Newsletter | June 2020

Inside this issue

J U N E

2 0 2 0

2 In our AFS Theory of Change sec on, learn how AFS is crea ng ac ve global ci zens.

3 Read the impac ul experiences shared by some of our Alumni in becoming #Ac veGlobalCi zens in the Words from AFSers, 4 This month, in School on Highlight, we share the insights of Bunts Sangha's S M She y High School & Jr College. Explore in the ar cle how the school emphasizes on integrated learning focusing on respect as the key.

5 In AFS Collabora ons, we introduce you to the Great Place to Study, an educa onal ins tute providing a pla orm for people of the future engaging through various of its interac ve tools.

6 In the School Sec on, read about how AFS conducted a Virtual Regional Program between Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur & Sanjay Ghodawat Interna onal School, Kolhapur.

7 Alumni Impact shares with you the successful Do Your Bit Project which focuses on making climate ac on everybody's priority.

8 Read next in Hos ng Stories a hear elt experience sharing of a host mother about her special lifelong bond with her host daughter that she cherishes each moment.

9-11 In the Joy of Volunteering, experience Virtual Regional Volunteer Exchange between Indore and Rajkot as well Guwaha and Kolkata.

11 Read more about AFS India’s engagement with AFS GCC Special Edi on.

AFS Theory of Change Going forward, we will enhance our current study abroad and exchange programs with new features and more them-based, short-themed interna onal and intercultural opportuni es. These content-rich oerings will also address issue of importance to youth, while facilita ng their growth as ac ve global ci zens.

EXPERIENCE

LEARN

PRACTICE

Study Abroad

Global Skills

Social Impact

Provide young people with immersive interna onal or intercultural experiences.

Support them with structured and facilitated intercultural learning journeys that lead to global competence.

Give them real-world social impact and changemaking exposure through training, ac vi es and projects.

ACTIVE GLOBAL CITIZENS Have the essen al global skills they need to live, learn, work and volunteer to contribute to society and change the world.

Create a more Just and Peaceful world Page 02 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

“One year in the United States has made me a stronger person than I had ever imagined. In today’s world, and par cularly in my line of work i.e. entertainment industry, we face cut throat compe on and live under the fear of being judged every now and then. However, thanks to my experiences from the program I have learnt to accept all situa ons as they are, and cope with the circumstances with full confidence. I have learnt to keep my calm, stay pa ent and look at the brighter side of things, which helps me a lot in my day to day life. The programme taught me the importance of developing and maintaining rela ons, and to treat everyone you meet with love and care. I try to maintain contacts with as many people as possible, from the programme, and even outside of it. That year in the United States which I refer to as the ‘Golden Year’ has played a big part in shaping my personality.”

- Mukta Soman, Returnee 2011

My exchange year enhanced my interest in global issues and enabled me to work for the same.

With the concept of ‘charity begins at home,’ I started with my hometown shouldering my responsibility towards my nation by doing my bit.

"Life is a journey which one has to enjoy" has been my mo o my whole life. Everyday, every situa on, every challenge, is a new chapter that we add to our journey. I started one of my best journeys on the 9th of August, 2016, an unforge able one. I landed in a place of uncertainty and with people I didn’t know and even more adventurous thing was that I was about to live an en re year in the house of someone I never saw. In that foreign place and amongst strange people, I was taught a lesson to explore, to leave my comfort zone and ll this day, that has been the most important lesson that life has taught me. It was a place where I fell for art and I won’t get over it ever.

From the first me I stepped inside a new house to boarding the plane for home with tears in my eyes, I will miss it all. It taught me how life is always full of surprises and the only way one can really live it is by embracing life as it comes. If one does that, then strangers become closer than family and a foreign place can become one's own home and something that one thought he would never do becomes his passion.”

- Dhruv Suthar, Returnee 2015 “My journey as an exchange student le me with the idea of always expec ng the unexpected. It helped me realise and invigorate four important quali es ie. pa ence, respect, apprecia on and adjust which now I consider as my four pillars of strength.”

My exchange year propelled me towards acceptance and understanding of different cultures and communi es. My exchange year enhanced my interest in global issues and enabled me to work for the same. With the concept of ‘charity begins at home,’ I started with my hometown shouldering my responsibility towards my na on by doing my bit.

