Our school took us for a trip to Gir Forest for 3 days. We were part of the “Save the lion by covering the well” project. Creativity (in making the covering fastest – Designing), Activity (hands-on experience of making a metal cover) and Service (The main purpose was to help not only lions but also Deers and Antelopes, who tend to fall in the well due to the darkness) all the three aspects were fulfilled during this trip.

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

It was a very enlightening experience. It was something I had never done before. Initial I was scared of being near the types of equipment, but later got used to it and it became fun. I understood I am good in cutting the metal but need to work hard with welding. Whenever I use to try to weld, the metal stick used to get stuck to the rod. First, I was upset and frustrated because of the situation but later the sir explained that it is a very crucial skill that you can only develop with years of experience. I believe it is important to know your weakness for your own safety. While welding I even burnt my hand a little. You should not just know the weakness while learning this particular skill but also knowing details about this skill is important. Like how important wearing black glasses are while welding. If you are aware you can also help others, for example, we learned that a remedy of eye burn is putting lemon inside it. We can share that knowledge with workers around us who are not educated enough.

LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

As mentioned earlier welding was a serious challenge during the making of the covering. But one more challenge that we faced was that we got a measurement wrong. Because of which during the last hour of making we had to go back to step 1 (Cutting the right size of a rod). This challenge could have been overcome, by paying attention in the start itself. This made me realized how important even a centimeter is. Paying attention can be a task in any activity we do in life (be it study or playing a game or organizing things). But we have to be strong headed and pay attention to each and every detail or aspect. So paying attention is a new skill I will work on and develop in future. I have studied in the books about how important it is to pay attention, but practically seeing it at Gir, made me believe in it even more. Talking about welding being a challenge, I am sure it isn’t a life skill I need all the time so I have made my content with not knowing how to weld.

LO4: Showing commitment and perseverance in CAS experience

This activity was grade initiative and all my friends were with me too. On day 2 (Last day of covering making ), there were a lot of them who got tired and started playing or passing away time doing some other activity. That time I made sure I was there at the site of covering making and help in any way I can. There was a time when, while welding I burnt myself. That time even though I could not work, I made sure I was there to cheer others up. 100 % commitment was required to complete this activity because it was all upon us to create a covering, which is full proof and created fastest. I think in this activity it was easy for me to commit as I love exploring and this was something new that I had never done before. But usually, it is hard for me to commit. Again, showing commitment and perseverance and important life skill and it is useful in anything you do in your life (not just CAS activities).

LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

I am very comfortable working around in a group (understanding others and collaborating) and even if you ask me to work alone, I can be a good leader. Since I have this characteristic, it helped me work as a team in this activity. I made sure everyone got an equal opportunity to work and contribute to the fullest of their capacity. There was a bunch of girls who did not wish to work, which was difficult to handle. However, we as a group later decided that whoever wants to work can pitch in, no one is going to force anyone. It is important to work in a group as you get better ideas and the workload gets divided. The importance was that it made our work faster and since we were in a team it kept us all motivated to work.

LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

The main purpose of the activity was to save lions by creating well covering. The issue of saving lions was highlighted and I felt proud about creating something that helps an endangered species. Knowing about thiss issues made me more considerate towards the environment and animals. After installing the well covering, I reflected back on the day and I was overwhelmed.

LO7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

We had to be ethical is doing are work and picking the right quality of rod and net (that could bear the weight). We made sure that the edges are not sharp or it could cause a cut. We were not lazy and just did not create the covering for the sake of it. We worked really hard for the lions and whish maybe we could save one life.