Newsletter | April 2021

2021 APRIL

Changemakers The

NEWSLETTER Your source to stay up to date with AFS Intercultural Programs India’s activities, events & opportunities

Inside this issue 2 3 4 5

In Volunteers Are Changemakers, read about the impact story of Syed Sumaira Educator’s Desk section brings you thoughts on “How can educators empower young people to be prepared for an increasingly interconnected world?”

In Impact Stories from AFS Staffs, learn about the journey of Manjula Devi Explore Blast From The Past and learn about GYSD engagement from the past

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Experience Alumni Engagement and read more about the two amazing changemaking projects initiated by AFS India In Volunteers in Action, read about the Women’s Day Celebration by Nashik Chapter In School Stories, read about the Virtual International Class Exchange with New Zealand and about GCC for Educators Learn more about AFS Home-Stay and Hungary Trip Program in our Special AFS Programs for You

VOLUNTEERS ARE CHANGEMAKERS

AFS has become an integral part of my life

By Syed Sumaira, Volunteer, Srinagar Chapter “My AFS journey has been a great learning experience. I made incredible, lifelong relationships. AFS has played a pivotal role in my intrapersonal and interpersonal growth. It has opened a multitude of opportunities for me, to learn about different cultures and people. I am an avid believer of peace and it gives me immense pleasure to affiliate myself with an organization that contributes to global peace and harmony.

My journey with AFS began in 2013, when I attended an intercultural program in New Zealand. The program broadened my horizons and helped me become more confident and self reliant. Since then, AFS has become an integral part of my life.

Being an AFS volunteer, I was able to facilitate many exchange programs in Kashmir that have proved to be a breath of fresh air for the students and teachers amidst the conflict pertaining in the valley. AFS has encouraged my students in instilling patience, acceptance and empathy. It has helped them to inculcate compassion and gratitude. Moreover, this has aided us in building bridges between Kashmir and other parts of the country. It has profusely helped in breaking cultural stereotypes about Kashmir. Apart from the exchange programs, community services and awareness programs have been crucial in bringing children closer to the existing problems in the society and to actively work towards the solutions. These programs have facilitated in turning these young children into better global citizens. It has made their roots firm , at the same time given them wings to fly.

Creating more such opportunities and spaces for youngsters to express themselves and to experience diversity existing across the globe, has been my paramount reason to pursue volunteering. It gives me a deep sense of purpose and inspires me to make an effort to impact lives. I am acutely aware of the responsibilities that come with volunteering. However, the sense of contentment that I get from associating with others and establishing relationships makes it all worth it. The experiences I have had and the opportunities AFS has given me, I will forever be grateful. The memories I have made along the way will always be cherished. I hope to continue my journey with AFS for many more years to come.”

AFS has encouraged my students in instilling patience, acceptance and empathy. It has helped them to inculcate compassion and gratitude.

Page 02 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

Volunteers are Changemakers section is all about how volunteers of AFS India are helping people and communities learn to live together. Experience stories of impact directly from our volunteers and learn how AFS empowered them to become global citizens.

Educator’s Desk is all about the thoughts and perspectives from the AFS Member School Educators discussing various relevant themes related to education

EDUCATOR’S DESK

How can educators empower young people to be prepared for an increasingly interconnected world?

By Richa Parasher, AFS Coordinator and co-written by Dr. Diganta Halder, Principal, Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” –Nelson Mandela.

I strongly believe in this quote but here as an educator for me, education is more than imparting the subject knowledge. The definition of education is changed for me after connecting with AFS and especially after doing the GCC course. For me, education means imparting subject knowledge, creating a compassionate child, empowering children with soft skills, educate children to suspend judgements, deal with macroaggressions, help the child to learn to bridge the gaps, respect and appreciation for all cultures and to ensure that students do not fall behind when they step out of their niche.

Students gain global competence by practicing skill development in the classroom and applying their learning to real-world topics. 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.

‘We are proud of the opportunities provided

by AFS, by giving international exposure to teachers and students and making them globally competent. I have seen the changes in our students and educators in the recent years.’

