For this CAS activity I went to Gir Forest also known as Sasan Gir, a forest and wildlife sanctuary near Talala Gir in Gujarat, India. Asiatic lions are an endangered species with the lion population in India estimated to be 523 individuals. Falling in wells is a major cause of their deaths. 37 lions died from falling in wells in the last 2 years. Our goal was to cover wells to prevent the lions from falling to their deaths. For this we built grills and covered wells. To build the grills we had to do things like cutting, welding, hammering etc.
Learning Outcomes–
LO.1- Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
I realised that I am not bad at things like welding and cutting but I still need to work on it to be considered good. I need a lot of precision to perfect my skills. It is important to know your weaknesses and strengths to be able to work on them. Overcoming this weakness will enable me to work on things much smaller which require a lot more precision.
LO.2- Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken developing new skills.
We had to do tasks like cutting, welding, hammering, etc. This was difficult for many of us because it was the first time we did something like this. This was done under the supervision of the people working there. It seemed easy on the second day, making it clear that we had developed new skills. The sunny and hot weather was what made the task difficult. Then we had to install the grills on the wells which was not an easy task as well. It is important for us to take new challenges because they help us grow as an all-rounded person and they help us identify our strengths and weaknesses. Having done this task makes me feel good as I developed a new skill and if I want to construct something which requires welding or cutting I will be able to do it with ease.
LO.4- commitment to and perseverance
To complete the task we had to work diligently. There were electricity problems and hot weather but we waited there to do the work. We were saving endangered animals and we had that in mind and this kept us going. Although we had to get up early, we were there to work on time. I was always there to work and I felt indefatigable because we were saving a part of nature.
LO.5- Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively
There were around 30 of us working together, which made things much easier. We were divided in groups to speed up the work. The work would have taken a lot more time if our numbers were lesser, which is why teamwork is important. Everyone was very co-operative. We could take turns doing our work so we never felt so exhausted. We had to carry a lot of load which became a piece of cake with so many people. We even had a lot of fun together which made working a lot more enjoyable.
LO.6- engagement with issues of global significance
Extinction of animals is a major issue in the world. The number of species going extinct each year is Between 200 to 2000 and it is still growing at an alarming rate. It is sad to know that the nature is losing a part.This task was fun and it benefited the nature and helped increase awareness. I learnt a lot about the conditions of the lions, the pride of Gir. I developed these learner profiles – caring, knowledgeable, risk taker, balanced.
