Anushka Bhansali

My search for a CAS experience was not as hard as I thought, I wanted to try something new but meaningful, with that in mind I stumbled onto this, an organisation that helped people with down syndrome interact with the community. It was a selfless act, and I wanted to be a part of it.  As a volunteer my duty incorporated brainstorming and planning for weekly Sunday sessions and being a part of the same. As volunteers we had to reach out to them (people with down syndrome) and interact with them in hope of becoming friends.

LO 2 : Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

• Volunteering was something I wasn’t familiar with, as a participant I was part of quite a few events, but assisting with the process was something new for me. As it was something different I had to step out of my comfort zone and try my best to achieve the goal (to become friends with them) Although socialising has never been a problem for me but when it comes to interacting with them, it was different, I faced difficulty because it was hard for them to comprehend my words and my actions, but with time I learned and improved, leading to a strong friendship.

LO 4 : Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.

• As mentioned before, these sessions have been held online as well as offline on Sundays for 4-5months. Usually my weekends lack productivity , but with these sessions I felt motivated to turn the tables around. I worked hard on the planning, and was regularly part of the events.

LO 5 : Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively.

• Collaboration is a vital part of a team, there were about 10-15 volunteers alongside me, as this was something new for most of us, we helped each other, brainstormed together and communicated wisely for smooth functioning (of the sessions)

LO 6 : Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.

• Down syndrome has been the most frequently occurring  disorder all around the world. Although my actions don’t play a crucial role, they do create an impact for some who are part of the community. This organisation helps with a global cause and I being part of the same was a profound experience.