In September, I travelled to Igatpuri (Maharashtra). The main purpose of the trip was to go trekking throughout the hills, but it was also an opportunity to spend time with my school friends and have some fun. We formulated an agenda for the trip that included basket weaving, dam cleaning, trekking, teaching kids at a local government school, and other activities.

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

Trekking was the most challenging aspect of the entire CAS trip, due to the weather, which made it challenging to travel while also increasing the risk of falling and making it difficult for me to have a firm grip on the ground. Climbing was challenging, and I slid many times. I gained a lot of experience from this, which will be useful if I ever have to do anything similar again. There was also engagement with local students from schools throughout the tour. Being in a different state caused a barrier to speech that made communication very challenging. As a result, communication got challenging.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

Cleaning the dam required collaboration because it was dirty and could not be cleaned by a single individual. Instead, everyone had to help each other, with one carrying the garbage bag and the other picking up trash. This type of collaboration and preparation was important in the project’s success. Furthermore, we had to help one other along the journey since it was cold and slippery.

 LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance.

One issue in rural areas is a general lack of hygiene and sanitation. However, by taking the initiative to clean up the dam, I was able to engage with a global issue at the same time. Another big global issue that children in rural regions do not receive enough of is a lack of high-quality education and global awareness, so I was able to connect with these concerns as well by meeting with children in government schools and having one-on-one interactions with them.