This CAS experience originated from a simple activity that I was already planning on doing. Since I am privileged enough to have a great education and am also quite sound academically, my parents suggested that I help my househelp’s son with his academics, as he was struggling quite a bit. I decided to sit down with him twice a week for an hour to help him with homework, ensure that he understands everything being taught to him, and improve his English skills. I did this for over 2 months.
One of the main barriers I faced in teaching him was that he had a very weak English, and so it was not easy for me to communicate mathematical and scientific concepts to him in English. I had to overcome this barrier by utilizing visual aids, hand gestures and drawings to communicate with him. I also had to teach him English from the very basics, which presented a significant challenge. However, by the end he could fluently read and write paragraphs, which made me very satisfied with what I had taught him.
The child was studying in a government school, and teaching him made me realize the poor quality of primary education in our country, which leads to problems like illiteracy and unemployment in the long term. I felt that something had to be done about this issue, and my current actions were not enough to make an impact. I realized the need for our government to take actions that ensure good quality education, and hence a better standard of living, for so many underprivileged children in the country. I also reflected on my privilege of receiving an international education, and became more grateful for the opportunities and resources I have access to.
In conclusion, I feel that this was a very humbling and rewarding experience, which allowed me to firsthand experience the situation of public education and become aware about it. This awareness also led to another CAS experience, where I volunteered to teach Maths and Science in an understaffed government school. While my actions might not be very significant on the overall education system, I feel that I can at least make a difference in the lives of the few children I teach, which would be worth all the effort put into it.