I believe that to bring about a greater change, one first needs to be sensi zed towards the challenges of the underprivileged. Contribu ng my part to the society, I have been working for re-establishing "Farz founda on" - a social service NGO founded in 1991 reborn ac vely in 2019 and now as a permanent member of the same we follow the central ideology, “It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act!"

We have been catering to more than 18 objec ves (as per the need of the hour), from cloth to food drives and now to serving the needful during this pandemic. Also, we have been conduc ng open mic shows like “Art by Heart" dedicated to sharing a few moments of joy for the physically challenged. Thus comple ng the circle of Helping, Healing, and Caring.”

Mukta Soman

Dhruv Suthar

Atharva Vyas

Returnee 2011

Returnee 2015

Returnee 2015

- Atharva Vyas, Returnee 2015

Page 03 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

Bunts Sangha's S M Shetty High School & Jr College Address: Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai - 400076, Maharashtra Phone No. 022 61327373 E-mail: school@smshe yins tute.org Website: www.www.smshe yins tute.org/bs_highschool/ Fueled by the determina on to forge Connec ons of Hope, Bunts Sangha's S. M She y High School & Jr College thinks posi vely about the people it leads. Respect is a very founda onal factor in the development and maintenance of a healthy learning environment. RESPECT is one of our key social op cs, visibly showcased through the lens of being respec ul to everyone, having empathy for all, being socially conscious, passionate, orien ng ourselves and others towards excellence and acclima zing all towards being competent and transparent in educa on. It paves the path to establish an intercultural environment in our ins tu on.

Our students are moulded into global ci zens, ingrained as lifelong learners, possessing the cri cal consciousness to live as ac ve global ci zens. The school curriculum, keeping the core values, mission and vision of our ins tu on, is designed to assist our students to be able to contribute to development and find landmark place in the world. From the Inter – Faith School Assemblies to the Students Council Elec on and various compe ons, students are guided to prac se Human Rights, giving priority to coopera ve and collabora ve learning. Our Students are given a wide pla orm through the Students' Exchange programme to forge bonds and acclima ze them with varied cultures and perspec ves in India and across globe.

Page 04 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

Celebra ons are conducted with a diverse touch to strengthen the value system, making our students responsible for the global concerns.

Highlighted Ini a ves: - Valen ne's Day Celebra on infused with dona ng Ro s as an expression of love (SDG Goal 2: Zero Hunger).

- Dildari ki Dukan, an ini a ve of our benevolent teachers empowering the support, housekeeping and security staff to buy the things they like, all the ac vi es are woven into the global fabric of fraternity.

- Holding hands with Grade 10 students of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corpora on (BMC) School. The students from S M She y School helped these students by teaching them and helping them with the notes and worksheets.

- Imbibing patrio sm, our students par cipated in our School Social Responsibilty ac vity - Ek Coin, Ek Value that served the dualpurpose - learning economics and doing something good.

- The Beach Clean – Up drive, the Awareness Rallies on Environment Day and Peer talks on Nature display their pledge to work for a be er world (SDG Goal 13: Climate Ac on).

Undeterred by the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, we have ini ated the Virtual School in full swing with all the ac vi es going on the academics, the extracurricular ac vi es and the compe ons. Our ins tu on is, undoubtedly, a great place for great people to do great work.

Great Place To Study Address: B1/B2, Mohan Estate, New Delhi-44 Phone No. +91-8130988269 E-mail: info@greatplacetostudy.com Website: www.greatplacetostudy.com About GPTS Great Place To Study is a pla orm for people of the future. Our products and programmes are designed to propel young minds towards a brighter tomorrow. GPTS trusts technology and acknowledges the paradigm shi that has brought longform pedagogy to bite-size learning.

At Great Place To Study, we understand that exposure to a range of career paths can make it difficult for young minds to choose a field that is ideal for them. There are many areas where you might need futuris c tools that will help you navigate your way around a complicated system. And that's where we come in.

Our interac ve tools help teachers, students, and ins tu ons discover and engage with each other. From Student Fulfillment Index (SFI) to Career Discovery and Accelera on Pla orm (CDAP), from our Knowledge Studio to GPTS Featured, every product is uniquely created to suit the educator and the student to serve their different purposes. Alongside, GPTS is con nually striving to achieve what's best for educa on and ci zens of the future.

