Unitree is an organisation which helps bring down Syndrome kids together and teen volunteers to forge a bond that last a lifetime. This initiative is taken in an effort to bring inclusivity in the society and focus towards the SDG goal ‘reduced inequalities’. Herein, certain events are organised with fun activities which give us an opportunity to interact with the down syndrome kids and help them have a feeling of belongingness.

Here I volunteered for wall painting where we were supposed to paint the word ‘we’ along with them. It was something we did together while interacting at the same time. We had created different partitions in the word so that everyone got a chance to paint. I absolutely enjoyed it and on some level it was therapeutic for me as well because it was after a long time I was doing something for the community and doing something creative.

Learning Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Since I was little, I have always enjoyed drawing and painting. Earlier, I had also enrolled for drawing classes and attended them for 3 years. It is something which helps me calm my mind and relax. Hence, I consider painting to be one of my strengths.

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

During the activity, I also learnt that I have good social skills. Once I to interact with the down syndrome kids and attempted to know more about them. However , not knowing how to interact with the down syndrome kids and not being able to completely understand what they were trying to convey, did act as a weakness initially. But later I made an attempt to make a conversation again and also asked my friends how they started conversing with kids and then I was able to talk and have fun with them.

Learning Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

The work that we undertook was a huge task since we only had a day to complete the wall painting and there was so much to be done along with co-ordinating with so many people and we also had to keep our aim in mind which was to make kids feel like they belong in the society through activities. Team work played an important role in this CAS experience as we divided the work properly and everybody did their part very well without which timely completion wouldnt have been possible. The skills I personally demonstrated were socialising and collaboratively working in a group.

Learning Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

This CAS experience was specifically for children with down syndrome. These kids have been neglected from society for years and not just on a domestic basis but on a global level. The situation in recent years has become slightly better where people have started inviting them with open arms but there is still a lot of work needed in the area. This project was a tiny step towards making kids in our local area feel inclusive and to tell them that they are no different than us and that they can also do all that we can do.

Learning Outcome 7: Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Before undertaking this activity there was a lack of awareness for me. I did not know much about down syndrome and how much it could affect someone. After this CAS experience when I talked to the kids I understand the difficulties these kids go through and would be willing to help whenever and wherever needed. I will also make a point to spread more awareness about the same.

Evidences