#reallydidit

1. What do you think went well with the whole project?

I’d say we planned our project really well, from managing the budget, to hiring workers, and fitting the construction of the two pumps into the two school days that we had. Ultimately we were successful and both pumps were functioning and being used by the end of our trip. 

Another good thing about our project is that we found ways to make an impact on the community even when we couldn’t do some of the more technical or potentially dangerous work that the workers had to do. For example, we came up with a program for the kids, taught them hygiene, and bought them snacks. 

On top of the pumps that we built, I think we made lasting memories with the kids in the area. 

2. What could have been better?

I think we could have done fundraising better. I think that because I was new to the school and didn’t understand the market very well there were definitely things we could have improved on for our fundraising. For example, we only made the price of our couple cuffing  P50 for 15 minutes, so although we constantly received requests and cuffed over 70 couples throughout the night, we only made P3500, a far cry from the P30000 we needed for our project. On the other hand, other groups made much more money by selling things at high prices because they knew that BSM students and parents would be willing to pay these prices. 

3. What L.O did you address and how?

LO3: We addressed LO3 by organizing the project ourselves, contacting the barangay and construction firm, and planning the events of the two days. We faced many problems along the way, especially with raising funds and getting to Cavite, so we continuously had to adapt our plans to overcome these problems and find creative solutions. 

LO4: Although our first fundraising project could have done better, we had a contingency plan and held another fundraiser during the Christmas fair. Ultimately were ultimately able to reach our fundraising goal before the start of our trip. We showed perseverance too during the two bayanihan days by staying productive, helping the construction workers, and interacting with the kids. 

LO5: In order for the project to be successful we had to work together in every step of the way, and everyone had to contribute. We had to work together to man the booth, get buckets of water from the river, and document the process and make our video. Collaboration made the process efficient and enjoyable. Within our weekly meetings and group discussions during form, as well as our group chat throughout the week, we listened to each other’s opinions and considered everyone’s perspectives before coming to each decision. 

LO6: Finally, our project dealt with a prominent issue in our country and worldwide. We tackled poverty by helping a depressed area, as well as universal access to clean water, which is a united nations sustainable development goal. Not only does waiting in line for water keep children out of school or take up time that parents could be using to earn money, but the water often carries diseases. Access to clean water means education, income and health - especially for women and kids.

4. What legacy did you leave? How do you know?

The water pumps that we built will have a big impact on our chosen community. On the second day of our trip, the people in the area were already using the newly built water pump to wash their clothes and water their plants. When we arrived at the site, people were thanking us for the pumps, saying, “salamat sa puso!” Before, everyone in this area had to share a single water pump and would have to line up in the afternoon to fetch water one by one. The two pumps we built will benefit the more than 150 families living in the area. Our legacy is also long lasting, because the pumps should last 5 years with proper maintenance. 

I think our program with the kids was definitely impactful too, and they had a good time. When I came back to check on the second pump in the afternoon, the kids called me by name (”kuya marc”), and even asked for pictures with me. 

Learning Objectives:

LO1

> Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

LO3

> Is able to articulate the CAS stages including investigation, preparation, action, reflection (ongoing) and demonstration, moving from conceiving an idea to carrying out a plan for a CAS experience or series of CAS experiences.

> Suggests creative ideas, proposals or solutions

> Integrates reflective thoughts in planning or taking initiative

> Is aware of roles and responsibilities when designing an individual or collective CAS experience

> Shows responsible attitude to CAS project planning

> Is able to develop a coherent action plan taking into account the aim or purpose, activities and resources.

LO4

> Is able to foresee potential challenges to the initial plan and consider valid alternatives and contingencies

> Demonstrates adaptability to uncertainties and changes

> Gets involved in long-term CAS experiences and CAS project

LO5

> Listens respectfully to proposals from peers

> Shows respect for different points of view and ideas

> Makes valuable contributions

> Is responsible for participating in the group

> Is able to identify, demonstrate and discuss critically the benefits and challenges of collaboration gained through CAS experiences

LO6

> Recognizes the global implications of local issues

> Is able to identify global issues in the local or national community

> Shows awareness of issues of global importance and takes concrete and appropriate actions in response to them either locally, nationally or internationally

> Gets involved in CAS projects addressing global issues in a local, national or international context

> Develops awareness and responsibility towards a shared humanity

LO7

> Is able to explain the social influences on one’s ethical identity

> Shows accountability for choices and actions

> Recognizes ethical issues