Cover Photo Credit: Elizabeth Irwin, USA on YES Abroad Program 2023-24 hosted in AFS Chapter - Ahmedabad; Elsa Lautenbacher, Finland Year Program 2019-20 with her sister visiting India in August 2023] (left to right)
THE IMPACT Newsletter
In this issue:
Page 2 In Staff Member: AFS India Team, get to know a little more about Ankita Pal, Programs Coordinator
Page 3 In Volunteer Stories, read about the adventures of young volunteer, Alina Zaman from AFS Chapter - Delhi attending the Volunteer Summer Summit by EFIL in Reims, France
Page 4-5 In Member School Stories, learn from Birla Public School, Kishangarh about the ways of fostering Global Competence
Page 6 - 7 Chapter and School Rendezvous, an initiative by AFS Chapter - Indore to create awareness on Digital Wellness Drive
Page 8 - 9 In Sponsored Stories, leaf through the completion of AFS Global STEM Academies - USA from 7 – 31 July 2023; a program sponsored by bp
Page 10-11 In Sending Stories, glance through the impactful experiences of Param Goel, AFS Year Program Italy 2022-23 and participants of Short Summer Program in Spain & Denmark July 2023
Page 12-15 In Hosting Stories, celebrate with us the arrivals of students from 14 countries on 4 programs (short term or year program)
Page 16 In ICL stories, read the reflections of an educator and a student on the impact created by ICL Training & Effect+ Workshop
Page 17 In Alumni Stories, get inspired by the learning journey of Soonrita Sahasrabuddhe, YES Alumna from the first batch of the YES Program in 2005
www.india.afs.org
TEAM MEMBER
Ankita Pal, Programs Coordinator
My journey as an educator for over 13 years and inveterate belief in the power of education as a catalyst for fostering intercultural understanding, and respecting human rights and differences across the world, encouraged me to join AFS Intercultural Programs. Throughout my teaching career, my aim has consistently been to instill in my students the values of fairness, tolerance, acceptance of diversity, and a vision for a world that embraces peace and inclusivity, and those dreams found home with the core values of AFS.
I can't express enough how grateful I am for my experience with AFS India As someone deeply passionate about inclusivity and global understanding, AFS has been the perfect platform to turn that passion into reality. From the moment I joined, I felt like part of a global family, united by a shared commitment to fostering cross-cultural connections.
What truly sets AFS apart is the sense of community it creates. In a short span of time, I've had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, all brought together by a common desire to make the world a more connected and compassionate place. Through AFS, I've seen the positive impact that cultural exchange can have on individuals and communities alike Moreover, the resources and opportunities offered by AFS are unparalleled. Whether it's the enriching programs, the dedicated team or the insightful webinars and workshops, AFS provides the tools and support needed to create meaningful change. It has given me a gateway to global perspectives, where the future of tomorrow learns to appreciate diversity and respect different cultures, imbibing values of empathy, tolerance, and curiosity about the world beyond their textbooks.
The roles here at AFS are extremely dynamic and offer me numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth within the organization, providing me with challenging responsibilities in program development and implementation, collaborating with AFS offices and partners worldwide to exchange best practices, promote intercultural learning and contribute to AFS's mission. Further, the incredibly supportive and collaborative atmosphere from everyone within the team continues to inspire me, making it an amiable workplace.
VOLUNTEER
Alina Zaman, Participant, VSS July 2023 at France | AFS Chapter – Delhi
The Volunteer Summer Summit (VSS) 2023, which took place in Reims, France from 23-28 July 2023, was organized by EFIL (European Federation of Intercultural Learning). During this intense and incredible week, more than 100 volunteers had the opportunity to meet each other; share their experiences and best practices, and build a stronger network together. It was four intense days full of workshops, different projects and leisure activities! The theme, this year, was “Education for Democratic Citizenship” .
The VSS is EFIL’s largest training event, organized by AFS volunteers for AFS volunteers, including several workshop sessions, plenary sessions, reflection groups, social activities and much more.
I'm Alina Zaman, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Welfare As an AFS volunteer, I had the privilege of attending the VSS Summer Summit in France Thanks to EFIL I was invited to this enriching event and I owe my success to Allegra Ingenito's unwavering support and guidance. Her communication and patience enabled me to embrace the program and savour Western culture.
The program's standout aspect was the camaraderie among participants, spanning diverse nations and languages Despite it being my first workshop outside India, the group's welcoming and cooperative nature dissolved any feelings of isolation. This experience underscores the value of mentorship and cross-cultural connections, shaping my academic and personal growth.
