Seven days, six nights, endless memories. Lachhakadi is a small village in Gujarat, India which I had never even heard about before this trip. From a third person view, when I first looked at the itenary, I had no idea it would turn into such a unique and memorable experience. In all honesty, I did have second thoughts before going, but I cannot be any happier that despite all the doubts, I did go. Each day was a new adventure, a new activity waiting for us to be explored which fell into either of the three categories – Creativity, activity or service.

LO 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Our itenary had loads of interesting activities, from warli painting to trekking, each activity was one of its kind. Each experience taught us something new, where some taught us patience, some taught precision. One of these activities was painting the school wall. We were approximately 40 students who collectively within a three-days time period completed painting a school wall and gate which was due to be painted for a long time now. I was unbelievable how fun yet fast the process went and all that was because of working together.

LO 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
During one of our CAS activities, I had the opportunity to interact with children from a government school, playing games with them and preparing a lighthearted skit to bring smiles to their faces. This experience not only allowed me to connect with the children but also made me reflect on the broader global issue of inequality in access to education and resources. By spending time with them and donating toys and other essential items, we addressed a small part of this larger issue. This aligns with CAS learning outcome 6, as it highlights our engagement with the significant global challenge of educational disparities. The experience reminded me how meaningful small actions can be in contributing to a more equitable world.

LO 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
While participating in this activity, I became more aware of the ethical responsibility that comes with my choices and actions. Interacting with the children and preparing a skit was not just about entertainment but about fostering meaningful connections. It made me recognize that beyond material donations, emotional engagement is essential in addressing inequality. The decision to donate toys and essentials also reflected ethical considerations, as it wasn’t merely about charity but about contributing in a way that could empower the children. I was mindful that my actions had an impact on their day, and potentially, their outlook. This experience deepened my understanding of how small choices—such as dedicating time, creating joy, and sharing resources—can contribute to addressing broader issues like educational inequality in an ethical and thoughtful way.