AFS India Newsletter | April 2022

Inside this Issue 1. A warm welcome to the Interim National Director of AFS India, Mr Joseph Kuok.

2. Check out the highlights GYSD in Volunteers are Changemakers.

3. In School Stories, School tells the story of one of the students, 4. In Member School Stories, read about the culmination of the fundraiser Art for Change.

5. Explore the story of Sehar Abdullah, YES 2016-17 in Alumni Stories where she shares her experience in the Designing for Inclusion Workshop in the US. 6. Read about our host student Antonio from Chile in Hosting Stories who went to a Mt Abu trip.

7. In the Sponsored Stories section, take a look at the YES student of the month for April - Riya Pandya.

8. Read the wonderful experience of Anushree Modi in the 18+ Programs segment.

9. Learn more about the and Virtual Program

Photo Credit AFS Short Term Program Hungary 6 May - 3 June 2022

A Message from the National Director Mr Joseph Kuok

Let me first thank Ms Divya Arora, the outgoing National Director, for all the work and effort she put in during her long tenure. The AFS family will always be appreciative of her contributions.

Having said that, as I take over from her after the pandemic years, it would definitely be a challenge for me but I’m sure with the support of all our Volunteers, Member Schools, Board Members, Host Families and the whole network, we will be successful in our mission to carry the vision of AFS forward.

Most of you have known me as a volunteer in AFS Delhi. However, I would still like to take the opportunity to give a short brief about myself to those who may not know me.

I became a volunteer with AFS India in 2005 when my son went on the YES program. Seeing the life-changing opportunity which my son received as an exchange student, I decided to establish the Delhi Chapter. Thus started a very exciting and passionate journey which continues forever.

Born and brought up in Delhi with my alma maters being St. Columba’s School and St. Stephen’s College, I completed my Master’s in Business Economics from Delhi University. My professional career was solely under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India having attained superannuation as an Indian Revenue Service Officer.

I am fond of sports, especially swimming and water polo. I was fortunate to represent India at various international championships from 1977 to 1984.

Winning the Bronze medal in Waterpolo at the 1982 IXth Asian Games held in New Delhi was the hallmark of my sporting career. I also represented India at the World Masters Swimming Championships held in Budapest in 2017 and Gwangju, Korea in 2019 and I continue to remain active in swimming.

AFS India has been offering international exchange opportunities all through these years which have changed the lives of students going on these programs.

This has further inculcated a yearning for volunteerism in our communities.

Very recently we have concluded the month of April as GYSD month, the largest Youth Service and Civic Action event in the whole world. I am overwhelmed to share that under the theme "Serve, Smile and Share Together" we celebrated GYSD success in India with the support from 7 chapters and more than 12 schools and colleges, impacting more than 3000 people. This is spectacular and I congratulate each one of you for your commitment to spreading the virtues of empathy and inclusivity.

As we move forward, I solicit everyone’s support and cooperation to continue realising our vision for a just and peaceful world.

Page 01 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Volunteers Are Changemakers GYSD 2022 Stories from the South Zone and West Zone AFS India celebrated April as the GYSD month (Global Youth Service Day) which is the largest Youth Service and Civic Action event in the whole world and the only one that celebrates and builds the capacity of all youth ages to help our communities and democracy thrive by working together for the common good. As we have come out successfully from the pandemic, the GYSD Theme of AFS IND this year was "Serve, Smile and Share Together".

More than 350 individuals, groups, chapters, schools, and colleges came together from pan India impacting 2600+ individuals. AFS India is very much thankful to all of them for contributing as global citizens and making a difference.

Anand Chapter AFS Anand Chapter gathered at one of the busiest roads of the Town Hall Area on a very hot day of 3rd April. With full energy, the volunteers distributed more than 700 pots to the locals made from soil which can be filled with water and food for the birds.

Mr. Mitul Patel and his son who are not AFS volunteers also joined in and helped our volunteers. The volunteers at Anand Chapter have completed this noble task of GYSD on the theme “Serve, Smile and Share Together” got tremendous amount of satisfaction and shared joy of giving.

Rajkot Chapter The Rajkot chapter distributed buttermilk among slum dwellers and traffic policemen on 17th April 2022. Buttermilk possesses a great cooling effect, reduces acidity, helps in digestion and improves our metabolism.

