VOLUNTEERS ARE THE BACKBONE

Sabita Kotenkar, Volunteer, Mumbai Chapter

In 2007, I joined AFS as a volunteer, inspired by my friend who had gone to Japan through the organization. I spent a year learning about AFS and its exchange programs, amazed to discover that volunteers worldwide are the bloodline of AFS I began by promoting the KL YES program in schools and engaging with parents and aspiring students. Convincing them to send their children to an unfamiliar country was a significant responsibility, but witnessing their transformative experiences made it worthwhile. I began my volunteering efforts by promoting the KL YES program in various schools alongside fellow volunteers.

Finding host families willing to open their homes for international students was challenging, however, being a part of their cultural transformations has been immensely gratifying Training as a counselor in 2011 provided fresh perspectives and improved my ability to assist and understand the students.

I had the opportunity to visit Germany twice as a volunteer The first visit involved creating a handbook on Indian culture for students and volunteers. The second visit, part of a reciprocal exchange program, allowed me to interact with German students and share our culture and experiences. I received training in ICL W level and Level 1 and served on the Volunteer Strategic Planning Committee and the Volunteer Think Tank.

In 2014, I was fortunate to be part of the AFS Centennial Celebration in Paris, witnessing the global AFS community come together. My work at AFS aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on education, hygiene, sanitation, and serving the underserved. I strive to make a difference through community service programs in Kakelao, Indore, and Gandhinagar

Being recognized with the AAI (AFS Asia-Pacific Initiative) Award in 2020 filled me with gratitude. As the President of the Mumbai Chapter, I am dedicated to navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and ensuring the Chapter's resilience Through my 15-year journey with AFS, I have gained invaluable experiences and cherished friendships. I urge those blessed with a passion for learning to become volunteers and become agents of positive change.