During my summer break, I decided to volunteer at an orphanage. This was my own decision. I believe that whenever you have time, you should do something that helps or makes others happy. Besides, I have always liked the children in an orphanage.

L2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken developing new skills

I volunteered throughout the 6 weeks of my summer vacation, conducting different sessions. I faced some challenges. I found that I was not good at communicating with small children. This experience has helped me to develop communication skills with the children. For example, the first time I volunteered, I taught children origami, it was hard for me to learn it myself. I also taught them basic english and math through my knowledge of the subjects.

L3- initiate and plan a CAS experience

This experience requires willingness and planning. For anyone to have such an experience, they have to move out of their comfort zone. I had the willingness to initiate this project and had to plan it. For instance, I planned each and every session I did, the activities to do with the children, how to interact with them, how to find an orphanage. 

L4-commitment to and perseverance

An experience that is more than a month long requires continuous effort and perseverance. I had to commit to it. I knew that I would not get anything in return, but I didn’t do it to achieve something, rather I did it for the orphans. I taught them different things like yoga poses, art and craft, communication in english and etc. 

L5-. Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

I benefited by working together with the head of the orphanage. The head was supportive in each of the sessions I did. She helped me whenever I needed something. For example, sometimes it was difficult for me to teach them a few things, like in fireless cooking, so she helped me in explaining it to the children. 

L6-engagement with issues of global significance

The issue here is the life of the orphans. No matter where you live, there are some unfortunate kids who do not have parents. After I completed this experience, I felt privileged to have parents. I gained a sense of responsibility and gratitude. It also taught me to be self-reliant. 

L7-Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

As I mentioned above, I did not achieve anything monetary from this experience, but still I wanted to do it. I felt that it was ethical to do so. My ethics and morals motivated me to do so. This is what community service is. You should not expect and worry about rewards. 

In the end, it was a worthwhile experience. It made me a better human being.