By Dr. Diganta Halder Principal, Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati “In the world today, it is desirable to have to build a network of relationships among teenagers throughout the world. Such relationships provide opportunities to become part of a global family and to share skills and knowledge of cultures and a host of other issues and ideas of mutual interest.

So, I participated in the AFS Global You Adventurer. By completing the program, I am now more equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding needed to interact effectively in a global and cross cultural environment.”

By Bibhu Ranjan Kalita Student, Participant of Global You Adventurer

With the soft skills through the GCC program, a child can easily and happily embrace the outside world.

Educators and education systems worldwide are reassessing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students need for success in today's rapidly changing and complex world. Schools are the first place where the children encounter the diversity of the society. Here comes the role of educator, school and AFS in helping our children in Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati to be globally competitive.

Our school children have actively participated in AFS Global You Adventurer, Virtual Exchange programs with various countries, STEM program, KL-YES program, Asia Kakehashi program, activities like Global Youth Service Day, Pehnawa etc and courses like GCC which are shared time to time are very effective for global development and promote the value of diversity.

We whole-heartedly thank the AFS family for having courses like GCC and we support AFS in all forms.

I feel very elated to see the children of my school getting international exposure, gaining soft skills, getting ready to face the world and make it more beautiful with their actions.”

Page 03 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

IMPACT STORIES FROM AFS STAFFS

As I Look Back to Move Forward…

By Manjula Devi, Coordinator - AFS Sending & School Relations Having spent more than a decade working in the education sector - in schools, ed-tech companies and now with AFS India - what keeps me motivated each day is the ability to contribute towards the better learning opportunities for our younger generation. The happiness that comes to an educator, when the students excitedly share their achievements, is beyond description.

My experience of teaching English Language & Literature and Global Perspectives at Cambridge & International Baccalaureate Curriculums, exposed me to an array of experimental teaching- learning processes.

Working in the education ed-tech sector gave me a chance to feed my own curiosity and work with like-minded people. But most important of all, it gave me an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. If you are anything like me, you would realise that the need for students to be able to empathize with others, value diverse perspectives and cultures, understand how events around the world are interconnected, and solve problems that transcend borders has never been greater. The current pandemic highlighted even more.

I am glad to be part of AFS India, now for more than a year, enjoying time with educators, students, volunteers and staff across the globe through numerous AFS Programs developing active global citizens. Some personal happiness quotient highlights during my short stay till now with AFS that I would like to share with you all: -- Inclusivity that AFS programs bring for wider outreach - Listening to the excited teenager, who went on the sponsored program to the USA and received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2021 for his exceptional abilities and outstanding accomplishments.

-- Exploring new avenues & perspectives with AFS Programs - Talking to a young and gutsy girl who explored Czech Republic - not so conventional country choice for exchange - for her year exchange program and sharing happily her learning experiences.

-- Sense of Giving Back to the Society & Volunteerism - The AFS Volunteers in India & other countries are amazingly happy people who are ready to contribute for intercultural learning.

To thank them adequately for the efforts they make would be impossible.

I am yet to experience the in-person interaction with the students, educators and volunteers. Keenly, looking forward to learning and contributing more towards a better world.

Page 04 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS India provides leadership, coordination, support, quality control and development to all its employees.

Hear from our committed staff members about their journey of advancing the mission of AFS.

2011

Blast from The PAST

Wall painting for specially abled children AFS returnees from Chennai celebrated GYSD by painting the walls of a dining room used by specially abled children at an NGO called Andhra Mahila Sabha. This organization runs a hostel facility for children with special needs.

2012 Appreciating Traffic Heroes As a part of the class exchange program between India & Russia, 11 students from Russia performed a raas dance at an event held by Daly College in Indore. It was an eccentric spectacle seeing the Russians dancing to Indian tunes in classical Indian attires.

2013 Spreading Climate Sensitive practices Volunteers & alumni from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar chapters got together to conduct the AFS Traffic Awareness Campaign, where they assisted the traffic police at signals in managing the increasing traffic & chaos. They distributed appreciation cards, flowers & chocolates to all who followed traffic rules correctly.

