Introduction:
Our grade’s CAS trip was to Savarkundla, a village in the Amreli district of Gujarat. Known for the healthy population of Asiatic lions over there, the area also contained many uncovered wells, many of which weren’t easy to spot until reached near. Due to this, several cases of animals falling into them and eventually drowning were reported annually. We went there with the motive being to make a rigid cover for a well designed to prevent animals from falling into the well.
It was a three day trip, and on the first day we learned about the design of the cover and the step by step process of making it. Due to the lack of electricity supply, we had to stay awake till late to complete the day’s requirement. The second day, we continued the process of building the cover and thereafter, on the third day, we went to the site to install it.
Learning outcomes achieved:
LO2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
There was major use of heavy machinery being done to make the cover and I didn’t have the slightest idea of the correct operation of the equipment even though I had seen people operate them earlier in life. It was a bit frightening to use the cutter and the grinders due to the sparks being given off by them when cutting/flattening the rods and many a times I was either putting to much pressure onto the equipment or lesser than the required amount. However, with a few more attempts and the help of the experts and by standing colleagues, I was able to develop and improve upon the operational skills required to work with the equipment.
LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
While working on the making of the cover, I had tried each and every process of the making, (Cutting, Welding, Grinding) and I realized that I was able to do Cutting and Grinding without much effort, while I had difficulty in the welding process because of my weakened eyesight. Hence I provided more assistance in the Cutting and Grinding process to make better use of my skills rather than doing the other processes with less efficiency.
LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
We were given a time limit of three days to complete making the well cover with electricity being supplied only from 8 am to 10 pm. On the first day, electricity supply during daytime wasn’t sufficient enough to power the equipment due to which we stayed awake till late to complete the target amount of work to be done on the first day. We stayed committed till we finished the task on hand even when the sun was directly on top of us and the conditions were acutely out of our comfort zones.
LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Due to the limited amount of time in hand, we were divided into four groups, each handling a specific task such as cutting, grinding, welding and measurements. Having a good amount of experience in working with a team, I was able to communicate and cooperate with my colleagues properly and we were able to divide the task into proper sections, each specific to a student due to which everyone got to work equally on the task and the task was done in a well organised and efficient manner.
LO6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
We humans as race, have undertaken many actions which in turn, have resulted in certain mishaps like the extinction of certain species of animals, which is a grievous global issue. Such is the case with the wells in the jungle areas. We humans have made them in the name of development but have failed to understand the adverse effects it has on nature and thus, it is solely our own responsibility to try and reduce those effects as efficiently as possible. By making this cover for the well, we have addressed the issue of animals dying by drowning in the water to a certain extent as well as keeping the water available for the people to use.
To conclude, the overall trip was a very fun and thrilling experience, I got to develop new skills, learn more about the wildlife that surrounds us and experience living in very different conditions than home. I really enjoyed the trip.
Evidences:
