THE
Changemakers NEWSLETTER Your source to stay up yo date with AFS Intercultural Programs India’s activities, events and opportunities
Inside this issue 1. Explore Blast From The Past and explore the time of the year spent during various festivities across the country. 2. In Sending Stories, explore the wonderful departures of our YES students, AFS Core Programs, and 18+ Internship Program 3. In Hosting Stories, read about the Arrival Orientation of our host students for the Hosting Cycle 2021-22 4. Read about the Alumni Impact Story by Rose Joby who shares how the memories of her exchange are still fresh.
6. Educator’s Desk section brings you thoughts on "How can global competence and intercultural learning be effectively fostered in school?" by *Ms Neetu Kheechee, Educator, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur. 7. Get to know more about Sir Cyril Taylor Program for Schools 8. In School Stories, read about the Interfaith Harmony Workshop & Bulletin Board Competition conducted to commemorate International Peace Day 9. Learn more about the AFS Year Program 2022-23
5. Explore the amazing virtual chapter exchanges conducted by our volunteers in Volunteer In Action Page 01| September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
S E P T E M B E R
2 0 2 1
Blast from the past September 2010: Alumni Meet at Ahmedabad AFS Returnees from Ahmedabad and a few other chapters participate in an alumni meet hosted by the Ahmedabad Chapter. The main goal being driving the alumni to actively contribute to community service.
September 2011: AFS EFFECT As our Host Students in India and our Sending Students from all over the world share their wonderful experiences of their ongoing exchange programs, AFS India proudly showcases their magnificent achievements in the September edition of the newsletter.
September 2012: Vadodara Darshan The host students of Vadodara and Anand chapters indulge in a nice, fun-filled day seeing the treasures of Vadodara like Sindhrot, Sevaasi Step-well, Iskon temple, Sur-Sagar lake and Sayaji Baug.
September 2013: Branding 101 To show commitment towards AFS branding and to strengthen the focus on branding in the organization, AFS India organises a 2-day branding workshop for its staff and volunteers in Delhi, in collaboration with AFS International. Mr Magnus- Andreas Solvberg Aase, Sr. Consultant for Branding & Marketing conducts the workshop.
September 2015: ICL Training of Volunteers Within a span of one month, AFS India conducts ICL Level W trainings in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Anand Chapters that is facilitated by Ms Sarita Badhwar and Mr Ajay Mehta
September 2014 : YES Alumni Asia Region Social Entrepreneur and Digital Storytelling Workshop AFS India hosts the YES Alumni Asia Region Social Entrepreneur and Digital Storytelling Workshop 2014 in Delhi where 21 alumni from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Suriname come together to learn the change-making skills and implement social entrepreneur projects related to an issue in their community.
September 2016 2 States: The states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh amalgamate through an Intercultural Class Exchange when Shrishti English Medium School, Anand hosts 11 students and a teacher from Indore Public School, Indore for a week
September 2017 Sharing Culture, Bridging differences: Two of our member schools participate in an Interstate Regional Class Exchange as Anand Vidya Vihar, Vadodara hosts 9 students and a teacher from Choitram School, North Campus, Indore
September 2018 Principals’ Meet at Guwahati: AFS India organises a Principals’ Meet at Maria’s Public School, Guwahati where School Heads from 10+ schools take part to learn about the vision and mission of AFS India, interact and network with each other.
September 2019 Member Schools Meet: AFS India organises the Member Schools Meet for Principals at one of the member schools, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, chiefly aiming to bring together schools and institutions to ideate for maximizing the 3 AFS impact goals. The meet witnessed participation of 48 Principals and Directors of AFS member schools from 5 different regions of India.
September for India brings continued festivities and for AFS India, it brings Annual Volunteer Meets where Chapter Presidents, Chapter Coordinators, Hosting Coordinators, Sending Coordinators and key volunteers from our chapters meet in Delhi for 2 to 3 days and discuss their work and share experiences of the past year.