Student Fulfilment Index (SFI) Our interac ve tools are innova ve solu ons designed to help teachers, students, and ins tu ons discover and engage with each other. The Student Fulfilment Index (SFI) is a first-of-its kind technology that measures student, parent and teacher sa sfac on level on 6 Key Performance Indicators, and offers schools, colleges and universi es a comprehensive understanding of the impact of their educa on policies and prac ces.

Career Discovery Pla orm

Summer School At GPTS we value educa on above all. So we encourage everyone to learn new skills, pursue interests or advance their career with our short online courses.

GPTS Summer School offers mul ple live courses from a wide range of subjects, all of which have a hot market demand in the current scenario. At just the click of a bu on, get ready to gain knowledge from experts on an eclec c assortment of subjects that not only polishes your skills, but also promises you a learning benchmark.

Every course structure is carefully curated by experts and aimed at an analy cal and cogni ve level of understanding of the concepts.

From Architecture to Adver sing, Robo cs to Cyber Security, every GPTS Summer School course serves you a launch pad to go out and build higher studies or build a crea ve career. And most importantly, we hope to make learning a fun exercise.

It is understandable that finding the ideal career can be daun ng.

Career Discovery and Accelera on Pla orm (CDAP) can be the perfect partner on your journey to discovering your dream career.

Assessing your inherent strengths and skills, CDAP will offer you a wealth of informa on with a video career library, and guide you to make the right decision through career counselling.

Through psychometric assessment of your strengths, mo vators and blind spots, you can set off on a path that is defined purely by your passion. For the first me, students have the chance to engage the best minds of the educa on fraternity through interes ng workshops and mentorship sessions that help one mould their career iden ty. CDAP also brings together students and world-class universi es on the same pla orm to truly evolve the landscape of the educa on system.

If you would let to get in touch, kindly drop us an email at: gurjashan@greatplacetostudy.org Page 05 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

If We Do Not Plant Knowledge When Young, It Will Give Us No Shade When We Are Old. I am really very thankful to AFS India to sow a seed of curiosity in us. It was so much fun to interact with the students of other state in India during this lockdown me.

- Vaishnavi Babar, Student of Grade 9, SGIS, Kolhapur

Closer Despite Being Miles Apart

By Dr. Kavita Singh Bha , Educator from Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur “Perfec on is not a ainable, but if we chase perfec on we can catch excellence.”

– Vince Lombardi

Schools Developing Intercultural Competences

By M. Ramesh Kumar, Educator from Sanjay Ghodawat Interna onal School, Kolhapur “If We Are To Preserve Culture We Must Con nue To Create It.”

“Virtual reality is the first step in a grand adventure into the landscape of the imagina on."

- Frank Biocca “In this difficult me, the role of the most suppor ve asset is being played by technology. Using technology, a Virtual Conference was held on 3rd June 2020 between students from Sanjay Ghodawat Interna onal School, Kolhapur and Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School, Jodhpur, India. The main theme of the virtual conference was to facilitate exchange of culture and tradi onal prac ces followed in both the states and to cross-pollinate the measures taken in respec ve ci es as well as by students to contribute in figh ng against the global pandemic.

– Johan Huizinga “The virtual cultural exchange program between Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls' Public School (RKKGPS), Jodhpur & Sanjay Ghodawat Interna onal School (SGIS), Kolhapur was conducted on June 3, 2020. We appreciate AFS India for arranging such an amazing pla orm in this pandemic situa on where everyone is restrained indoors. We thank RKKGPS, Jodhpur for their par cipa on.

It was our first experience par cipa ng in a virtual program along with our students. The amazing presenta ons by the students of both the schools was a visual treat for the a endees. The girls from RKKGPS presented so systema cally that it appeared as if they were physically together. The coordina on and presenta on style are praiseworthy. They showed us various aspects of culture in Jodhpur & Rajasthan - music, dance, architecture, monuments, forts, clothes & jewelry food & spices, people etc. We really felt like we were taken to real Rajasthan with their presenta on.

