I served as a member of the core team for Garba Fest, one of the major cultural events hosted by our school. My responsibilities included planning and organizing the decor, coordinating necessary resources, and ensuring that all arrangements were in place for the two days of celebration—one for Grades 7–9 and another for Grades 10–12 along with staff members. I collaborated closely with both the core committee and the decor team to create an atmosphere that reflected the cultural significance and festive spirit of Garba.

Learning Outcome 1 – Identify strengths and develop areas for growth

Working as part of the organizing team for Garba Fest helped me recognize both my strengths and areas for improvement. I identified that I am strong in planning, staying organized, and coordinating tasks efficiently, especially when working under time constraints. I also realized that I communicate well when sharing ideas and collaborating with others. However, this experience showed me that I can further improve in areas such as delegating tasks confidently and managing last-minute changes more calmly. Overall, the event allowed me to reflect on my abilities and understand how I can continue developing as a team member.

Learning Outcome 3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Being part of the core team placed planning at the center of my role. We were responsible for selecting the decor theme, distributing responsibilities, managing resources, and coordinating with the decor team to ensure everything was completed on time. Through this process, I understood how crucial detailed planning is for a large-scale event, as even minor gaps can impact the final outcome. This experience helped me further develop my organizational and leadership abilities.

Learning Outcome 5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Collaboration played a key role in ensuring the success of Garba Fest. As a member of the Organising Committee, I worked alongside teachers, volunteers, and student teams to coordinate logistics, décor, and overall event execution. Clear communication and teamwork allowed us to navigate challenges and meet deadlines effectively. By sharing responsibilities and valuing each person’s input, we created a positive and efficient working environment that encouraged creativity and productivity. This experience reinforced that effective collaboration not only strengthens outcomes but also builds trust, unity, and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Learning Outcome 6 – Engagement with issues of global significance

Garba Fest was more than an entertainment event, it served as a way to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. Garba, a traditional Indian dance form symbolizing unity and joy, holds deep cultural significance. By helping organize this fest, I contributed to promoting the value of maintaining cultural traditions in an increasingly globalized and fast-paced society. Seeing students from diverse backgrounds participate with enthusiasm demonstrated how cultural activities can foster inclusivity, bridge differences, and encourage mutual respect within the community.

Learning Outcome 7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Organizing a cultural festival required consideration of both resource management and cultural sensitivity. We carefully planned the décor to ensure it was vibrant while still honoring the traditional significance of Garba. I also became more aware of using resources responsibly by minimizing waste and reusing materials whenever possible. This experience helped me understand that even seemingly small decisions in event planning can hold ethical importance, whether related to sustainability, respect for tradition, or inclusivity.