MEMBER SCHOOL
HOW CAN GLOBAL COMPETENCE AND INTERCULTURAL LEARNING BE MORE EFFECTIVELY FOSTERED IN SCHOOLS?
In today's dynamic and interconnected world, the development of global competence and intercultural learning skills has evolved from being a desirable trait to an essential aspect of education.
As the borders between nations blur and interactions between cultures become more frequent, equipping students with the ability to understand, appreciate, and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds has never been more crucial
A Holistic Approach to Global Competence
Through comprehensive strategies that seamlessly integrate these concepts into education. Curriculum Integration, weaving intercultural learning across subjects, exposes students to diverse perspectives, traditions, and histories, enriching their worldview and fostering inclusivity.
Language Learning as a Gateway
Language, being a fundamental aspect of culture, holds the key to intercultural understanding Birla Public School recognizes this and encourages students to delve into foreign languages It facilitates effective communication by providing language classes with dedicated language labs catering to English and French, with an aim to create a multicultural ecosystem within the campus.
Immersion through Study Abroad
Immersive experiences transcend textbooks, nurturing deep intercultural understanding while fostering qualities like empathy and adaptability Schools like Birla Public School provide distinctive opportunities for impactful study-abroad programs.
Cultural Exchange: Celebrating Diversity
Organizing cultural exchange initiatives within the school environment unites students from a multitude of cultural backgrounds These interactions form platforms for sharing traditions, beliefs, and practices, resulting in heightened mutual respect and a nuanced understanding of each other's heritage
BPS Kishangarh exemplifies its commitment to fostering 21st-century skills, global competence, and cross-cultural relationships among students through the belief in the 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' philosophy, emphasizing "the world is one family." As a leading educational institution, BPS Kishangarh actively promotes G-20 leadership values, envisioning a collective effort toward sustainable development and global prosperity
In alignment with the UN SDG 2030 agenda, the school's responsible and concerted efforts empower students to become global citizens equipped with the necessary tools and perspectives to address complex challenges and create a more inclusive and interconnected world.
Mr Sourabh Kumar Guha, Principal
Birla Public School, Kishangarh, Rajasthan
Leveraging Technology for Global Connections
In addition to physical exchanges, schools can harness technology to establish virtual exchange programs These platforms enable students to collaborate, discuss global issues, and forge lasting cross-cultural friendships, transcending geographical boundaries.
Addressing Global Challenges
Engaging students in projects aligned with global challenges, such as climate change and human rights, instills empathy and a sense of responsibility Birla Public School actively encourages participation in such initiatives, fostering a profound sense of global citizenship.
Nurturing Partnerships
Collaborating with international educational institutions and organizations offers a broader horizon for both students and educators By establishing partnerships with schools worldwide, institutions create avenues for meaningful exchange programs and joint projects.
Birla Public School's Commitment
Birla Public School, Kishangarh, exemplifies unwavering dedication to fostering global competence and intercultural learning among its students. Through Intercultural Learning (ICL) programs in collaboration with AFS and foreign universities like the University of Hyogo, Japan, the school propels students towards higher education in global business courses.
The AFS Influence
AFS plays a pivotal role in facilitating intercultural exchanges and studies abroad programs, offering invaluable resources for educators. AFS programs bestow students with transformative intercultural experiences, equipping them with skills indispensable for thriving in an interconnected world. Through partnership and collaboration with AFS, students have embraced and benefited from global competence
Fostering global competence and intercultural learning in schools is not a luxury but a necessity for the world we live in today. By integrating these principles, we cultivate a generation of informed, open-minded, and compassionate individuals ready to navigate our diverse, interconnected world.
AFS intercultural Denmark exchange program was a life- changing experience. From learning Danish culture to meeting people from all round the world and knowing about their culture was prodigious. I also learned new things like water sports, organizing events and art design. The best part was marketing classes where we were taught to train ourselves how can we manage a business in the future. This program helped me to add the values that a global citizen needs.
The school exemplifies a commitment to nurturing global c ompetence and intercultural lear ning by incorporating these initiatives into its educational framework and providing its students with enriching experiences to students and teachers.