The students from SGIS Kolhapur presented live singing, live cooking, live dance and live art presenta on to present the culture of Kolhapur & Maharashtra. The Marathi language lesson engaged the par cipants where a young teenage teacher taught how to say some sentences in Marathi and the audience gladly learnt and repeated a er her. Our students were so overwhelmed by this exchange program they are thrilled to take part in many more such virtual programs in future.

We convey our sincere thanks to AFS India for helping us connect and par cipate in this virtual engagement. Special thanks to Ms Divya Arora, Na onal Director, for being part of this session. Much gra tude to each and everyone (including students) who were part and parcel of this program directly or indirectly.”

Page 06 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

A er a brief introduc on, students had an interac ve session discussing varied topics of mutual interest. The discussion ranged around different cultures and various ways in which they are using this me produc vely.

The conference helped students get closer despite being miles apart. It was an edifying and gra fying experience which enabled us to look beyond our culture and understand the diverse civilisa on of mankind in a be er manner. It capacitated us to realise the significant role played by culture in moulding our day to day life and the way we view the great human civiliza on and its rela on with the mother earth, specifically during COVID-19 pandemic. We would like to extend our hear elt gra tude to AFS India for arranging this virtual conference which broadened our horizon.

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collec ve strength that can benefit all humanity.”

Knowledge sees no hurdles, and cannot be contained, it always finds a way.

It helped in boos ng confidence as well as in improving public speaking skills along with enlightening and enriching the student community. In this engaging session, we completely enjoyed learning about the culture of Kolhapur & Maharashtra.

- Paridhi Jain, Student of Grade 11, RKKGPS, Jodhpur

We are also very thankful to our partners and friends from Egypt and Malaysia for the successful collabora on.

The dialogue was conducted over a spread of 3 virtual workshops, each a ended by over 30 young changemakers across the globe. The design of the ini a ve was not only to theore cally provide awareness about climate change but at the end of 3 workshops, have projects in pipeline for climate ac on on the ground. In the end, we had 22 climate ac on projects that were submi ed and discussed that the par cipants came up with a er research of their own communi es.

Do Your Bit

By Jasma Vekaria and Vyom Raisurana, Alumni

Alumni

Impact

“Climate change has affected every individual on this planet in some form, and curbing further damage to the planet will require ac on from every single person. The point that we as AFS Alumni wanted to make was very simple- to make climate ac on everybody's priority; this could only be a reality with the democra c power of all alumni and by engaging in conversa on and crea ng discourse.

Governments, not-for-profit and social welfare organiza ons are doing their bit, evidently that is not enough. We have collec vely damaged the environment, and we must collec vely work to repair it. This thought led to the incep on of the project 'Do Your Bit' (DYB) - by giving every individual the power to be part of Sustainable Development Goal 13 #ClimateAc on.

Project- “Do Your Bit” started as an ac on oriented project, by empowering young leaders to take up crucial roles in their community, by redefining what it means to be a environment leader and how they can be role models to everyone in their community to take it up as a uniform cause- barring race, caste, creed, religion or sex.”

The project received enthusias c and overwhelming par cipa on from exchange alumni from India, Egypt, Pakistan, Malaysia, Mongolia, etc.

It was deligh ul to see and discuss with people from different countries with mutual passion to fight climate change. I believe that if we keep consistently sharing our ideas and doing whatever we can as young people, we can definitely make a posi ve impact in the future.

- Ninjin Jargalbayar, Mongolia I loved the program, although I didn't know much about the topic of climate change but the informa on was given in a very simple and an interes ng way.

- Maria Hanna Nasif, Egypt The project is also supported for outreach and coordina on for engaging YES and other exchange programs alumni in India by very dedicated and hardworking outreach team comprising of: -

Vishakha Kosh (USA'15-16) from Ahmedabad Mohammed Bilal (USA'18-19) from Hyderabad Jash Shah (USA' 18-19) from Kolkata Dushyant Saraf (Russia Returnee 2018-19) from Indore

On the last webinar, we also had a par cipatory expert session from Egypt Tasneem Mohamed (2015-16 batch) on sustainable agriculture and how simple home green gardening can bring a lot of difference.

Never thought that a webinar would ins gate the feeling of realiza on to become a responsible ci zen.

