Learning outcomes achieved while doing the
activity over a period of time:
1) [ ] Increased their
awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth
2) [√] Undertaken new challenges
3) [√] Planned and initiated activities
4) [√] Work collaboratively with others
5) [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
6) [√] Engaged with issues of global importance
7) [√] Considered the ethical implications of their actions
8) [ ] Developed new skills
On early morning of 29th of October 2011, (28th of October very late night) 28 students of grade 11 and two teachers, Mr. Banerjee and Ms. Pratibha, boarded on airplane heading towards Mumbai. While heading to Mumbai, I was excited about the idea that I will be camping with my friends, but at the same time I was anxious whether or not this would be a fruitful trip.
The first day, we all went to the beach in Mumbai for dragon boat and kayaking. Dragon boat required teamwork and I learned that if everybody works together with one goal, with proper direction, the task can be achieved.
We had to travel about three hours to reach the outskirt of Mumbai. 30th and 31th of October, we all worked vigorously to make a dam for people living in the area. The water stagnant behind the dam was being used for all purpose except drinking. Over 150,000 people were dependent on this water source. There was a dam made few years ago but most part of it was damaged and it could not store up the water for a long period of time. People had to suffer, because monsoon lasted for one or two months in entire year and the dam could not hold water for longer period. For 6 months a year, people had to live in threat of lacking of water.
The work was really challenging. First, rocks on the bed of the river had to be removed in order to make the ground more stable. Mud had to be shoveled and put into tubs. The mud then was put into sacs which were stitched and carried to the river where it was laid down to prevent flow of water. It looks really simple, but only the ones who have done the work know how much of physical and mental strength is required to bring this into reality. My back ached so much after shoveling the mud and putting them into the baskets. After shoveling half an hour, I could not stand straight. And the tubs were very heavy; two people had to carry it together. And it required a lot of concentration to put mud into the sacs, and making sure mud is not wasted. There was certain technique to stitch, and by end of the day, I had blister on my fingers due to pulling and pushing needles in and out of the mud sacs. The boys carried the sacs because they were simply way too heavy for girls to even lift them up from the ground. Instead, girls carried tub full of mud on our heads to the river. I had never done it in my life and I am sure I would never have done it if I did not go to the trip. I felt like collapsing on the ground. I never thought how heavy it would be when I saw workers doing the same thing. But now, after experiencing and being in the same situation, I can feel how much of pain they must be going through every day.
It was a special memory in my life. I cannot forget the moment when the construction of dam was done and I hugged my friends in happiness. I felt happier than I bought a nice cloth, I felt happier than going to a famous restaurant and indulge myself in favourite dishes. The thought that I gave people hope to live, the fact that every effort of mind would help people to survive for at least two years made me feel I had done something, something which worth a lot.
I thank my school and teachers who accompanied us that gave me opportunity to have such special experience and helped me to learn so many things I could not learn in the classroom. I realized I can also do things that give positive impact on other people’s lives.
evidence:
website to refer-
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