Mr Pankaj Kumar, Educator & School
AFS Coordinator
Chandan Goyal Student
VOLUNTEER
Digital Wellness Drive | AFS Chapter - Indore
Shishukunj International School, North Campus, Indore in collaboration with AFS Chapter - Indore, hosted a Digital Wellness Drive on 8 July 2023. Over 150 participants, including educators and students from 12 AFS Member Schools, learners from local Government Schools and staff members' children, joined hands for this vital initiative. The event aimed to cultivate safe, positive, and balanced digital habits in today's technology-driven era.
Guided by expert Mr Sheelnidhi Gupta, the session emphasized the following 4 core values:
Wellbeing: Balancing digital and real life
Citizenship: Nurturing responsible digital citizens
Etiquettes: Adhering to online standards
Safety: Practicing secure browsing and safeguarding personal data
Learners creatively expressed their views on a Digitally Safe World through posters, slogans, poems, and Doodles. Directors and school leaders lent their support, inspiring participants to become digital wellness ambassadors, echoing Shishukunj International School's commitment to fostering responsible digital practices
Colonel's Academy, Mhow
New Digamber Public School, Indore
2. Daly College, Indore
8. St. Paul Higher Secondary School, Indore
3. Delhi Public School Rau, Indore
9. St. Raphael's Higher Secondary School, Indore
4. Delhi Public School, Indore
10. St. Vincent Pallotti School, Indore
5. Golden International School, Indore
11. The Shishukunj International School, Indore
6. Indore Public School Eastern Campus, Indore
Vidyasagar School, Indore
The digital wellness drive helped us embrace essential lessons to enhance our well-being in the digital age By promoting mindful technology use, setting screen time boundaries, and encouraging regular breaks, we fostered healthier habits to attain digital balance in the digital landscape
Varsha Choudhary, AFS Coordinator Indore Public School, Eastern Campus, Indore
I gained knowledge on how to balance technology use and prioritize well-being through interesting activities. I will be able to cut back on my screen time and build better digital habits because of the drive.
Suyash Jalan, Student - Class IX, Digital Wellness Ambassador
The Shishukunj International, North Campus Indore
Digital Wellness Drive was an enriching journey filled with various activities and interactive presentation sessions which fostered my learning on mobile safety and a balanced digital diet Incorporating these habits has instilled a greater sense of balance and mindfulness in my digital usage.
Mahi Bahety, Student - Class IX, Digital Wellness Ambassador, The Shishukunj International, North Campus, Indore
Sincere thanks for organizing such a remarkable event that provided us with valuable knowledge and insights The session was not only informative but also enjoyable. Team, Vidyasagar School, Indore
During the session, we were enlightened about the different safety measures and many important aspects of digital well-being. The activities gave us the opportunity to showcase our creativity and understand the topic in more depth
Siya Nagar, Student - Class IX, Digital Wellness Ambassador
The Shishukunj International, North Campus Indore
It was highly informative and valuable. It emphasized online ethics, safety rules, and the importance of internet awareness for teenagers. The program inspired us to share internet ethics and dangers with our friends and family, aiming to prevent harm, abuse, discrimination, and cyberbullying.
Jahan Vij, Student - Class X A, Delhi Public School, Rau
SPONSORED
The AFS Global STEM Academies sponsored by bp in the USA aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and promote educational enrichment through various activities and excursions
Throughout the program, participants engaged in a range of impactful experiences. Highlights included captivating excursions to NASA's facilities, where participants witnessed cutting-edge space exploration technology and gained insight into the global significance of space research. The group also visited renowned museums, where they immersed themselves in diverse art, history, and culture. These visits sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged participants to explore the interconnectedness of human heritage. Additionally, the visits included volunteering at Galveston Bay where they learnt how to plant marsh grass, as well as identifying different marine life and laboratory tours at the University of Houston where students learned about different ways of recycling plastics and unique approaches of microtechnology being utilized in heart surgeries.
The introduction of Virtual Reality (VR) projects added a unique dimension to the program. Participants collaborated across cultures to create innovative VR simulations in human biology, enhancing their technological skills and furthering their understanding of the potential applications of VR in different fields.
The program's success was evident in the increased cultural sensitivity and global awareness displayed by participants. Meaningful interactions between individuals from different backgrounds have fostered lifelong connections and an enduring appreciation for diversity.
Testimonials
The exchange program to the AFS USA Academy was truly a life- changing and amazing experience. The program has helped me to become independent and grow as a person. It has empowered me to become more globally competent and pave my way to become a change-maker.
Vruddhi Mestry, D.A.V Public School, Thane
Participating in the USA Global STEM Academy was extraordinary. I made new friends, learned about different cultures, and gained valuable insights for the future Grateful for this enriching experience!
