Our school had collaborated with a social enterprise “Rural pleasure” this organization works to improve the livelihood of the rural population through rural tourism. This enterprise decided to introduce the project of saving the lions and our school took the initiative to join hands with this social enterprise to help save lions and other animals from falling into the well. Our entire grade was a part of this project and we went to Savarkundla which is located in Amreli, Gujarat for 4 days (8th September-11th September) to contribute our immense efforts towards doing something for the wildlife.
Each year 10-15 lions die by falling into the open wells. There are many open farm wells in the villages of Savarkundla. Other animals such as Cows, leopards, buffaloes also die because of open wells build across the villages. We took a step ahead to save the wildlife by constructing a robust cover for a well located inside the dense forest. We implemented the project at our campsite itself which was equipped with all the tools and materials required.
The biggest challenge for me was to learn how to use the machines and tools required to make the cover. Using machines which I was not used to with made the work challenging but my sincere efforts and guidance received from the skilled workers at the campsite helped me overcome the challenge. I learned to use those machines and brought the best out of me. welding, cutting, polishing the steel demanded immense manual work under the scorching sun and it was something that we had never done before.This was the second challenge that I undertook. I also developed new skills, my eagerness and commitment to develop these skills made me more confident while performing scary tasks such as wielding. By successfully undertaking these challenges I achieved learning outcome 2( Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken developing new skills)
Precision was the key to perfection because even a minor error in measurements would make the cover useless. On the first day, I helped my friends with measurements of the steel rods and I made a few errors at first but, I got a hang of it later on. We guys used to get tired after every few hours on that day so, we were not able to work efficiently. The time was limited so we had to roll up our sleeves next day. On the second day, we worked for 7 hrs and that tested our perseverance and determination. Through this, we achieved the learning outcome 4(commitment to and perseverance) by being committed to the activity we were undertaking.
On that day we started off with welding and polishing to join the rods together and get everything in one place,this task required everyone to work together. we divided ourselves into groups and started with the task assigned to us. I also overcame the challenge of working in groups because I struggle to work when I am assigned to complete a given task in group. I achieved the learning outcome of developing the area of growth which was working in groups. This project required us to come out of our comfort zone,and we undertook this challenge and that bought the best of the results. learning outcome 1(identify own strengths and develop areas for growth) was successfully achieved by me because I managed to overcome my weakness and worked efficiently in group.
Learning outcome 5 (Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively) was also demonstrated because the well making required people to work in small groups. Each group performed different activity. My group mainly did cutting and polishing. Working in groups benefited because the time utilization was effective and we were able to complete the given task on time. Working in groups also reduced the burden and made the work less tiring.
On the last day we had to go for the installation and we had to walk miles to reach the open well. I was one of the three people who walked all the way to the well while others sat in the jeeps. After reaching the well I felt satisfied because I extended my usual limits. We installed the cover on the well and that moment was one of proud moments which made me feel that I have helped the animals and contributed my efforts for a good cause. This covered well will prevent fatal accidents and keep the wildlife protected. Few glimpses of this enthralling experience.