– Laiba Khurram, Pakistan This project was one of a kind in my experience as an AFS Volunteer. It gave a be er view of how serious the youth alumni are regarding climate change and what they are doing for it. AFS India, through this project, has provided a great start for people like me to ini ate ac on towards climate change.

- Sweta Sadhu It was a very fun learning, interac ve and exci ng project to work on.

Everyone came up with really great and poten al ideas which we could start from our home itself. Can't wait to start our own project and do our bit for our planet earth! Projects like these are the start of some revolu on.

- Neha Prabhakr Pa l We (Jasma and Vyom) as lead trainers of this ini a ve are proud that the Alumni leaders across the globe are prepared to turn their ac ons into reality by doing their bit to save the planet.

Page 07 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

She was living with us very happily and only in a few days she adjusted herself in our family. In August last year, we visited Space Interna onal School where she sang our "Na onal Anthem" and "Saare Jahan Se Achha" and the school rewarded her with a welcome gi . She was always ready to take part in every ac vity,o en Iused to take her to my school as she liked small kids.

In a very short me she had a nice talk with my teachers and students too. One of the students from school called her "Japani Bai". She celebrated our (family members) birthday's with her special planning and it was awesome. We celebrated each and every fes val together and with immense enthusiasm. My daughter Avani had a great bonding both with the host daughter. Some mes my daughter would take advice from Rin and addressed her as an Advisor.

In one incident, she was suffering from dengue and was immediately admi ed to hospital. At that me I was very scared because her health was ge ng worse. I prayed for her speedy recovery so that I can take her home. Finally a er 15 days, we took her home. The good thing that happened during her hospitalisa on period was that we had a lot of communica on with each other as never before. I shared my ups and downs, my happy and worst me, some memorable incidents of my life with her along with some general talks and family discussion.

In the urge of doing something for the community, my host daughter decided to do a Fashion Show for slum area children. To execute the plan, she used social media and demanded clothes from all over the world. As a host parent I, along with the whole Nashik Chapter came forward to help her. And finally "Aakashi Zhep Ghe Re” fashion show was conducted on 1st March 2020 and got grand success. We were very happy with her achievement.

She got apprecia on and blessing from the chief guest and crowd.

Her success was even published in all newspapers. She gave cer ficates and clothes to par cipants.

“I s ll remember her blinking of eyes, her smiling face, her silky hair..”

By Anita Bhamare, Nashik Chapter, host mother of Rin Yamabe from Japan on a year program in 2019-20 “The host mother has taken the opportunity to share her experience with mixed feelings while remembering each and every moment with her host daughter. She has poured down her whole year in this beau ful story. As we decided this year, we are going to host a student from abroad and finally the day came on 7th July 2019 on Sunday, Rin from Japan arrived at our house. I s ll remember her blinking of eyes, her smiling face, her silky hair. She seemed very happy and my family too. We welcomed her in our Tradi onal Maharashtrian way.

Hosting Stories

Page 08 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

Finally we got her return ckets on 16th March as she had to go on 20th March due to the emergency of COVID-19 situa on. I was shocked to know that she will be staying with us only for four days now and felt sad as if I am going to miss out my valuable thing. A day before her departure, Rin said to me, "Mamma I have a dream that I want to go to Japan in Maharashtrian a re" Now it was my turn as a mother to complete her dream. While ge ng her ready and doing her makeup, I felt really happy but at the same me it felt as if I am sending my daughter a er marriage to her husband's house and my eyes were full of tears.

When my husband and I went to drop her at Mumbai Airport and said "Bye-Bye", she replied to us “Mamma don't say Bye-Bye, मी परत येनार, मी परत येनार, मी न ी परत येनार ( I will back Soon)" On hearing this, tears fell from my eyes. We kept watching her ll the end. I felt that, if it was in my hand I would have never let her go, but I know it's not possible now.

Later when I saw my host daughter's cupboard, I found 4 envelopes she kept for us. She wrote her thoughts in the le er of whatever she felt in the whole year. It was amazing to read whatever she has wri en and so heart touching and emo onal.

While reading I literally cried.

My host daughter, Rin completed her program from India but she will never go from our heart. We miss her everyday and we have a life me bonding as she is our undivided family member. I would like to say thank you to AFS India for giving us this opportunity.