Page 02 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
September 2020 Exchanging Cultures & Cuisines: AFS India organises a virtual MasterChef contest for the member school students that receive 1000+ delicious entries from pan India. AFS volunteers from Paraguay were invited to share the local recipes through Zoom during the two-day finale of AFS India
This segment brings you details of significant updates on our Sending and Hosting department. Learn more about
SENDING STORIES Sponsored Program - KL YES Preparing the Changemakers of Tomorrow We are glad to share that AFS India successfully conducted Virtual National Pre Departure Orientation and Gateway Orientation of students and parents for the 2021-22 Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program on 26th June, Saturday. Students were given insights on topics like AFS rules, the Iceberg Concept, etc. by carrying out new virtual techniques and methodologies making the participants take an active part in group activities. The next orientation call was scheduled for 9th July where they had been given more in depth knowledge of various intercultural tools to help them cope up with various situations while on the program. From the US Embassy, we had Ms. Margaret MacLeod, Public Diplomacy Officer and Ms. Madhuri Sehgal, National Public Engagement Specialist for Programs join us to interact and share their insights with the students. The departures of the students were successfully conducted to the US and the students are having a great time. We wish them all the best in their stay in the US! A big thank you to all the alumni and volunteers who took out time and helped us with the orientations.
AFS Core Programs (Successful Departure of AFS Core Programs to Various Destinations) With immense pleasure and pride, we share that AFS India has sent several students on exchange programs in 2021 to various countries. AFS India successfully completed departures to USA, Denmark and Colombia. We are proud of and thankful to the Risk Management Team for tirelessly working 24*7 to make this possible. Short Term Program to Denmark A group of 3 students departed from India on 30th Aug 2021 and another group of 4 on 10th Sept. The students were guided and trained by experts through several orientations to navigate the new culture and environment. The Risk Management Team was active with the students until all the students successfully departed and arrived back. The students were hosted in a beautiful campus of ‘Ranum Efterskole College’ in Denmark. They participated in several recreational and intercultural activities.
Yearlong Program to the USA 1 student from Rajkumar College, Raipur departed for the exchange program in August 2021 to the USA. The AFS team continuously provided support and guidance and kept a close eye on the progress of his long journey. He was welcomed by the host family at the airport. He is staying with a lovely host family and would be attending Ronald Wilson Reagan High School in the US. Short Term Program to Colombia 1 Student from Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur departed for a short-term program in Colombia in October 2021. The AFS India team was in contact with her throughout her journey. She was warmly welcomed by the host mother at the airport. The host family was really happy after receiving some Indian traditional dresses from Harshita as souvenirs. We are happy to share that she has joined her school ‘Colegio Suazapawa’ and is doing great! We continue to work very closely with each country and will continue to monitor all exchange programs with high scrutiny to make 2022 intercultural learning possible.
Page 03| September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
This segment brings you details of significant updates on our Sending and Hosting department. Learn more about events, impact stories, activities or programs related to hosting and sending.
18+ Program
Global Up - Internship abroad with AFS India In a globalized world, living and interning abroad is a critical career maker. AFS through its 18+ programs give wings to your choice to help you rise and shine. With storing risk management and explicit program support AFS have been able to continue to provide life transforming experiences amid COVID. Devansh Gulati, an undergraduate student successfully completed his 4 weeks Internship in August 2021 at Click Box, Cardiff, UK, honing skills in digital marketing and work ethics. “The ease with which I was able to gain work experience through AFS this summer was amazing. Both, prior to and during my experience, communicating with people at the organization was simple and I would recommend other participants to reach out to AFS as well”, Devansh Gulati, Undergraduate Student, London.
HOSTING STORIES
Arrival Orientation for 2021-22 Hosting Cycle We are extremely delighted to share that our hosting has started and welcomed 3 exchange students to India for the year 2021-22. One more student’s arrival will be happening this month. Sessions of Virtual Arrival Orientation have been conducted on various topics to enhance their knowledge about the exchange program for Emmy Perrin from France (hosted in Kolkata), Simon Helly from France (Hosted in Dehradun), and Jules-Antoine from Belgium (Hosted in Bhopal). The students were very happy to get to virtually meet the AFS India Staff at the orientation. The sessions were facilitated by the staff members and AFS alumni where they discussed themes like Indian Culture, Family Dynamics, School System, Expectations and Goals, taboos in India, how to help in Host family/host school etc The students have just completed their quarantine and eagerly await to explore and learn what India has to offer.
Page 04 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
As I turn back and ponder over my exchange, I can affirm that I have truly changed; in marvellous ways that I never could have imagined.