Heer Maloo, SSVM School, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore
This program has been an enlightening journey. Together, we pondered world issues, finding common ground and envisioning solutions. This experience heightened my appreciation for human diversity and inspired a collective commitment to a better future
B L Krishnendu, Sree Vivekananda Memorial Public School, Trivandrum
The best part about the experience was the exposure to intercultural understanding. It was very intriguing to learn about different cultures and heritages This once-in-alifetime experience has surely helped me in personal growth I’m truly glad for this opportunity!
Danish Khan, MCC Public School, Chennai
AFS Global STEM Academies Program (other
Brazil 24 Jun – 21 Jul
Europe 15 Jul – 13 Aug
1. Alvina Roy, Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad
2. Ahmad Sauood Ibn Altaf, Islamia Hanafia Institute, Anantnag
3. Karishma Agarwal, Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior
1. Atharva Kamboj, The Oberai School of Integrated Studies, Dehradun
2. Himanshu Singh, Delhi Public School, Rau ,Indore
3. Nandana B.G, Sree Vivekananda Memorial Public School, Thiruvananthapuram
4. Areen Ashai, Delhi Public School, Srinagar
1. Aashi Goyal, Emerald Heights International School, Indore
Egypt 19 Jul - 16 Aug
2. Vaishnavi Patidar, Queens' college, Indore
3. Sujal Tandon, Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior
1. Gitanshu Chavda, Adani Vidya Mandir, Ahmedabad
China 24 Jul - 20 Aug
2. Misbah-Ul-Rahman, Syed Abid Husain Senior Secondary School, New Delhi
SENDING
Short Term Program – Spain & Denmark | July 2023
Five high school students from India participated in a 4-week summer program to Denmark from 2 – 29 July 2023 and one student participated in a 4-week program to Spain from 2 – 30 July 2023. The summer program of AFS Denmark, in collaboration with Ranum Efterskole College, provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in a variety of activities that helped in the development of their interests, offering high-quality courses.
The Intercultural Summer Camp of AFS Spain, in collaboration with Unamuno School & Residence, fosters the development of personal, linguistic and intercultural skills while learning Spanish in Malaga, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain.
The students, lovely friends and supportive teachers I met there have helped me see everything in a new and positive way I’m happy to have gone through such an adventurous and educative experience in Denmark through AFS
Hetvi Sheth, Anand Vidya Vihar,Vadodara
My journey to Denmark for the exchange program was a transformative experience that I will cherish forever. The connections I made, the cultural insights I gained, and the personal growth I achieved have left an everlasting impression on my life.
Rajat Sharma, The Emerald Heights International School, Indore
My AFS experience in Denmark was fantastic! From the warm hospitality of my boarding to the enriching cultural exchange with Danish peers, it broadened my horizons, fostered lifelong friendships, and opened my eyes to a world of possibilities
Ratnesh Mahajan, The Emerald Heights International School, Indore
Going on the AFS Intercultural Program to Denmark was one of the pivotal decisions of my life It not only broadened my perspective of the different cultures of the world but also fostered in me lifelong skills, that would shape my future.
Chandan Goyal, Birla Public School, Kishangarh
My trip to Denmark for the AFS Intercultural program was fun and educational. I learnt about Danish culture and other cultures as well. It also helped me become more independent as a person and helped me embark on different challenges.
Stuti Ingle, The Lawrence School, Lovedale, Ooty
Studying at Unamuno Colegio in Spain allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, history, and language. Exploring the vibrant streets of Malaga was an adventure filled with new flavors, traditions, and experiences.
Atharva Chhabra, The Emerald Heights International School, Indore
Param Goel, AFS Year Program Alumnus -
Italy 2022-23
The never-ending preparations of one year, waiting eagerly to see a new land, culture and climate finally came to an end on 25 November 2022 when I boarded the flight from Mumbai with lots of dreams, apprehensions, nervousness and passion to learn new cultures and language. The apprehensions and nervousness started to fade away when I was picked up by two volunteers in Rome who took me to Trieste, the small town in Italy that was set to become a part of one of the most integral chapters of my life
The first question asked by my host family was if they could kiss me and hug me and the last thing they said on the day of my departure was that now that I was leaving, their parting gift would be two kisses on each cheek and a huge hug, and I would never forget those two sentiments.
