When I joined school in grade 8 I decided at the very onset that I would like to be a part of a GC based in India. Having spent the majority of my life in India, a lot of issues that these GCs were aiming to resolve are only too relatable. Once I joined Hand in Hand Microfinance GC in grade 9, I decided to maintain continuity in my efforts, and continued it in grade 10. It was only when the GC unfortunately shut down, that I started to look for other options – this is how I discovered Kolkata GC.

Kolkata GC works with visually impaired children who live in an organisation called Voice of Worlds, in Kolkata, India. As I hail from this very city, the importance of this cause soon became apparent. As I was new to the GC, it was not possible for me to attempt to be the chair or vice chair, however, being really keen on being more invested in the club, I was designated the position of finance officer.

This will require me to liaise between the service office, GC and the organisation in order to transfer funds and other resources. It will also need me to be actively involved with decisions regarding ticket pricing and collection during ‘Kahaani’, a cultural dance drama that is the main source of funding that our GC receives.

So far, the meetings have been very efficient and fruitful. I have had the opportunity to interact with several other HS students in different grades. This has helped us come up with several potential ideas regarding themes for Kahaani this year. It is delightful, to be a part of such an enthusiastic group of people, and this has motivated me to take up a bigger role in Kahaani, ie, something that could potentially be a project for CAS , as well. In fact, I may even visit Voice of Worlds as a part of Project Week, at the end of Grade 11 to form even deeper connections with these people.

Being a part of a GC has always been a very valuable experience for me. Not only is it a great opportunity to connect with members of the school, but also helps us connect with a bigger, global community. Working for disabled children has also led me to find out a lot about the trauma they go through, the difficulties they face, and their ability to resurface when faced with such drowning moments. It is an eye opener regarding the privileges we take take for granted every day. Finally, being a part of Kolkata GC is more than raising funds for any organisation – it is about forming a new connection with a city I have called ‘home’ my entire life.

Leaning outcomes highlighted:

LO2 – Demonstrate that you have undertaken, developing new skills in the process

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

LO6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of your choices an actions