AFS India Newsletter | January 2023

Cover Photo Credit: Dhanusha Rana, AFS Asia Kakehashi Project 2022-23 from Him Academy Public School, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh

LEADERSHIP

Angela Shriani Roye, Chairperson

Angela Shriani Roye is a well-known educationist in the field of Early Childhood Education and a passionate environmentalist

Early in her career, Angela served Vijaya Bank for two decades at various senior managerial positions and eventually served as Executive Assistant to the Chairman and Managing Director. Later, she took voluntary retirement to devote her time completely to Early Childhood Education.

In 1997, Angela Roye’s Child Development Center, Bangalore was established. The school followed a unique methodology and curriculum developed by Angela. The curriculum, known as

‘Angela Roye’s method of Early Childhood Education’, incorporates the best of various philosophies of early childhood education – Montessori, Waldorf, Playway, Kindergarten and Reggio Emilia Approach The center offered a curriculum that makes learning fun, meaningful and relevant to changing times. This curriculum prepares preschool children for more formal schooling by fostering their all-round development in a nurturing environment.

In addition, she initiated several programs for creating environmental awareness among children; even preschoolers and edited a magazine Program for Environmental Awareness in School (PEAS).

As an AFS Alumna back in 1966-67, she spent one year as a high school student in the USA. Angela expected plenty of cultural differences between her home in Bangalore, Karnataka, India and her new home in Lincon, Nebraska USA when she traveled as an AFS participant. What Angela did not expect, was such a different approach to high school education! During her year at Lincoln High School, Angela got the chance to choose subjects to study and that was a new experience for her Having chosen Home Economics as one of her subjects, Angela studied Early child development which fascinated her. This led her to chose her career and education.

After returning to India, she continued her studies and completed postgraduation in Child Development Angela’s academic experience in 1966 fueled a lifelong interest in education for young learners.

Presently, Angela is the Chairperson of AFS Intercultural Programs India The organization, with a presence in 55+ countries, fosters world peace and develops global understanding and intercultural competences through various programs. Under her leadership and visionary approach, the organization is growing strong and relevant in today’s fast-changing and interconnected world.

DIRECTOR’S

Diya Badgel, National Director

‘Education is the key to the Future’ – Alek Wek

The schools of today have to create a dynamic learning community that inspires and nurtures every individual, focusing on the holistic development of students through quality education and 21st century skills. The UN’s SDG Goal 4 is about Quality Education and NEP 2020 stresses on the same. This is what AFS India reiterates and provides intercultural learning opportunities for lifelong learning as well as sharing of best practices through exchange programs

The pattern of teaching and learning is changing as the methods opted for education are becoming more innovative, exciting, creative, and productive and making the students learn at the global level. Also, in this VUCA world, with technology affecting every aspect of life, education becomes physical

Futuristic schools and future educators will have to face the fact that students would be required to learn in a flexible, personalized format that is learner-centric. Futuristic learning involves continuous progress to higher levels of critical and creative thinking in a collaborative environment, creating lifelong learners. It encourages classroom engagement and learning as well as emphasizes the use of modern approaches and skill-based learning processes.

The future of learning is where students will want their learning experience to meet their interests, time constraints and academic needs. This is possible through blended learning and learning in the metaverse for which we require futuristic educators to make it effective, meaningful and sustainable.

AFS India thus collaborates with stakeholders to help develop futuristic schools and create global citizens.

SPONSORED

Hansika N M, YES Program 2022-23

Let’s hear from Hansika, who is currently on the YES Program to the United States of America!

The very first Christmas I have been really into began with me putting up the Christmas inflatables in front of the house even a month in advance (right after Halloween ended) I was really excited to witness the real celebrations of Christmas in the United States. In 2021, I was hoping that I would celebrate my Christmas and New Year in the United States Fortunately, it did happen! The real excitement began when we put up the first Christmas tree at our house. During the entire break period, our house was filled with the chatter of the little kids who had come from Los Angeles to spend their break in their grandmother’s house (our host mom). We had so much fun making cookies and decorating them with the kids. We wrote the names of all of us on the cookies.