The past 8 months were life-changing. The experience molded me physically (I lost some weight) as well as mentally (my way of thinking). The exchange program fostered a thirst in me to learn new things and taught me to maintain relations which I think I was quite poor in This experience taught me to look at others’ points of view and also to understand and respect ideas of other people I have become more aware of how different the cultures around the world are Now I’m more confident to go to places independently and have learnt how to present myself to others. I have made lifelong friendships and relationships. Two qualities that the experience brought in me are - a better time manager and a daring explorer. I took advantage of every opportunity to go to new and beautiful places and even volunteered to be the local guide for a day.
Overall, it was a beautiful lifetime experience that I liked a lot and would definitely shape up my future endeavors in a positive direction.
Re-Entry Orientation
Param Goel of The Emerald Heights International School, Indore returned to India from Italy on 10 July 2023, after a successful completion of Year Program 2022-23
He attended a chapter-level Re-Entry Orientation along with Aditi Sahu (Returnee, AFS Year Program France 2022-23) at Choithram International School, Indore. It was facilitated by Ms Roma Shah (President) and other volunteers Gaurangi Mehta, Ms Deeba Qureshi and Mr Nitin Jain from the AFS Chapter - Indore
He expressed to be feeling a mix of emotions, feeling happy, overwhelmed and somewhat sad as well. Activities like depicting the “highs and lows of their journey” helped them to reflect on the good as well as the bad experiences of their exchange journey. The facilitators talked about reverse cultural shock and counseled them on the ways to manage it. The students were excited to hear about the ways in which they can continue to be a part of and contribute to the AFS community.
HOSTING
NSLI-Y Summer Program | 30 Jun – 13 Aug 2023
AFS India hosted 15 students from the USA under the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Summer Program The program commenced with the arrival orientation on 1 July 2023, which was facilitated by Ms Sudha Rajaraman (Volunteer, AFS Chapter – Delhi) and Sneha Ghanghas, Alumni 2021. The students attended regular classes at one of the following schools while staying with host families.
Delhi Public School, Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway
Delhi International School, Dwarka, Delhi
They attended Hindi language classes for 6 weeks (120 hours) conducted by language instructors from Zabaan School for Languages. The school curriculum included activities like Yoga sessions, visual art paintings and doodle art sessions, Hindi vocal music class, school investiture ceremony and meditation sessions. The students tried different Indian cuisines.
Delhi Public School, Gurugram, Dwarka Expressway arranged a friendly cricket match between host students and the students of the host school for collaboration and enrichment. A Tree Plantation Drive was conducted to create awareness among students about the climate and environment.
Seeing the architectural beauty of Qutub Minar and Humayun Tomb was a fantastic experience.
International Education Week
I really loved it! Humayun's Tomb is really a magnificent historical building The Lotus temple was really peaceful and had a really spiritual atmosphere.
NSLI-Y Students hosted at Delhi International School, Dwarka attended the 'International Education Week' at Delhi World Public School, Greater Noida. They loved interacting with others and got to know more about the diversity in India and the various countries that were displayed during the event
They enjoyed different dance forms and other cultural activities during this event. They performed a dance to Bollywood music and sang a song.
Aanika Sethi, USA
Edward Thomas, USA
AFS Global STEM Academies -
India | 15 July – 12 Aug 2023
28 high school participants from Brazil, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa and the United States of America were welcomed to India on 15 July 2023 The program began with the Arrival Orientation in Mumbai The orientation was facilitated by the volunteers from AFS Chapter –Mumbai: Ms Seema Sheikh, Ms Sabita Kotenkar and cofacilitated by YES Alumni, Umer Manasiya. On 17 July 2023, the students visited bp (the global energy company and the program sponsor) Castrol Office, where they learnt health and safety norms.
During the 4-week program, they were hosted by The Emerald Heights International School, Indore and were placed in host families at the AFS Chapter - Indore. They participated in workshops on STEM (program theme) at Jimmy Mcgilligan Centre for Sustainable Development Choithram Netralaya, Bio-Fuel, & the Methanation Plant, Indian Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Management, Waste Management Plant and other local sites. Various sports and cultural activities kept them engaged besides trying out the local cuisines.
I got an idea about Indian culture and I was fascinated to learn Indian dance.
Aqila Ainayya Zhafirah, Indonesia
'I understood the significance of being Global citizens before my own singular identity and the necessity to communicate and observe the surroundings to understand better.'
