This year I was able to become involved in Bal Mela, a community service event which was implemented into the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) initiative and program. The purpose of the program is to provide a fun filled day for s children studying in government schools. It is also mandatory for an IB DP student to complete CAS and Bal Mela was much more than that for me. It was a wonderful and heart touching experience that left a great impression on both myself and the children.
LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
As a volunteer in several events, I was also able to properly manage my time while being able to watch over activities I am in charge of. This enabled me to make sure that none among the games which had been posted on my list had any problem for instance, shortage of resources, the need for medical attention or discipline problems.
LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
Playing games with children was not very hard, however the most difficult thing was trying to interact with them. I and the other two volunteering for the activity could not even converse in our most fluent language, which made it really hard to describe the rules of the game. We had no option rather than seek help from their school teachers and tutors. The most difficult was organizing and conducting the activities since they required their adaption to the children’s desires and demands. But, yes, at Bal Mela I was able to boost the leadership and communication skills, which are closely related to the future work.
LO 5: Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
This activity made me work with my fellow volunteers as well as the kids in a very close manner. All assignments were shared equally so that there would be no hitches in the game and no insecurities that would bring disharmony in the little ones. We also decided that it was being monotonous to have some of us sticking to certain duties and so we had to change the order from time to time to increase the fun and flow of the game.
LO 6: Engagement with issues of global significance
The problem that has emerged globally is the low rates of child care facilities and possibilities for children with fewer opportunities to grow in a low income household. The Bal Mela event covers this by creating an opportunity for these children to improve in all ramifications through both games, sports and art. These activities also help to develop essential values of life, for example, work in team, gaining necessary experience in communications and creativity.
The entire event I must conclude was an eye opener as regards the need for people to engage in community service. It changed me in a way that I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and be able to relate to the needy. It heart-warming to watch the children and look at their faces full of joy as they played the games. It emphasized the truth of how a number small random acts can make a large difference to people in some random manner. Bal Mela was a perfect example of CAS in the aspects of activity and service; however, it also left me a feeling of social responsibility and willingness to contribute towards society. Hence, as IB DP students we are privileged to be able to continue to exercise those skills and that know-how for the benefit of creating a positive impact in the world. Bal Mela was my first experience of this sort and I am looking forward for similar events in future.