Mr. Nayan Shah lent a helping hand at the construction site in Rajkot on 21st April 2022.

Ms. Jyoti Jadeja visited Khamma village primary school near Rajkot on 4th April 2022. She spent quality time with underprivileged children and distributed stationery items and biscuits among children.

There was a medical camp on 4th April 2022 in Parnala village organized by Navjivan Trust. Mr. Kaushal Sheth and Ms. Dipal Sheth donated 100 pairs of reading glasses for the villagers. They also donated items worth Rs.16500 for one bride at a community marriage function held at Dhoraji as part of their regular social service initiatives.

Bharatiben and Vaishaliben visited Home for Blind People on 17th April 2022 and sponsored dinner for the inmates. They also visited an old age home the next day and distributed items like soap, oil, toothpaste, powder and comb.

Ajay Mehta and Hema Mehta, Rakshit Vasavada and Urvi Vasavada visited an old age home on 14th April 2022 and spent quality time with the inmates.

Page 02 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Atigre, Kolhapur With the motto of “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love" SGI Kolhapur organised various GYSD activities.

On 9th April 2022, under the able guidance of the Director Principal Mrs. Sasmitha Mohanty, the selected students of grade 9 visited the old age home at Bahubali. The students conducted various activities for those people, interacted with them and served there for one whole day, bringing beautiful smiles to their faces. Books were given to the library so that they will be busy reading the books. Fruits were provided as a token of love for them. A small party was also arranged for them where all of them were involved and enjoyed it with great enthusiasm.

The International Street Children Day was observed on the occasion of GYSD on 16th April 2022 where the selected students of grade 10 visited an orphanage at Abdul Lat, Ichalkaranji in Kolhapur. A Talent Show was organised where all the inmates participated and reached the zenith of happiness post which, all the children sat together and had lunch. Books were gifted to the children and saplings were planted in the campus. A bicycle also was gifted to the orphanage. An emotional, social and moral ethics have been inculcated by this activity in students as well as among the inmates.

SGI also organised a mass plantation under the supervision of the Director Principal Mrs. Sasmitha Mohanty in which more than 200 students planted a sapling and pledged to look after it.

Ahmedabad Chapter Dr Purvi Bhagat of Ahmedabad chapter, with the help of another social worker, donated some stationery material – pencil boxes, geometry tools, colours, notebooks, and some educational games for the education of tribal children. Moreover, she rescued and brought home a female German Shepherd puppy, most likely abandoned by its owners. It was lying around our society's main gate for 3 days in a hungry and fearful state.

Page 04 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Bihani Children's Academy, Sriganganagar, Rajasthan Bihani Children's Academy, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan organised their GYSD activity on 20th April 2022 where the students of class 8th under the supervision of Mr. Surinder Harjai and Ms. Jeetender Preet Kour acquired a memorable experience by visiting an Old Age Home. The students shared heart-rendering reminiscences of many elderly people who are spending the evenings of their lives together. They cooked meals for them and made their day meaningful.

Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur

Vadodara Chapter

RKKGPS, Jodhpur has always believed in rendering happiness and joy to everyone in the best possible way.

The school conducted a service endeavour on 24th April 2022, distributing summer & winter clothes and toys to the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society.

Commemorating the dream of Her Highness Rajmata Krishna Kumari Sahiba, the students of our school also distributed their old storybooks, coursebook sets and stationery, promoting girl education and empowerment.

The Service Endeavour impacted approximately 250 people.

AFS Vadodara organised a free dental check-up camp at The New Hoeizon School on 25th April 2022. The campwas led

by Dr. Ronak Barot and team where 300+ children from playgroups to Class 10 participated. The students were shown educational videos on how to maintain good oral health.

At the end of the day, AFS volunteers felt happy and satisfied that they were able to Serve, Smile, and Share Together.

Queens College, Indore Student volunteers of the AFS Wing of Queens’ College Indore accentuated the slogan, ‘Serve, Smile and Share Together’by rendering community service amongst the helpers of the school. Through a PowerPoint Presentation, volunteers elaborated upon the hazards of the consumption of tobacco. Qualitative interaction was held with the helpers to quell their queries. The female helpers were apprised about personal hygiene during menstruation and the social taboos related to it. Basic medical supplies like sanitary napkins, cotton, bandages and medicines were collected and donated to the female helpers.