Naomie
Chien, USA
HOSTING
AFS Year Program 2023-24 | Arrivals
AFS India is hosting 16 participants from Japan, Italy, Thailand and France under the AFS Year Program 2023-24. The program started on 7 July with the arrival orientation in New Delhi. The sessions were facilitated by AFS Alumni - Vibhooti Maldhari and Deepak Solanki. A cultural night was also organized in the evening where the host students showcased the cultural glimpses of their countries
The students are being hosted in different cities across the country and will stay in India till May 2024. During the exchange year, they will learn the different aspects of Indian Culture and explore the diversified traditions and languages while attending an Indian school and living with an Indian host family. The students are adjusting well as time progressed.
YES Abroad Year Program 2023-24 | Arrivals
On 21 July 2023, AFS India welcomed 6 participants in Delhi including 5 students from the USA on YES Abroad Year Program and a student from Thailand on the AFS Year Program. The Arrival Orientation in Delhi was facilitated by the volunteers - Sundari Surya, AFS Chapter - Bangalore & Sarvanan Rajan, AFS Chapter - Chennai. The students were made aware of the AFS norms and aspects of Indian Culture, setting the expectations and line of communication through various activities.
The students also attended 20-hour Hindi language classes from 23-26 July 2023 which were conducted by the language trainers from Zabaan School for Languages. A volunteer, Anuj Gupta, from AFS Chapter – Delhi assisted in coordination during this time and helped the students with their domestic departures.
ICL TRAINING
Effect+ Workshop for Students & ICL Training for Educators
AFS India provides Intercultural Learning (ICL) Training to its Member School Teachers. Pathways to Global Classrooms Training for Educators is one-of-a-kind training that helps promote intercultural dialogue and equips educators to prepare their students for living in diverse societies and working in a global environment This is a significant & practical initiative to support our efforts to help globalize schools and make intercultural learning more accessible
Effect+ Global Citizenship Education Workshop for Students encourages them to be interculturally competent in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. The workshop introduces them to the concept of changemaking, identifies a problem in their surrounding and bring a solution on the line of social impact. The workshop dives deeper into the importance of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and how relevant they are to creating change at the local level. S. No.
As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected it is so important for educators to develop skills and equip themselves with technology and teaching methodology that will produce citizens who are problem solvers and empathize with world problems and raise the standards of teaching.
Ms Preeti Khichi Vice Principal Delhi Public School, Pathankot
'Through the AFS workshop, I was given the opportunity to not only broaden my knowledge and understanding on various topics but also voice my concerns on important topics such as animal cruelty. Throughout the three days, we were engaged in group activities which proved to be extremely informative. I was able to analyze a problem from various perspectives The workshop has left me more informed, aware and with an experience I will use throughout my life
Student, Ecole Globale International Girls School, Dehradun
Soonrita Sahasrabuddhe, YES Alumna 2005
Small Steps, Big Impact: A YES Alumna’s Journey as an Early Childhood Development Specialist
A year that counts!
Some 19 years ago, I sat in a classroom in my junior college, listening to a presentation about the AFS YES program. I remember, the rain was pouring outside, as we took meticulous notes, wondering if this could really happen for us! With the AFS YES program, I took my first step in the big world Little did I know that it was the beginning of a journey that would define how eagerly I meet the world during the rest of my life - with arms open or closed, with a smile or a frown, with excitement or with fear. The AFS YES journey was an intense one for many reasons. It has given me many lessons that have stayed with me through my life.
The YES program allowed us to meet people coming from various backgrounds. As we learnt to adjust with families, learnt to get along with peers in the high-school and got involved in the local community, we realized that each one of us may live life differently, but we don’t really need to put that in a bucket of right or wrong. It deserved its own space as something merely different! The YES program showed me the beauty of being brave and fostered my faith in people’s willingness to help each other It let me experience the beauty of friendships I hold the learnings from my exchange year close to my heart. These learnings help me navigate the professional and personal spaces with grace and humility.
During the YES exchange year, I formally studied Early Childhood Development for the first time. I was fascinated by it and later ended up choosing it as my career. I now work as an Early Childhood Development Specialist, and have an expertise of programming in development as well as humanitarian contexts In addition to running my own organization, I have also had the privilege to work with a number of prestigious entities, including the United Nations.
The YES year was a window to what the world has to offer, a reassurance that the world is indeed a place where you can rightfully find meaningful connections. The AFS year is indeed a year that stays with you forever.
AFS Mission
AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, nongovernmental, 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 Vision
To be the leading organization in intercultural education and experience that focuses on growing its programs for the underserved.
Intercultural Programs India A-9, First Floor, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi 110019 India www.india.afs.org ┃india@afs.org