This year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Bal Mela, a community service event organized as a  CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)experience and project. The event aimed to bring a fun-filled day to underprivileged children from government schools. As an IB DP student, fulfilling CAS requirements is important, but the Bal Mela turned out to be much more than just ticking a box. It was a heartwarming experience that left a lasting impression on both me and the underprivileged children.

The Bal Mela buzzed with energy from the moment the kids arrived. As the buses started coming, the skating rink started to fill with children ranging from different ages, their eager faces reflecting a sense of anticipation. My task, along with many other CAS participants, was to conduct a sports session. Having played basketball for a few years, I introduced the children to this dynamic game.

Initially, there was a bit of hesitation. Basketball was a new concept for many of them. But with a few basic demonstrations and encouragement, their inhibitions melted away. Soon, the makeshift court was filled with laughter and cheers. We started with simple shoots from the free throw line, progressing to passing and shooting as their confidence grew. It was amazing to see their enthusiasm as they grasped the skills and even attempted some friendly competition. We also kept a smaller hoop for smaller age children.

Beyond basketball, I also introduced them to a simple yet engaging game called pyramid toss. This involved stacked steel glasses in a pyramid shape and then taking turns throwing a ball to knock them down. The element of competition and the satisfaction of toppling the pyramid kept the children engrossed for a long time. The cheers that erupted with every successful toss were truly infectious. The Bal Mela wasn’t just about physical activity. It was about creating a space for joy and interaction. As we played, I talked with the children, learning about their lives and aspirations. Their resilience and optimism in the face of challenges were truly inspiring.

Learning Outcomes:-

LO1:Identify Own Strengths And Develop Areas for Growth

After participating in multiple events as a volunteer and a student in charge I was easily able to manage my time and keep a check on each activity that was under me along with the one that I was conducting. This helped me ensure that none of the games allotted to me faced any troubles such as resource requirements, medical care if needed, and proper discipline.

LO 2:Demonstrate The Challenges Have Been 

Undertaken, Developing New skills

Facilitating the game for these kids was a challenging task in itself, however, communicating with them was a bigger challenge. I and the other volunteers, all three of us didn’t know the language they were comfortable having conversations with so it was difficult for us to explain to them the rules of the game, we had to get help from the teachers of their school. It was difficult for us to conduct the games as we had to cooperate with the children according to their needs and demands. But, volunteering for the Bal Mela helped me work on improving my leadership and communication skills which can further also help me in life.

LO 5:Demonstrate The Skills And Benefits Of Working Collaboratively

I was participating in an activity that required me to work collaboratively with my other two volunteers and work in synergy with the kids as well. I and the other 2 volunteers, we had divided our roles equally to make sure that the game ran smoothly and our lack of collaboration was not a hindrance to the kids who were playing the game with too much enthusiasm. We had to make sure that there was no break to disrupt the flow of the game. We as volunteers were also taking turns for the roles assigned to keep them interesting for us as well.

LO 6:Engaging With Issues of Global Significance

Concern about the issue of inadequate facilities and underdevelopment among children from low-income families is growing on a global scale. The Bal Mela festival provides low-income children with the opportunity to grow holistically by participating in games, athletics, and the arts to address this issue. These activities also impart to children valuable life lessons including collaboration, communication, and creativity.

The entire experience served as a valuable reminder of the importance of community service. It allowed me to step outside my bubble and connect with those less fortunate. Witnessing the pure joy on the children’s faces as they participated in the games was truly humbling. It highlighted the power of simple acts of kindness and their positive impact on others. The Bal Mela has definitely fulfilled my CAS requirements in terms of activity and service. But more importantly, it has instilled in me a sense of social responsibility and the desire to continue contributing to my community.  I believe that as IB DP students, we have a unique opportunity to use our skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in the world around us. The Bal Mela was a small step in that direction, and I hope to participate in many more such initiatives in the future.