On the very day of Christmas, our house was filled with people. We had a good time together eating and playing. I gave different Indian ornaments as presents to my host mom, host dad, host uncle, host aunt, host sister, and the other little kids. I was pleased that they loved all of them. Especially the beautiful bangles I gave my aunt. I got a pair of sandals from my sister, a book from my friend, a $25 worth Starbucks card from my host dad and a ‘granddaughter’ bracelet from my host mom. It was all amazing

One more day worth mentioning is the day when we had a Christmas party with our local exchange students' group on the top of a hill. We started the party by eating all the stuff that each of us brought. I took Indian sweets with me. We played WHITE ELEPHANT EXCHANGE So much fun Then came the most exciting part- ice skating. I loved it to infinity. I fell down four times and watched my friends fall down. It was hilarious! We returned back only late at night.

I would love to thank my host family and local volunteers for making my dreams come true

SPONSORED

Mishika Grover, Asia Kakehashi Project 2022-23

Mishika Grover, one of our students who went on an Asia Kakehashi Program to Japan, recently participated in the '23rd Edition Of The Hachioji City, Tokyo Nihongo Kai Speech Contest'. She competed with 16 other university and high school students and won the contest. The speech she gave was fully in Japanese In the speech, she showcased Indian History under British rule and India's Freedom Struggle by beating all odds following the principle of Unity In Diversity She spoke about 'Vasudev Kutumbakam' or World is one Big Family and how following this Indian motto can help achieve the utopian vision of a peaceful world. It was indeed a privilege for her to be an Indian youth ambassador and exchange program student

Her exchange has truly been amazing and enriching as she is learning about the rich culture and beautiful Japanese people. Alongside this, she is enhancing her Japanese language skills.

I feel blessed to have met many wonderful people, who I am lucky enough to call mentors and loved ones. Japan has become my "Home Away From Home.

SENDING

Aditi Sahu, AFS Year Program 2022-23 France

Aditi, who is on the AFS Year Program to France, pens down her thoughts!

Salut! C’est Aditi.

It has officially been 4 months since I’ve been in France, and they have been the best time of my life! As you can see from my greeting, I’ve gotten a lot better at French I have learned numerous new things and continue to do so, such as witnessing snowfall for the first time, paragliding and sledding in the snow, giving cheek kisses to family members, food items with a bulk of strong cheese, and French teenagers’ slang and much more. I have created a strong bond with my host family and thrive to make good friends.

My experience with Christmas was memorable. For the first time, I experienced traditions, such as a large warm family supper with a decorated Christmas tree in the corner and gifts piled beneath it. My lifestyle has turned upside down, but I don’t mind a bit. I’m learning, I have made many stupid mistakes, but I am having the time of my life. I am sure that the new year holds more for my exchange than I anticipate and I’m more than eager to begin the fascinating experiences my life here has to offer.

HOSTING

Kacey Taylor, YES Abroad Student from USA

AFS Host Student, Kacey Taylor experienced Uttarayan on the terrace of her home in Ahmedabad

Kacey Taylor celebrated the Uttarayan Festival with great joy and enthusiasm She learned to fly colorful kites in no time!

Kacey Taylor is placed in the Ahmedabad chapter. She thoroughly enjoyed the day filled with kites and authentic local food items like Chikki, Bor, Sherdi and Undhyu along with her host family, friends from neighbourhood, school friends.

The day that was full of joy, food, and finger cuts from the kite strings will always remain saved in Kacey’s memories

MEMBER SCHOOL STORIES

Benefits of Hosting an International Exchange Student in the School

Growing up in an Air Force background gave me ample opportunities to explore diversity and get acquainted with the Indian diaspora Since childhood, I felt amazed to meet new people and learn from them. Upon choosing education as my profession, I became keen to get my students introduced to the collaboration of cultures, an amalgamation of different ethnicities and sharing ideas with each other. And today, I am thrilled to say that AFS has made it possible for umpteen schools, educators and growing global citizens.

Ms. Sudha Pandey Principal, Indore Public School

When we welcomed Siphaphat Piyachotinun, our second (first from Italy in 2015) International Exchange student from Thailand, I found it so mesmerizing that all students

from her class blended with her in just a couple of days and she also mixed with everyone very quickly Language was never a barrier between two different countries I strongly believe that hosting has given me a great opportunity to help my students also as they got to know a lot about the culture, cuisine, and language of Thailand

Continued on the next page…

Hosting becomes an enriching experience with AFS as the organization provides constant support and guidance. I appreciate the prompt communication and taking extra care of all the nuances of Hosting by AFS India, National Office.

