CAS project at the Madiwela Special education school Home for Boys

For my CAS project, I had the humbling opportunity to volunteer at the Madiwela Special Education School, a haven for boys with cognitive disabilities and Down syndrome. My objective was to spend an evening with the students, create a warm and friendly atmosphere, and break down any barriers to foster a sense of community and understanding among them. I yearned to provide them with a space where they could comfortably share their stories and experiences with me.

As I arrived at the institution, I was greeted with open arms by the students. After preparing snacks and drinks, we congregated in a cozy hall where the party was set to unfold. The kids were welcomed into the hall, and they heartily indulged in the snacks and drinks, easing any tension and allowing us to connect on a deeper level. After enjoying an array of sweet treats, we ventured into the lush garden to play games that I had meticulously organized for the occasion, in celebration of the final day of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

We partook in traditional games such as Banis kama, where the winner was determined by the fastest person to eat a bun that was dangling on a rope, while their hands were bound at the back. We also played sack running, where the kids hopped in sack bags for a thrilling 30 meters, and kanamuti bidima, where participants were blindfolded and had to break a pot hanging on a tree. The children had a blast, and their laughter and joy resonated through the air.

After two hours of revelry, we gathered inside to engage in heart-to-heart conversations. The students opened up to me, revealing their lives, hobbies, and interests. Sunil, a 14-year-old boy at the center, proudly displayed a stunning bag he had knitted himself. The school instills essential life skills such as knitting, cleaning, and repairing electronics, among others. The children also shared stories of their childhood and parents, leading to an emotional yet gratifying experience.

My time spent at the school was nothing short of life-changing, as I learned invaluable lessons on the importance of empathy and patience when working with individuals with special needs. This project gifted me with a profound appreciation for the distinctive perspectives and qualities of these individuals. I will forever cherish the memories of the warm evening tea party I organized and the connections I made with the remarkable students at the Madiwela Special Education School.

Inspiration for the project:

My inspiration for the CAS project was sparked by a heartwarming encounter that left an indelible mark on me. As I was passing by the Madiwela Special Education School, I witnessed two boys with Down syndrome playing cricket in the garden, and their unbridled joy and enthusiasm touched me deeply. In that moment, I realized that individuals with cognitive disabilities are no different from us in their emotions and desires. Their pure and genuine spirit inspired me to take action and do something meaningful for them.

Moreover, my father’s commitment to social and community service as the president of the Lion’s club also played a vital role in my decision to embark on this project. His dedication to serving the less fortunate opened my eyes to the profound impact that we can make on others’ lives through compassion and generosity. Guided by these powerful influences, I felt compelled to extend my support and volunteer at the Madiwela Special Education School, where I learned firsthand the significance of empathy, understanding, and community service.

Organizing the project:

Organizing the evening tea party for the students at the Madiwela Special Education School was a labor of love. I wanted to ensure that everything was perfect and that the students had a memorable experience. First, I contacted the school to propose my idea, and they were thrilled to hear about it. Together, we finalized a date and time that would work best for the students, and I marked it on my calendar. Next, I spoke to my parents about my plan, and they were supportive and enthusiastic, offering to help in any way they could.

To prepare for the tea party, I made a list of all the items I needed, including tea, snacks, and games. I went to the store and purchased everything on the list, making sure to get enough supplies for everyone. On the day of the event, I arrived early at the school to set up the tables, chairs, and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. As the students arrived, I greeted them with a smile, introducing myself and making them feel welcome. We played games, enjoyed snacks and tea, and had meaningful conversations about their interests and aspirations. Overall, the evening tea party was a huge success, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to create a special moment for the students.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

   During my CAS project, I had the opportunity to identify my strengths and develop areas for growth. Before beginning my project, I reflected on my personal strengths and weaknesses and considered how I could use them to contribute positively to the Madiwela Special Education School community. As I interacted with the students and organized activities for them, I realized that my strengths in communication, organization, and creativity were valuable assets in creating a warm and welcoming environment. However, I also recognized that I needed to develop greater empathy and patience when working with individuals with special needs. Through this project, I learned to embrace my strengths and work on my weaknesses, developing greater self-awareness and a commitment to ongoing personal growth.

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

   This was a new experience for me, and it required me to develop new skills such as patience, empathy, and effective communication. I had to adapt my approach to suit the needs of each individual, and this allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of how to work effectively with individuals with special needs. By undertaking this challenge, I was able to develop new skills and broaden my perspective, which will serve me well in the future.

3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

   In my CAS project, I was able to demonstrate how to initiate and plan a successful experience. From identifying the need to volunteer at the Madiwela Special Education School to conducting research, planning and executing the evening tea party, I was able to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in taking charge of the project. Additionally, I collaborated with other volunteers, identified resources, set clear goals, and developed an effective action plan, which ultimately led to a successful outcome. Through this experience, I learned the importance of initiating and planning CAS projects and how such experiences can help in personal growth and development.

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

   Throughout my experience at the Madiwela Special Education School, I demonstrated a strong commitment to and perseverance in my CAS project. Despite facing challenges such as language barriers(some of them spoke tamil) and lack of prior experience working with individuals with cognitive disabilities, I remained determined to create a positive and impactful experience for the students. I spent a considerable amount of time researching and planning the event, ensuring that it would be engaging and enjoyable for the students. I also made sure to be punctual and respectful of the school’s rules and regulations, showing my dedication to the project. Additionally, during the event, I remained patient and understanding with the students, taking the time to connect with them and make them feel comfortable. My commitment and perseverance in this CAS experience allowed me to create a meaningful and rewarding experience for both the students and myself, and it has taught me the value of dedication and hard work in achieving my goals.

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

   Throughout my CAS project, I worked collaboratively with the staff at the Madiwela Special Education School to plan and execute the evening tea party and avurudu games. We communicated regularly through email and phone calls to discuss logistics, such as the number of students attending, dietary restrictions, and necessary supplies. During the event, I also worked with the staff to supervise the games and ensure that all the students were safe and having fun. Through this collaboration, I learned how to effectively communicate with others and recognize the benefits of working as a team towards a common goal. I also gained a greater appreciation for the unique perspectives and strengths that each team member brings to the table. Working collaboratively not only made the project more successful but also made it a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all involved.

6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

   Throughout my CAS project, I had the opportunity to demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance. The Madiwela Special Education School, where I volunteered, provides a home for boys with cognitive disabilities and Down syndrome, which is a global issue. These boys face many challenges and often require specialized support and care. By volunteering and organizing an evening tea party, I was able to create a warm and friendly environment for the students, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community and understanding. This experience helped me to recognize the importance of advocating for individuals with special needs and the role we can all play in creating more inclusive communities. Additionally, by organizing games and activities that celebrated Sinhala and Tamil New Year, I was able to engage with and appreciate cultural diversity, which is also an issue of global significance. Through this CAS experience, I was able to develop a deeper understanding of global issues and my role in promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.

7. Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

   For this CAS project, this was achieved through the planning and execution of the project in an ethical manner. Before initiating the project, I took the time to consider the potential impact of my actions on the students at the Madiwela Special Education School. I made sure to respect their boundaries, culture, and individual needs. During the project, I ensured that the snacks and drinks were suitable for their dietary requirements and preferences. I also made sure that the games I organized were safe, age-appropriate, and respectful of their physical abilities. Throughout the project, I acted with integrity, fairness, and respect towards all individuals involved. By considering the ethics of my choices and actions, I was able to create a positive and meaningful experience for the students and demonstrate the importance of ethical decision-making in CAS experiences.

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