Page 05 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Indore Chapter The Indore chapter volunteers visited a local pre-school run by the government in Nipania, Indore. There were around 40 children from the age of 2 to 5 years. The volunteers talked about the importance of personal hygiene and first aid in an emergency. The volunteers distributed juice, biscuits, chips and other gifts to the children. The children expressed their joy with beautiful dances.

Red Drive

By Vaishnavi Dubey It has vastly been seen that menstruation, or periods, are neglected blatantly in our society, by stigmatising and framing them as unclean. Vaishnavi, our Asia Kakehashi Project 2021 alumna along with decided to take an initiative to help the adolescent girls living in Mahesh Drishtiheen Kalyan Sangh, a blind home situated in our locality. This was a week-long process, starting from knocking on every door of our society to going to the blind home and getting a chance to interact with the girls personally. Vaishnavi shares, “The one hour we spent there was some of the happiest moments we've had in a very long time.”

Indore Chapter with AFS Schools Member AFS member schools of Indore, with AFS Indore volunteers spent time with the children of a retired school teacher. After retirement, she has been helping the children in and around her colony who do not have access to proper education. AFS school students and volunteers showed them what can be done if bitten by a snake and if they hurt their shelves. They taught them how to write their names in Hindi and English, and played games and sang songs. They were told what wonders can happen when the words ‘Please’, ‘Sorry’, and ‘Thank You’ are used. The volunteers distributed first aid kits, stationery, juices and wafers.

The participating schools; DPS (Rau), DPS (Nipania), St.Raphael’s School, The Emerald Heights International School, Indore Public School, Niranjana School, Vidyasagar School, and Medi-Caps International School.

Page 06 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Mumbai Chapter We get so occupied in our personal and professional lives that we forget taking time out for any social cause although we know it is a noble deed. Vaitashi Purohit of the Mumbai chapter believes that it is her duty to serve the country in all the ways possible. This month on her birthday, on 7th April 2022, her family cooked food at home, prepared around 50 food packets and distributed them to families in the nearby slum area. They also collected old and unused clothes, school bags, footwear, utensils, bedsheets, books, etc. from their neighborhood and distributed them in a small village near Mumbai.

Bangalore Chapter In collaboration with Indira Priyadarshini School, AFS Bangalore chapter met a group of 22 amazing children from Mother Teresa Home, an NGO to spend four hours of visual spectaculars and fun-filled team building games that made the day of those innocent ones absolutely special and fulfilling. The objective of the event was to provide a platform for the rich folk artistry that the children possess. They performed Dollu Kunita and Kamsale, two distinct traditional folk dances of Karnataka. Their spirit and passion for the folk were outstanding and all the volunteers not only enjoyed but were thrilled to see them perform. The volunteers engaged themselves in organizing games, compering, stage coordination, logistics and snacks arrangements.

Chennai Chapter Student volunteers of the AFS Wing of Queens’ College Indore accentuated the slogan, ‘Serve, Smile and Share Together’by rendering community service amongst the helpers of the school. Through a PowerPoint Presentation, volunteers elaborated upon the hazards of the consumption of tobacco. Qualitative interaction was held with the helpers to quell their queries. The female helpers were apprised about personal hygiene during menstruation and the social taboos related to it. Basic medical supplies like sanitary napkins, cotton, bandages and medicines were collected and donated to the female helpers.

Page 07 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Member School Stories Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer Palak Vohra Global You Changemaker I participated in the 12-week AFS Global You Changemaker in the summer of 2021. A program that helps teens become global changemakers who make a difference in the world. I had an amazing experience going through the course. It did not just revolve around working, it was much more beyond that. The sessions were interactive and I was in an online classroom of 25 students from all over the world.

The most important thing that this journey taught me is how to be a good leader. It taught me how to lead projects both in the present and in the future as a social entrepreneur and as a global citizen with empathy.

It made me aware of what is happening around the globe and helped me to learn more about my community. I believe when it comes to undertaking a project, not necessarily a social project it is vital to understand the background and the mindset of the people for whom we are working.

It made me rather confident to put forth my ideas and views on certain controversial topics more subtly and diplomatically. The course talked about the problems that we face to carry out a prototype. It taught me that to improve the prototype, we must build on the ideas of each other. It is significant for us as leaders to know how to put forth our ideas and to present them in a manner that does not end up hurting the sentiments of the people.