2014 Visit to AnandDham Volunteers from Anand visited an old age home ‘AnandDham’ and spent the GYSD with the persons residing there. They spent the day by engaging in a few light hearted activities and healthy discussions over chai & biscuits.

2015 Drawing Competition at Salam Bala Trust Volunteers from Delhi spent the GYSD at Salam Bala Trust, an organization which helps children victims of drug abuse to overcome their health and well-being. They hosted a drawing competition for the children, followed by an AFS rally and distribution of refreshments.

2016 Cleaning Drive for a better climate Pune volunteers conducted a cleanliness drive near Khadakwasla Dam and nearby areas where they handpicked and collected all recyclable material and plastic garbage. They also spread awareness regarding garbage disposal to shopkeepers and passer bys of the area.

Blast from the Past Global Youth Service Day Special Giving back to the community has always been a core value of AFSers! As we celebrate yet another GYSD from the confines of our homes, we take you to a ride back in time and sing praise to the virtue of ‘service’.

2017 Conserving Water for a secure tomorrow Volunteers from Mumbai reached out to the slum areas of Goregaon to spread awareness on water conservation and educate people on its importance. They used placards and performed a street play on the same theme to further this idea.

2018 Small steps, big difference Over 100 volunteers and 2000 students from 24 cities in India executed more than 10 GYSD activities individually or in a group. The activities were focused on building a better community so that we can look out for each other and create a better world around us.

2019 Honouring the Heroes Volunteers from Bangalore hosted an interactive evening for eminent heroes. The meeting included honouring the heroes by listening to their success stories and achievements along with felicitating them with the awards and a vote of thanks as a token of respect.

2020 Creating the ripple effect YES’10 alumnus Arun Sharma worked towards educating children at a government school in Goa. Page 05 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

ALUMNI

Alumni Engagement is all about how AFS India alumni through its activities, events, programs, etc. is making a difference in the world

ENGAGEMENT

Re-launching Thriving 2020

Kick-starting Do Your Bit 2.0

Thriving 2020 is a leadership initiative comprising 30 highly motivated alumni who will further mobilise and drive alumni engagement activities for AFS alumni pan India during 2021. The cohort of 27 selected alumni is led by 3 mentors (Yashodhan Shende, John Mota & Sarvanan Rajan) who are also AFS YES alumni.

We’re pleased to share the kick-start of yet another alumni project, Do Your Bit 2.0. After a rigorous process of selection, 5 alumni (including YES alumni) have been selected, who will lead the project and work with younger children to curate climate action projects of their own,

The project was put on hold last year due to sudden onset of pandemic and lockdown but resumes now (virtually). The selected alumni will undergo training on various aspects related to alumni engagement and community service and will work with mentors to create their own projects.

VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Women’s Day Celebration AFS Nashik celebrated the International Women’s Day differently this year by organizing a webinar on ‘Menstrual Health & Hygiene’ for all the female volunteers, their friends & family on 5th March 2021. The guest speaker for the event was Dr. Kshama Aghor, a noted gynecologist by profession.

In the 2.5 hours long virtual session, Dr. Kshama gave insightful guidance on menstrual health and hygiene, followed by a Q & A session. Nearly 50 participants attended the webinar.

Our heartiest thanks to Dr. Kshama Aghor for her expert facilitation on the subject. Many kudos to volunteers of Nashik chapter who worked to make this event a major success.

It was an amazing webinar and a great way to celebrate Women’s Day. Neha Patil, Volunteer, Nashik

Page 06 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

The 5 climate change enthusiasts are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Alisagar Vohra - YES’10 alumnus from Vadodara Prachi Pundir - YES’15 alumna from Dehradun Anupam Mishra - YES’16 alumnus from Gonda, UP. Piyush Chandak- BP STEM Academy’18 alumnus from Indore 5. Salwa Mehreen - Asia Kakehashi’20 alumna from Bangladesh.

Heartiest congratulations on selections! Project DYB 2.0 aims to engage and empower youth to work towards creating actionable projects on environmental protection and climate conservation.