Watching Siphaphat performing Indian Classical Dance on the Annual Day, her exuberant Garba steps during Navratra Celebration and her love for learning new things have been a delight proving the ethos of AFS that building bridges and bringing the world closer is not as difficult as it seems. Her artistic approach and creativity steal everyone’s attention and we truly feel accomplished to have her for this Global Choice Program under the aegis of AFS.

Here, I would like to mention the valuable contribution of the School AFS Coordinator, Ms. Rachna Babel who has really worked hard to make this Hosting an incredible experience for all the students and educators of our school.

We are immensely proud to be an active AFS India member school and looking forward to having more Hosting opportunities, exchange programs, and other academic and co-curricular activities for the growing global citizens of our nation

Host Parents express…

“Being a Host parent was a very exhilarating experience With the able and timely guidance of AFS volunteers, we could host the exchange student. Not only did we try to provide a cultural flavor of the region, but also learned a lot from her - about her country and culture.”

-Preeta & Amber Vyas

Host Student speaks…

“Studying at Indore Public school is the most memorable experience of my life. I got to learn so much about Indian history and politics. I love Indian street food, enjoyed the traditional dance, Garba, and visited the iconic monuments. Making new friends and having a loving family and home in India gives an inexplicable joy.”

-Siphaphat Piyachotinun

FUNDRAISING

Keeping the flags of sustainability flying high, AFS Indore Chapter organized an action-packed Workshop, Start Up and Stand Out as a Change Maker in collaboration with Acropolis Institute, Springs Innovations and The Daly College, Indore. This one-of-its-kind project envisioned an altruistic endeavour by the chapter which was to make an International Exchange Program possible for a meritorious student so that s/he can soar higher, explore diversity and bring a glorious change in his/her life. This fund-raising event was hosted by The Daly College, Indore from 10 - 12 January 2023

Ms Savita Rajiv, the resource person for the workshop is an electrifying mentor exuding humor and bonhomie and a change maker herself, whose energy steamrolled not only the students but the educators also. Around 200 students and educators from 14 member schools and colleges of the Indore Chapter participated in this workshop. A week prior to the event, regular Zoom Meetings were held to guide the budding entrepreneurs to ideate and strategize their start-up projects and innovative business models keeping sustainability at its core.

AFS Indore Chapter

The thought-provoking sessions on Day 1 propelled the students to choose one problem and plan a start-up project with a sustainable approach. Day 2 witnessed tremendous enthusiasm from the future stalwarts of the planet with their unique ideas and taglines of their dream ventures. ‘TUM HAME KACHARA DO, HUM TUMHE JEWELRY DENGE’ caught everyone’s attention.

The Closing Day was a platform for all future entrepreneurs to present their pitches. Ms. Savita guided them throughout with the perspective of ethical, social, and empathetic business models The culmination ceremony was graced by Dr Gunmeet Bindra, Principal, Daly College; Mr Atul Bharat, Group Director, Acropolis Institute; and AFS Trainer, Ms Sarita Badhwar. The Chapter President, Ms Roma Shah felicitated the dignitaries and proposed a Vote of Thanks Ms Nidhi Sahni, Coordinator for School Relations, and AFS Alumni - Deepak Solanki and Fatima Bandukwala were appreciated for their persistent efforts to make this fund-raising event a grand success.

List of Participating Schools/Institutes from Indore Chapter:

ALUMNI

YES Program Alumni Engagement

The U.S Consulate General Chennai organized a session to present the YES Program to the general public in the American Center Booth at the Chennai Book Fair. The session was organized to spread awareness about the program and get more diverse applications for the next year. The session was scheduled on 15 January, 2023 between 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

In Tamil Nadu, January 15 was also the Pongal festival, therefore the alumni came in their traditional outfits for the event They conducted three sessions for different audiences which were productive. They got an opportunity to speak about hosting students from the USA as well.