Furthermore, AFS provided a very safe space for me to speak my mind. I was surrounded by people my age and it was surprising how we all got along well and how we all shared the same ideology even though we come from different parts of the world. It was an enthusiastic workspace that was quite different from an everyday classroom. We performed certain activities to understand ourselves and our community better. It taught me how to learn from people that surround us and how to cooperate and collaborate.

AFS Global You Changemakers is the journey that has assured me that I will continue my social journey as a changemaker ahead.

Page 08 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Radhika S Tibrewal Global You Changemaker My experience in the AFS Global You Changemaker program was extremely enriching educationally.

I learned so much during the short span of time that it not only compelled me to know myself better as a person and discover my talents and my great potential but also encouraged me to be the agent of change that I want to see in the world. It enabled me to learn life skills like innovation, adaptability, problem definition and solving which have become very essential in today's space-age when the world is moving at an unprecedented pace. It taught me how to work in collaboration, and gave an insight into the diverse cultures.

The changemaker program taught me how imperative it is to look at what is “good” and “not so good” that we are made of. It is essential for us as a student to know who we are and how we connect to the world outside. We were given the task to form a prototype of the problem that we wanted to address and what could be possible solutions, and how could we encourage and draw the attention of the people to realize the root cause followed by the consequences of the same.

The program gave me an effective platform to talk about the condition of women in India. I also discussed the problems of mental health; how cultural stigmas and negative perceptions about mental illness can discourage individuals from getting help. Being a part of the program has been one of the most meaningful and impactful experiences of my life. It enabled me to meet a host of volunteers who are highly enthusiastic and willing to put in their best to make a positive change!

Page 09 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Fundraising Stories Art for Change

AFS India created opportunities for young students to learn various art forms of India through the fundraiser of Art for Change, utilizing art as a medium to connect to people who love learning art.

The fundraiser aimed for raising funds to provide scholarships to the children for their lifetime opportunity towards transformational impact through participation in AFS Programs.

12 institutions and 37 participants pan India took part in our 3 sessions and learnt about the various art forms. In the Puppet Making session, participants enclosed their creativity by making storytelling a medium to convey the message to the audience. Our trainer Ms. Shaveta Manga from Jodhamal Public School, Jammu gave an enriching experience.

In the Warli Art session, students got very close to Indian culture as they learned about nature and harmony through the Warli art of tribal people. The participants not only were excited but very joyful with our trainer Ms. Hema Mehta from Rajkot for conducting the session.

The last session of Martial Arts was conducted by our trainers, Guru Shri Hemanth Kumar Venkatramana and Master Sethu Karthikeyan. Martial arts originated in 527 AD in India and since then people have been using this technique for self-defence.

The expert trainers taught the students to be disciplined and dedicated towards a goal.

We express our sincere gratitude to all the schools, trainers, and participants for making the Art for Change fundraiser a grand success.

Page 10 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Alumni Achievement Designing for Inclusion ’22

By Sehar Abdullah, YES 2016-17, Srinagar

When the applications for the ECA workshop 2020 came out, I was eager to apply for it. The workshop called “Designing for Inclusion” Training of Trainers (ToT) was meant to give alumni with disability and allies with an interest in disability rights teambuilding and leadership skills to conduct inclusive workshops. The ToT workshop was supposed to happen in April 2020, but right one week before the workshop pandemic hit the world and we were under lockdown. It took almost two years for AFS USA to successfully conduct the workshop in person. I would like to use this space to thank AFS USA for their continued efforts and never-ending determination to conduct the workshop in person.

The Training of Trainers workshop finally took place on March 6-15th 2022, and it was a wholesome experience. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it was worth waiting for two years. The workshop took place in Washington D.C in the old town of Virginia. The workshop was phenomenal when it came to teaching us to build accommodative and inclusive spaces for people with disability. Our trainers were experienced in their field and taught us the ways to set the right and measurable objectives for conducting workshops. The trainees discussed the country-specific disability laws and we got to know about different laws related to disability in each country. To make workshops accommodative to people with different intelligences, we took Kolb’s Intelligence Test and designed our activities accordingly.

Page 11 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

The workshop taught us the history of Americans with Disability Act and at the end, I designed my own workshop module keeping in mind the theme. I hope to implement it here in India and provide my assistance to AFS India in making the AFS sessions more inclusive.