In Volunteer in Action read about how our volunteers are helping people and communities learn to live together

School Activities is all about how AFS India through its activities, events, programs, etc. is educating educators and students to make a real difference.

SCHOOL

ACTIVITIES When the Kiwis met Mango lovers Students from Pragnya Bodhini High School, Mumbai, India and Oropi School, New Zealand met virtually on 18th March 2021 for the International Class Exchange.

The interaction between students of both schools had started earlier in the year when they researched, prepared and exchanged questions on different aspects of their respective countries.

The students discussed the SDGs and challenges both the countries face in achieving them, along with bits of cultural exchange. It was a beautiful exchange of knowledge, ideas and friendships. Heartiest gratitude to the educators from both the schools to make this exchange happen.

This exchange left the kids with a wider perspective on things and intriguing thoughts. We as teachers can facilitate opportunities to learn. Just the way AFS continue to give us opportunities to connect.

Educator, Pragnya Bodhini High School

GCC for Educators “Intercultural communication has become one of the most considerable issues in the 21st century” says Richa Parasher, Educator and GCC Champion from Delhi.

We’re happy to share that a group of educators from Sarla Birla Gyan Jyoti have recently completed the GCC course.

They are constantly motivating students of their school to participate in various programs initiated and offered by AFS. “In Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti we believe that having strong bonds between the countries is crucial in this globalized world and we can solve our differences by collaborating with the larger community outside our own.

In an increasingly global and mobile society, we are faced with greater cultural diversity both in our professional and private lives. Because of this, more and more emphasis is being placed by the teachers on the need for intercultural awareness, adaptation and respect for cultural differences.” says Richa parasher.

In the course of the past year, many children have joined the wonderful programs of AFS and completed them successfully and have become more competent and sensitive to different global issues.

Page 07 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

Ready to know about AFS Programs? We offer life-changing opportunities in many countries. Explore this page to know more about new programs.

SPECIAL AFS

PROGRAMS FOR YOU Home-stay and Hungary Trip (October 2021) This has been a very popular - exclusively for Indian students - program run by AFS India and AFS Hungary that is a mix of excursion, home stay and school interactions.

After the arrival orientation the students will have a cultural visit in Budapest. It will be followed by a 10-day Hungary trip. This will provide the chance to experience almost all parts of Hungary, see the most important sights and do this in the company of other exchange students from all over the world.

The 2-week homestay following the trip helps the student to experience Hungarian culture, family structure and family culture and also an insight into the Hungarian educational system. Students will have the opportunity to take part in city life and also to participate in school.

Program Highlights: -- 10-day excursion trip to important sights of Hungary 2 weeks homestay -- Participation in Hungarian school activities Program Details: -----

Arrival Date: 1 October 2021 Departure Date: 29 October 2021 Age Criteria: Between 15 to 18 Years Application Deadline: 1 July 2021

Program Fees: INR 168,740 (18% GST included) + Visa + Airfare

My study abroad experience in Russia provided me the opportunity to realize that there is a much bigger world out there, with a very rich and proud culture.

I learned about myself in the process, as I had my conversation with other International AFS students who had different point of views, ideas and opinions, that helped me to think like global and challenged me to apply my learnings and to share my own point of view in a cross-culture background.

AFS Alumni

Open up your world to new possibilities AFS intercultural adventures transform your life forever! We call it the #AFSeffect Live with a new family in another country. Enjoy different traditions.

Open your mind to a new way to view the world and help others see the world the way you experience it.

Build bridges across cultures by creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

Go to a new school, learn a new language and find ways to connect with people from other cultures and backgrounds Discover new things about yourself and your place in the world.

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); Nishita Mehta (nishita.mehta@afs.org, +91-8586-925-131).

Page 08 | April 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

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

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

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

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.

Cover Photo: Aneesh Kakarala For any suggestions, or sharing stories or experiences, please write at aadil.fahim@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.com/afsindia youtube.com/afsindiaofficial twitter.com/IndiaAFS instagram.com/afs_india/

AFS Intercultural Programs India

908 9th Floor Arunachal Building 19 Barakhamba Road New Delhi - 110001 www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org