As part of my CAS experience, I initiated and organised a service project where I visited an old age home twice to interact with residents and engage them through activities like music, antakshri, and an origami session.
Before starting this project, I had very limited interaction with elderly people outside my family, and I was unsure how to communicate with them effectively. Taking on a role in planning the agenda pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had to think about activities that were meaningful, inclusive, and enjoyable for the residents. During the first visit, I initially felt unsure about how to start conversations, but as we engaged in music and antakshri, the environment became more comfortable and interactive. By the second visit, I felt more confident and was able to communicate more naturally with the residents.
CAS Learning Outcomes
LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills
This experience involved stepping out of my comfort zone in multiple ways. The biggest challenge was the language barrier, as I was not fluent in Gujarati while most of the residents primarily spoke it. This pushed me to adapt my communication style by using basic phrases, body language, and expressions to connect with them. Over time, I became more confident in interacting despite these limitations, which helped me develop stronger interpersonal and adaptability skills. I also improved my ability to engage people through non-verbal communication and group activities, which was an important new skill for me.
LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience
I played an active role in initiating and planning this CAS project rather than just participating in it. Along with my peers, I helped plan the agenda for both visits, deciding on activities such as conversations, music, antakshri, and an interactive origami session for the second visit. Although there was not extensive preparation beforehand, we had to think carefully about what would be appropriate and engaging for the residents. This experience showed my ability to take initiative, contribute ideas, and plan activities that align with a clear purpose of creating meaningful interaction.
LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experiences
This project required consistent engagement across both visits. During the first visit, despite feeling hesitant and facing difficulty due to the language barrier, I made a conscious effort to stay involved and not withdraw. I actively participated in group activities and continued trying to communicate with the residents. Returning for the second visit and engaging more confidently demonstrated my commitment to improving and contributing meaningfully. This showed that perseverance is not just about completing a task but about continuously making an effort to grow through the experience.
LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
Collaboration was essential in both planning and carrying out this project. I worked with my peers to decide on activities and ensure that the visits were engaging and well-structured. During the visits, teamwork helped us manage interactions more effectively, especially when dealing with the language barrier, as we supported each other in communicating with residents. While conducting group activities like antakshri and origami, working together helped create a more inclusive and lively environment. This experience highlighted how collaboration leads to better organisation, shared responsibility, and a more impactful experience overall.
LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
This experience made me more aware of the importance of empathy, respect, and sensitivity when interacting with elderly individuals. I had to be mindful of my behaviour, tone, and approach, especially due to the language barrier, to ensure that no one felt uncomfortable or excluded. It was important to treat each resident with dignity and patience, recognising that even small actions and words can have an impact. This helped me understand the ethical responsibility involved in service activities and the importance of being considerate in all interactions.
Reflection
Overall, this CAS project was a meaningful and impactful experience. Taking on a role in both planning and execution helped me grow as a more responsible, empathetic, and adaptable individual. Overcoming challenges like the language barrier and stepping out of my comfort zone made the experience more valuable. It made me realise the importance of companionship and how even simple interactions can bring happiness to others. This experience not only helped me develop important life skills but also allowed me to contribute positively to the community, making it a valuable part of my CAS journey.