Hosting Story A Trip With The Host Family Antonio Urzua from Chile, who was hosted in Vadodara went on a Mt Abu trip with his host family which he described as super fun! Antonio writes, “I really enjoyed myself there.

I went up to the top of several mountains to appreciate the scenery and also had the opportunity to visit a small village.

Sponsored Stories

I had the opportunity to visit the Dilwara Temples and I couldn't believe how beautiful it was inside. It was a structure made of marble with incredible details! I couldn't get in with a camera but the images of the temple live in my mind for life.”

KL-YES 2021-22 We’re pleased to share that Riya Pandya, our YES 2021-22 student from Ahmedabad, currently hosted in Texas, was honoured as the “YES Student of the Month” for the month of April. Riya is a very active student at her host school as well as her host community where she volunteers at several events and is a part of different clubs at school. She has participated in many competitions like Livestock Show and Fair, baking cook-off, etc and has won many accolades.

Riya has noted how proud her host parents are of her and have been telling others about her achievements, just as her family in India would.

Having hosted exchange students for over 16 years (with Riya as their20th participant), her host parents are happy to share their culture and hometown. They were recently honoured with a Chamber of Commerce “Ambassador of San Augustine 2021” award.

Riya has made it her mission to educate as many people as possible about her home country and culture and has given dozens of presentations about India at school, community functions, and during International Education Week. In addition, Riya enjoys volunteering and has also successfully completed 100 hours of volunteering. She has set a goal of achieving 200 community service hours before she returns home.

We wish all the best to her in future endeavours as she soars to new heights every day.

Page 12 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Sending Stories Winter In Italy

By Kaavya Tahlani, Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata AFS Short Term Program to Italy When I applied to this program, I thought that 2 months is a long time to be away from home, to be in a completely different part of the world at just 15 years of age. Little did I know that these 2 months are going to flow like a torrent.

Italy is so magnificent. My first glimpse of my Host city, Pinerolo, was so warming. A small city filled with snow and heartwarming people, Piazza Fontana, San Maurizio, Da Vinci and so much more.

Italians have a culture of drinking wine, having an espresso shot after lunch and dinner and most importantly making you a part of their culture and I fell in love with every part of it.

My Italian Family is hands down the most beautiful, loving, caring and respectful people I have ever met. From the day I met my host mom, she made sure my exchange was a memorable one. A huge credit for making my exchange the best one goes to her. My host family gave me the motivation to try so many types of food, things, everything. They also made sure to keep me aware and safe from all types of dangers.

11th of January my first day at my host school in Buniva. I was a little skeptical of how they would perceive me, with the Indian accent and no sense of Italian. But then I met my class, filled with so many different and welcoming faces and a thousand questions.

Incredible teachers without whom I would have never survived for real, so cooperative and understanding. Each class that I went to was a new adventure and experience where I was answering their questions about India and its culture. Even though we had a language barrier I made a bond with every class that I visited. I hope this bond lasts till the next time I visit Italy and forever!

Buniva was an adventure that I’ll never forget.

I’m so grateful for this entire experience, the people that I met, the relationships that I created, and the places that I visited. Italy has a very special place in my heart which can’t be replaced. This is one of the best experiences one can ever get. A huge thank you to AFS India, teachers, my parents and everyone who made this possible for me!

Page 13 | April 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

18+ Programs

A year Abroad 18+ Volunteer exchange Program to Germany (2016 – 2017)

By Anushree Modi

I went on my first AFS Program to Switzerland back in 2010. I was fortunate to go on another AFS Program in 2016-17 to Germany. Yes! I am among the few lucky ones who got the opportunity to go on a yearlong exchange program not once but twice. And I saw the world from two different perspectives. In Germany, I was recruited in a Boarding School which accommodated 19 different nationalities and my designation was “Student Counsellor” majorly for foreign students who most of the time were residing in the school hostel while the locals went home.

My job was about staying accessible to the students to help them with their day to day queries like homework, loneliness, nearby trips etc, plan activities for/with them, cook with them, or just sit with them and have a conversation. A sweet little hug from a student who felt like they received help from me, used to give me a feeling of contentment and sheer joy knowing that I did something right.

