I had the opportunity to organize and conduct a sensitization session aimed at educating non-menstruators about menstruation and breaking associated stigmas. Additionally, I coordinated a donation drive to provide menstrual hygiene products to those in need. This experience allowed me to engage deeply with both community service and global health awareness while developing several key personal and interpersonal skills.
LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
Through this project, I discovered my strength in communicating complex topics in a clear, simple, and respectful manner. Explaining menstruation to non-menstruators required sensitivity, and I realized that I am capable of creating an inclusive environment where participants felt comfortable asking questions. To enhance the learning experience, I incorporated visuals, infographics, and short videos into my presentation. Using these visual aids helped make the session engaging and reinforced my points effectively. I also recognized that I could further improve in designing creative activities to make sessions even more interactive.
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills:
Planning the session came with several challenges. I had to ensure the content was informative yet sensitive, without making participants uncomfortable. I developed new skills in time management, structuring presentations, and designing engaging visual materials. Creating a cohesive, visually appealing presentation that conveyed complex ideas simply was a new experience that enhanced my creativity, organization, and attention to detail. I also learned how to pace the session effectively to ensure all important topics were covered while keeping participants engaged.
LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience:
I initiated the experience by researching the target audience’s needs and designing a structured session that included presentations, Q&A segments, and a donation collection plan. Coordinating with team members and stakeholders to secure resources, schedule the session, and ensure smooth execution enhanced my planning, organizational, and leadership skills. Anticipating potential challenges and preparing solutions in advance helped me ensure the experience was impactful and well-executed.
LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience:
The experience required sustained effort, from creating informative materials to ensuring the donation drive ran smoothly. Even when faced with last-minute logistical issues, such as coordinating schedules or tracking collected items, I stayed committed to delivering a meaningful session. This perseverance reinforced my sense of responsibility and determination to follow through on a project from planning to execution.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively:
Collaboration was key to the success of this project. I worked with peers, teachers, and community members to organize the session, collect donations, and manage logistics. By combining our strengths and ideas, we were able to create a more effective, engaging, and inclusive session. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility.
LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance:
Menstrual hygiene and education are issues of global significance, as lack of awareness and access to sanitary products affects health, education, and gender equality worldwide. By conducting this session, I contributed to raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, directly addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education, and gender equality.
LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions:
Throughout the project, I remained conscious of ethical considerations, such as respecting participants’ comfort levels and ensuring donations were distributed fairly and responsibly. I emphasized the importance of destigmatizing menstruation in an ethical and sensitive manner, highlighting how informed choices can create a positive social impact.
Conclusion:
This CAS experience was a meaningful journey of learning, growth, and service. It strengthened my communication, planning, and organizational skills, deepened my understanding of a global health issue, and reinforced the power of education, empathy, and collaboration in creating social change. Using visuals and structured activities allowed me to maximize engagement and ensure the session was impactful for all participants.