Alumni Achievements Blossoming Into A Flower By Rose Joby, AFS Alumna to Austria Program 2015-16 As I lean over to the window of my cabin to take a final glance at the beautiful land of Mozart, I am overwhelmed by a rollercoaster of emotions. As I turn back and ponder over my exchange, I can affirm that I have truly changed; in marvellous ways that I never could have imagined. A docile and dependent girl embarks on a journey to the beautiful land of Austria. The land and the people seem strange to her. As days pass by, her initial apprehensions fade away along with her inhibitions. Little did she realize that it was just the tip of the iceberg. She learns to step out of her comfort zone, experiences the unexplored, and understands and appreciates all things around her. She is supported by a loving family who wholeheartedly accepts her into their closely-knit, cosy nest. She struggles to learn German with Austrian dialect. She makes friends from around the world and develops strong bonds with She is duped into eating blood sausage and salads, which she playfully dubs as ‘fodder’. She is liberated from bearing the wrath of the teacher, for all she has got to say is ’Sorry, I don’t understand German’. She finds herself in a land of beautiful contrasts. Time flies by. I open my eyes, and all those vivid memories flash past. I can feel that girl. She has turned over a new leaf. She has finally broken her shell and embraced changes far beyond her pre-conceived notions. She now has the audacity to unlearn and relearn, to fight, not to flight. She is all I am taking back, back to my homeland. Years would pass by but one part of me will always continue to remain in Austria.
Page 05 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
In Volunteers in Action read about how our volunteers are helping people and communities learn to live together
Volunteers in Action
Virtual Local Chapter Exchange Mumbai and Indonesia By Anjum Panna, Volunteer, Mumbai Chapter “We are so grateful to AFS India for giving us an opportunity to partner with and share an intercultural exchange with a city named Malang. As endearing is the name, so is the place. Full of life, vibrance and colour just as our own city Mumbai. The event was scheduled for 18th September and was attended by approximately 90+ participants. Before taking our counterparts on a journey of our city we opened with giving glimpses of India. This was followed by virtually navigating them through the aromatic streets of Mumbai, our festivities, our fashion, and much more. We emphasized not only on showing them around our city but gave them a sneak peek into the hearts of its people. As we believe that it is the ‘People’ who set the fabric of a place. Last but not least we bid them goodbye with a parting gift – a song highlighting the similarities between our country and theirs, specially written and produced for them. This exchange project led us towards understanding our fellow volunteer’s strengths and abilities. We learnt to respect each other’s opinions, collaborated, indulged in teamwork and put our best foot forward. Working on this project got us closer than ever before. And that’s exactly what AFS does, makes a difference and so it did!”
Virtual Local Chapter Exchange Rajkot & Argentina By Nayan Shah, President, Rajkot Chapter On one hand, the pandemic has posed many challenges and on the other hand, it has opened up many avenues of fun and learning. AFS Intercultural Programs, India has been constantly keeping its volunteers engaged through various online activities. AFS Rajkot chapter decided to grab an opportunity for virtual exchange with an AFS chapter abroad. AFS Rajkot chapter was paired with Mendoza chapter of AFS Argentina. The virtual tour took place on September 18. There were about 30 volunteers who participated in the session. The session started with self-introduction by volunteers. It was followed by a video showcasing the Argentinian dance form. Then AFS Rajkot chapter volunteers gave presentations showcasing Indian classical dance forms, Indian cuisine, Places to visit, Indian Festivals etc. There was a live performance of Garba (Gujarati folk dance form) by a volunteer from the Rajkot chapter. Then the Mendoza chapter volunteers took the charge and showcased their cuisine, places of interest and notable personalities. All in all, it was a memorable virtual event for the volunteers of the participating chapters. Page 06 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
EDUCATOR’S DESK
Educator’s Desk is all about the thoughts and perspectives from the AFS Member School Educators discussing various relevant themes related to education
How can global competence and intercultural learning be effectively fostered in school? By Ms Neetu Kheechee, Educator Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur Global Competence is a multidimensional construct that requires a combination of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values successfully applied to global issues. Global issues refer to those that affect all people and have deep implications for current and future generations. The four dimensions of global competence are supported by knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. In education, it promotes cultural awareness and respectful interactions in an increasingly diverse world. In school, although reading textbooks, listening to lectures, and memorization have their place in learning, they must be paired with more active learning to develop global competence. There are 5 ways to foster their intercultural and global competence in school:
- To have a good grasp of foreign languages. - To obtain cultural knowledge, to master communication skills.