The following people from the AFS community participated in the event:

● Ms Christiana Rathnavathy, President AFS Chennai Chapter

● Saravanan Rajan, YES Alumnus 2012-13

● Abdul Salam, YES Alumnus 2014-15

● Shahbaz Khan, YES Alumnus 2017-18

● Akash Babu, YES Alumnus 2017-18

● Mohan Arul Raj, YES Alumnus 2018-2019

They also got an opportunity to meet a couple of U.S Marine Corps personnel who were volunteering at the American Center Booth Mr Scott, Cultural Affairs Officer of U S Consulate General and Seema Massot, American Center Director were also present during the session.

Introducing Brinda Somaya, who is an AFS alumna from the batch of 1966, an architect and urban conservationist. Upon completion of her Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University and Master of Arts from Smith College in Northampton, MA, USA, over four decades, Brinda has merged architecture, conservation and social equity in her projects

Excerpts from her recent speech at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad where she was conferred Honorary Doctorate.

‘India is a nation of young people. Your aspirations and dreams are naturally different from the older generations. Architecture, like civilisation, is dynamic and evolving. It is inherently interdisciplinary, but today the field is much more comprehensive for better opportunities and a multiplicity of practices The next few decades will unfold many social, cultural, and environmental changes that will transform the look and feel of our cities.

Creativity flourishes when new ways of looking at the same problem are brought together, when people from different backgrounds, training, and experiences, bring together their perspectives

Therefore, the motivation for inclusion and diversity should come not only from the desire to create a just society, but also because it leads to better, more creative, and more powerful processes and solutions.’

Brinda Somaya, AFS Alumna 1966-67

Ms Rohini Shah Dhruv & Ms Jayshree Shah Mehta, AFS Alumni 1960s

VOLUNTEERS ARE

A Virtual Open House Remapping the Road

A Virtual Open House for AFS volunteers across India was conducted under the theme ‘Remapping the Road’. Close to 50 volunteers attended the event for a meet and greet session, strategise on the plan ahead and also enjoyed a variety of fun activities

● 28 January 2023, Saturday

● 5:00 - 7:00 PM

● via Zoom

The event started off with a warm welcome from Diya Badgel, National Director. The AFS India staff shared the achievements for the year 2022 and also presented all upcoming volunteer initiatives and opportunities in 2023.

During the event, Volunteers’ Voice - A Chat Session was also conducted. The panel consisted ofNayan Shah, President Rajkot Chapter; Roma Shah, President Indore Chapter; and Dipti Patel, President Anand Chapter

Following this, a breakout session commenced, where the volunteers had the chance to brainstorm and share how the volunteers could be more involved throughout the year.

The enthusiasm and energy of the volunteers were palpable and the event strengthened the feeling of solidarity and bonding. This event was a great success in both engaging and motivating the volunteers and is sure to have a lasting impression

SPECIAL PROGRAM

AFS YOUTH ASSEMBLY AUGUST 2023

Making a Breakthrough to a Better Future at the AFS Youth Assembly

AFS is proud to announce the theme for the 28th Session of the AFS Youth Assembly: Young leaders from around the world will gather to make a “Breakthrough to a Better Future” in New York City, on August 11-13, 2023. This is the second year AFS is organizing this global event with a 20-year long tradition, which provides a platform that cultivates an international network of young leaders and changemakers through exchange, education, action and impact.

Through discussions, skill-building workshops, networking, and ideation challenges, and with the support of experts and practitioners in the field, attendees will gain relevant resources and opportunities they need to become equal partners in achieving change. After consultation with hundreds of young leaders worldwide, five core areas were identified as the 28th program agenda where there are urgent challenges and exciting potential for young people to make a breakthrough:

• Reduce Inequalities: Tackling Poverty and Gender Inequality

• Education & Employment: Skills for the Future

• Protect Our Planet: Climate Action

• Global Trust: Peace & Information Integrity

• Global Solidarity: Multilateralism and Regional Cooperation for a Better Future

The Youth Assembly Delegates, aged 18 to 32, will have various opportunities to showcase their individual work and generate impact including through the AFS Award for Young Global Citizens Pitch Competition for $10,000 and two runner up prizes of $2,500 each; Outstanding Youth Delegate Award; an Action & Impact Hub, and upon completion of the event will join our global network of alumni focused on action and impact.

Regular application rates apply until April 28, 2023. Scan the QR Code for details and apply.

AFS Mission

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

AFS Values

AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance. Global competence is the “power skill” young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

AFS India Mission

To be the leading organization in intercultural education and experience that focuses on growing its programs for the underserved

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