I was assigned a mentor who helped me do my best. While being on my volunteer exchange I understood one thing, I quote “World is a Field of Cactus sometimes and you need to Walk Bare Feet” – The job was not easy or fancy. Every day was a test, a new reality to learn and those days sculpted me into the person I am today. When I flew back from Germany, I’ve become evolved, fearless, and a confident being. I became more aware of my flaws, strengths & weaknesses. I learned to mould myself in accordance with life’s surprises which has immensely helped me lead my way ahead with great wisdom.

Today I am an aspiring entrepreneur, working at my father’s firm. I am a writer, singer, blogger, Reiki healer and a girl who gave up her comfort to learn about life. I witness pride when I look at my parents today and that cannot be outweighed by anything.

This is what volunteering is all about. To give & receive the intangible support, spread kindness, peace, and a feeling of belonging, learning about the cultures while staying true to our roots, to extend a helping hand.

I can’t thank AFS enough for this opportunity which flipped my life for good. For anyone who is reading this, please do not doubt your capabilities, you are meant to fly high and such opportunities will help you grow your wings wider than the sky!

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AFS programs for 18 Years and above 18 + programs are offered in various categories – Internships, Volunteering, Study abroad, Teachers (educators) exchange, Gap year study abroad etc. and are available across the world basis availability of programs and COVID scenarios post pandemic. The programs are completely custom made with regards to – category, preferred subject/area, country, duration, departure dates.

The 18 + programs offered by AFS helps the individual in this category stand out from their peers by adding “global” to their personal and professional identity. Stimulating AFS 18+ Programs experiences provide young adults with a clear advantage in many ways and every profession—at home and around the world. That’s because living, studying, working and volunteering abroad helps you become more confident in unfamiliar settings while sharpening practical cross-cultural skills valued in many universities, NGOs, corporates, and workplaces.

Reach out to Shradha Roy @ shradha.roy@afs.org to make your program.

Internships Boost your job prospects with an international workplace training in your desired profession. See how your studies apply in a business or NGO set-up, while alongside making your CV or resume more attractive to prospective employers.

Volunteer Abroad Tackle an issue that you are passionate about. AFS programs let you choose your area of interest- from working with the youth to environmental issues- in apart of the world that you would like to work in and learn from.

Gap Year Opportunity Go abroad for a few weeks, few months or longer. Develop new skills, find your passion, learn another language, and make friends in cool places – all great ways to prepare for college, and life.

Language Learning Practice a new language learnt in a real-world setting. Plus, enjoying the customs and traditions of a new culture is easier when you are fluent in the language.

Teaching Spend some time in another country, exploring another educational system, anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Share your experiences with other teachers and students abroad in a new cultural setting.

Study Abroad Combine academic classes in any discipline or field of study with an international experience. Enhance your academic learning by working with new professors with different perspectives.

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Virtual programs 7 Reasons AFS’ Virtual Exchange Programs Make an Impact 1 Virtual Exchange Keeps Young People Globally Connected Programs combine independent, self-paced learning with live dialogue sessions to bring together diverse global cohorts of students for a dynamic and intercultural exchange experience.

2 Global You Adventurer Helps Build Bridges Across Cultures Students learn intercultural skills to engage, lead and collaborate effectively, and enhance self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence to develop their full potential.

3 Delivering Social Impact With Global You Changemaker Global You Changemaker provides a critical bridge in the gap between young people’s desires to change the world and the skills they need to create their own innovative social impact projects.

4 Expert Facilitation Is Essential To Program Success Trained facilitators from 14 different countries create an inclusive environment for group learning. 97% of participants valued the role that Global You facilitators played in their experience.

5 Creating New Scholarships to Participate in Exchange Programs Since program launch, over 48% of participants received scholarships, giving students from underrepresented backgrounds and communities access to global competence education.

6 Conducting Research on the Efficacy of Digital Exchange AFS’s research seeks to present concrete evidence to support and further develop the efficacy of virtual exchange thanks to a grant awarded by The Stevens Initiative.

7 Partnerships Accelerate Reach & Impact To expand and accelerate our reach, we have built new and innovative partnerships with organizations, institutions, and governments.

To know more about the program or save your spot reach out to Shradha Roy @ shradha.roy@afs.org or Manjit Sandhu @ manjit.sandhu@afs.org

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AFS Mission AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non- govermental, 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 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 tolerance.

Global competence is the “power skill” young peple require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world and global economy.

Active global citizens must be prepared to communicated, collabrate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest chalenges and help more people benefit from a global economy.

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, India www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org