- To increase intercultural awareness. - To pay attention to the non-language communication competence training.
- To be a good observer and seeker. AFS helps in inculcating true values of Global Competence by educating about diversity; an important step in achieving intercultural competence. When students understand the value of diversity, it truly -
- Enhances tolerance and acceptance - Encourages the search for new information and perspective
- Improves decision-making and problem-solving skills - Leads to innovation and discovery. Undoubtedly, AFS bridges diversity and inclusion becoming the key to creating welcoming learning environments. In a nutshell, Global Competence integrates knowledge of the world and skills of application with the disposition to think and behave productively. Global competence is not restricted to knowing about other cultures and other perspectives. In addition to knowledge of the world, a globally competent citizen exhibits habits like critical thinking, rational optimism, innovation, empathy, and awareness of the influences of culture on individual behaviour and world events. It is rightly said that "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” and Global competence is the right approach in this direction perfectly nurtured by AFS.
Page 07 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
AFS helps in inculcating true values of Global Competence by educating about diversity; an important step in achieving intercultural competence.
School Engagements is all about how AFS India through its activities, events, programs, etc. is educating educators and students to make a real difference.
SCHOOL ENGAGEMENTS Commemorating International Day of Peace Through AFS Interfaith Harmony Workshop & Bulletin Board Competition
AFS India organised the Interfaith Harmony Workshop to commemorate the International Day of Peace 2021 on Sept 21. The first part of the event - Interfaith Harmony Bulletin Board Competition was conducted in July-Aug in which 395 students from 23 AFS Member Schools participated by preparing Bulletin Boards on the given theme - Our idea of Peace; Interfaith Harmony. During the workshop, the national and regional results of the competition were announced. Over 200 participants gathered over a virtual zoom platform for the 2-hour event, witnessing some amazing thoughts and ideas to work towards “Interfaith Harmony & Ideas of Peace”. We had three wonderful Keynote Speakers presenting the best of their thoughts, reflections and ideas around Interfaith Harmony. We are extremely delighted that together we are able to create awareness and possibilities of exposure to teenagers and adults to be active and engaged global citizens working towards peace. It is our great pleasure and honour that we had the chance to host these distinguished speakers: Dr. A. K. Merchant, General Secretary, Temple of Understanding India Foundation (a global interfaith association) Dr. Gunmeet Bindra, Director Principal, Delhi Public School, Rajpura, former Principal, Welham Boys’ School, Dehradun Ms Shubhi Dwivedi, Programme Director at Rubaroo (Rubaroo is an organisation that aims to be an organization where adolescents and young people are empowered to co-create a space to understand their 'Self' better, understand issues in society and take action) The Bulletin Board Competition was conducted in two categories: Category 1 (Classes 8 & 9)Category 2 (Classes 10 - 12) We received 60 beautiful entries that were sorted and the entries were evaluated with the help of a team of the following 7 Judges. With a lot of energy and enthusiasm, the review process was completed to reach, in both the categories, top 2 National Winners and top two Regional Winners (North, South, East, West, Central India).
We invited Top 2 National Winners in both categories for a brief presentation of their Bulletin Board Entries. We appreciate the efforts of all the schools that participated in the competition and worked for creating such beautiful and thoughtful entries. Heartiest Congratulations to the winning teams at the National & Regional levels and their schools! With gratitude, we extend heartfelt regards to all the AFS Family members and our invited guests who made this event possible and successful. If you have missed the ceremony, you can still have a glance at it at https://cutt.ly/5EjQYwz Category 1 (Classes 8 - 9)
Category 2 (Classes 10 - 12)
National Winners
National Winners
Winner - Delhi Public School, Nacharam Runner-Up -Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore
Winner - Global City International School, Bangalore Runner-Up Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, Indore
Regional Winners (NORTH)
Regional Winners (NORTH)
Winner - Yadavindra Public School, Patiala Runner-Up -The Wisdom Global School, Haridwar
Winner - Yadavindra Public School, Mohali Runner-Up -Yadavindra Public School, Patiala
Regional Winners (SOUTH)
RegionalWinners (SOUTH)
Winner - The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur Runner-Up - Global City International School, Bengaluru
Winner - Global City International School, Bangalore Runner-Up -Delhi Public School, Nacharam, Hyderabad
Regional Winners (EAST)
RegionalWinners (EAST)
Winner - Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati
Winner - Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata
Regional Winners (WEST)
RegionalWinners (WEST)
Winner - The Sagar School, Alwar Runner-Up - Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur
Winner -Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur Runner-Up -Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur
Regional Winners (CENTRAL)
Regional Winners (CENTRAL)
Winner - Medi-Caps International School, Indore Runner-Up - Delhi Public School Indore
Winner -Delhi Public School, Kolar Road, Bhopal Runner-Delhi Public School, Kolar Road, Bhopal
Page 08 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
Ready to know about AFS Programs? We offer life changing opportunities in many countires. Explore this page to know more about new programs.
