers to gain knowledge.

Learning Outcome 5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively:

On the 4th day, we were supposed to explore the entire rural area and interact with the locals. Everybody was distributed into teams and were told to visit a specific part of the whole rural area. Everybody in our team was ready with their own set of questions which we were going to ask the locals and note down their responses in our booklet. The only language they spoke was Gujarati and since only 2 members from our team knew Gujarati, they were translating our questions to them and then their answers to us. Secondly, on the 5th day, we were distributed in three teams of sports, arts and science. I was a part of the sports team, we were supposed to come up with some unique games which we can teach the ashramshala students and play with them. We played games like standing kho-kho, dodgeball, dog and the bone and penalties. These games were new to them and they enjoyed them very much.

Learning Outcome 6 – Engagement with issues of global significance:

After interacting with the locals, we found out that there is a huge difference between urban and rural areas considering the infrastructure, opportunities, education, safety and resources available. In the case of any medical emergencies, they were supposed to travel 15-20 kilometers to reach a hospital. They used to eat whatever they used to grow in their farms and their children were forced to join school only because an NGO provides proper food and water for the children in the school. Education was available only till 8th class, for higher education the students have to travel to the cityside everyday. Most of the children preferred working in the farms instead of acquiring quality education because of fear and lack of money. Secondly, on the same day a panchayat was scheduled with the committee of the village. They told us that there was a scheme implemented by the government in which the government will make permanent dwellings for the locals living in the rural area but none of them got a permanent dwelling, some houses were left in between of the construction and some didn’t even started. These problems are aligned with the sustainable goals such as “Zero Hunger”, “Good health and well-being”, “Quality Education” and “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”.

Learning Outcome 7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions:

As this trip was mandatory and I didn’t have any other choice instead of attending the trip, I was a bit hesitant to live in a rural area for a week. 4 students shared 1 room with no fan and all of us slept on the floor. Living in such conditions with lots of mosquitoes and spiders was a very challenging task. I had no problem with the food which was served to us because I love regular Indian food. Each and every variety of food served was very tasty. On the 5th day, I chose to be on the sports team because I love to play sports and games. My favourite sport is football, so me and my friends came up with some games which could include football and then we played it with the ashramshala students. After playing games with the kids, it was the time for their lunch and we were asked if anyone wants to volunteer for serving food to the kids. Many of us volunteered including me. After lunch, we distributed bottles and tiffins to all of them as a gift. Despite this being a mandatory trip, it taught me many things about their daily life and most importantly it made me grateful for what I have.