By Radha Malhotra, IB Student, Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, India
My journey began on a creativity, activity, service (CAS) school trip to Karjat, Maharashtra, where I met children starting school with little more than torn bags and broken pencils. Their excitement made me reflect on the abundance of forgotten items in my school’s lost property section. That’s when I realised these unused resources could be redirected to children who truly needed them, sparking the idea for Lost Property Found.
The moment the journey finally felt real was when I was carrying five cartons of supplies from my school’s lost property and delivering them to a partner school, which captured the essence of turning loss into opportunity.
How the IB shaped my approach
The IB programme taught me to see problems as part of larger systems, not just isolated issues. I learned that lasting change comes from solutions that communities can sustain and build on. Service became more than a one-time act; it was about designing projects that could continue and grow, even after I stepped away. I started asking: How can this project last? Who in the community can lead it? What strengths or skills exist within the community that they can further build on?
This meant listening first, understanding the local context, and ensuring the solution was community-driven. I worked to connect different community groups, students, teachers, and volunteers so that the impact could reach further and last longer.
Embodying the IB learner profile
Throughout, I was guided by empathy and respect. We didn’t just pack up supplies and send them off; we cleaned and organised everything, thinking about the dignity of those receiving them. I communicated openly with schools and volunteers to build trust and transparency at every step.
Reflection was key. I regularly paused to assess what was working and what needed improvement, adjusting the approach. This helped the project become more sustainable rather than a short-term fix.
Overcoming challenges
Building the Lost Property Found website was daunting. I had only a concept and a Canva design, with no professional resources. By experimenting with online tools and seeking advice from my network, I launched lostpropertyfound.com.
Lessons in leadership and community
This experience changed my view of leadership. I learned it’s about bringing people together around a shared goal and using my skills to help others grow. Strong communities are built when people share resources and support each other.
Academic connections
Subjects like Economics, Environmental Systems, and Societies helped me think about resource distribution and sustainability. Learning about web design as part of the creativity strand in CAS further shaped the project’s branding.
Ethical reflections through TOK
Theory of knowledge (TOK) made me question the ethics of privilege and charity. I wanted the project to be a respectful exchange, not a one-sided act of giving.
Collaboration and impact
Collaboration with volunteers, teachers, and schools was essential. Delegating and building trust allowed the project to grow beyond my own efforts. So far, we’ve donated hundreds of items to under-resourced schools, supporting students’ learning journeys and inspiring my growth.
Takeaways
- Start with empathy—what problems move you?
- Plan carefully - small ideas can have a big, significant impact.
- Ask for help—many want to support a good cause.
- Think sustainably—design solutions that connect communities.
- Reflect often—growth comes from understanding your journey.
This CAS experience has inspired me to pursue a career at the intersection of social impact and innovation. Being an IB student means being part of a global community of changemakers, where knowledge and compassion come together to make a real difference.