Sir Cyril Taylor Program for Schools Sir Cyril Taylor Program is a hands-on learning program that introduces students to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through their classroom teacher. The Teacher is enrolled in an online program and is a part of the International community of Educators that share the best practices and ideas for knowledge sharing. The high-school teachers are provided a tool-kit of resources for teaching Active Global Citizenship to their students. In a time where global interactions are becoming more and more common, it has become imperative for the children of today to acquire the 21st century skills of Effective Communication and Intercultural Competence. Sir Cyril Taylor Program, aims at introducing high school students to Sustainable Development Goals of the UN so that they can be change makers of tomorrow. The Program encourages them to take up a Project and build the confidence to take it forward. They get a chance to explore their role as a Global Citizen and learn to exercise their power as Change Makers. The design of the program is such that the teachers as well as students get a chance to interact with educators and students from other 10+ countries. The international exposure helps students in developing skills like intercultural communication, critical thinking, creative thinking and keeping an open mind. Intercultural exposure harnesses values like empathy and problem solving in the students. It motivates them to take action towards Social Change. The manner in which social change is introduced to the students is very important because it shapes the way they look at social issues - can they bring about difference OR social issues are too complex to be addressed by them. With the right guidance and resources, students can be guided to make real change for the future that they are going to live in. It is a matter of right exposure at the right time to create today the Change Makers of tomorrow.
SPECIAL AFS PROGRAMS FOR YOU Announcing AFS Year Program 2022-23
“A student exchange is living a new lifetime in one year” Year Program is the AFS Flagship Program that has the essence of ‘Stay and Study’ in a different country and culture. The participants will live with a host family and will join a school for one academic year. The students will be departing in August/September 2022 and return back in June-July 2023. The students between the age of 15-17 years are eligible to apply. The young students through the program become immersed in the life of their new community, living with a local host family and attending a local high school. They learn to appreciate other ways of doing things and begin to break down the barriers between cultures and people. The personal growth and learning for both students and their families is profound and sustained. Students gain increased maturity, skills and confidence, making them more successful in their academic and working lives. The families gain extended life-long relationships. Why should you/your child go on an exchange program for a year? Learning a new Language and Culture Increase Intercultural Competence Make friends around the globe Break the stereotypes Help you start on your career path Become a Global citizen Earn an Extremely Valuable AFS Participation Certificate Program Fee Includes: International Airfare Host Family Placement Admission In a Host School for a Complete Academic Year Medical Insurance up to USD 500 000 Domestic Logistic in the Host country Language Learning Support Access to Alumni Network 24*7 Support from the AFS Network Several Trainings and Orientations for student & parents APPLY TODAY! Have queries, reach out to us at: Parvez Alam (parvez.alam@afs.org, ++91-8586-925-384); Manjula Devi (manjula.devi@afs.org, +91-8586-925-038);
Page 09 | September 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India
AFS Mission AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non- govermental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people devlop 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 acknowledfes that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and tolerance 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 witout 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 tolrance.
For any Suggestions, or sharing stories or experiences, please write at india@afs.org Learn more about AFS at india.afs.org Be inspired by our History at india.afs.org/afs-timeline/ Connect with us at: facebook./afsindia youtube.com/afsindiaofficial twitter.com/IndiaAFS instagram.com/afs_india
AFS Intercultural Programs 163, Ground Floor, Jasola Vihar, Pocket 2 New Delhi , 11025, Indiia www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org