My heart and house is always open for another child.”

Sharmita Bha acharya showed some beau ful artwork based on Jamini Roy, a great painter of Bengal. She painted a picture which we all also tried to make.

The program concluded by Rajkot giving thanks to AFS India and to Kolkata which was beau fully put up by Nayan Shah and Ajay Mehta and Closing ceremony by Bengal was a song wri en by another poet of that me called Shri DL Roy. Kolkata paid tribute and thanks to AFS India and all the volunteers of Rajkot chapter, Kolkata Chapter President Meena Kak concluded on a beau ful note, dhono dhanne song was sung by everybody.

With this we came to an end of the wonderful journey of Kolkata meets Rajkot. We have made beau ful friends and we definitely hope to meet them in person very soon.”

India's vast expanse of land and communi es can be known be er through these exchanges. There is so much need for knowing various communi es to dispel vario,ñus misgivings and make us more knowledgeable about our fellow country people. AFS regional exchange programme can fill the gap through regional students andvolunteers exchange programme.

- Jaya Goswami, Kolkata

Virtual Regional Volunteer Exchange | Kolkata & Rajkot

By Jaya Goswami | Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata “India is one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse na ons in the world with some of the most valued socie es and cultures. On 14th of June 2020 Rajkot chapter and Kolkata chapter presented the literal meaning of East meets West.

Ajay Mehta took the volunteers on a Virtual tour of Rajkot where he showed pictures of tourist places and places of interest with wonderful cap ons. A er the fantas c tour of Rajkot we went for a trip to the city of joy, wonderful Kolkata. Kanak Shankar Mukherjee shared speciali es of Kolkata like rosogolla fishes and Mish Doi (yoghurt ).

Rakshit who has actually played Gandhi in one of the theatres in Rajkot, told us about all the wonderful facts about Mahatma Gandhi whereas Kolkata shared on how Rabindranath Tagore has influenced Bengal. Lakshmipat Singhania students shared a small presenta on where Aniket spoke about Gurudev and Debadrita sang a beau ful song to pay tribute to Kabiguru. We also had Nanda Dasgupta paying her tribute in a form of life dance to Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Rajkot in a wonderful way showed how Garba is performed.

It was ini ally explained by Jyo and then two children picked up the Rabindranath Tagore song and danced Garba on it with lyrics in Gujara . Bengal is also famous for its dances, folk dances amalgamated with western style. As we know the monsoons are here MS Manjeer Bha acharya who's a student of biomedical engineering performed a beau ful song again to pay tribute to Gurudev. In Bengal we have had many rebellious poets, Kazi Nazrul Islam was one of them. He was a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and appreciated him alot. He wrote a poem on Bapu ji Charkha, this poem was read out by the Kolkata chapter both in Bengali and English versions.

Common food items of Gujarat like Fafda, Thepla Khakhra were shared. All the ladies of Rajkot chapter taught the actual difference between each and with what material these things are made, on the other hand Kanak Shankar Mukherjee taught a Bengali Vegetarian dish to everybody so that we can feel cool in the summer.

Exchanges like this help us grow by knowing our country and its people be er. It was wonderful to know that so many in India are working towards the same objec ve.

- Kanak Shankar Mukharjee, Kolkata The exchange helped us to know volunteers from another part of the country and strengthened our resolve to have regional student exchange once the situa on improves.

- Sharmita Bha acharya, Kolkata We wished to have the Virtual Exchange Program with an Eastern chapter East part of India. Ge ng a chance to have it with Kolkata chapter was like a dream come true.

- Kavita and Nayan Shah, Rakot The virtual exchange program gave us an opportunity to know culture of West Bengal from close quarters - Ajay Mehta, Rakot Both the states are very far from each other but the bonding formed in the first mee ng itself is just so great!!

- Jyo ben, Rakot

Best part of the exchange is that there were engaging live ac vi es.

- Vasavada Family, Rakot

It was a nice 'Sangam' of East and West culture.

It was an ul mate ride of the City of Joy.

- Rajendra Prasad, Rakot

- Joshi Family, Rakot

Page 09 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

The virtual exchange is one the most impressive, incredible and unforge able experiences in my life.

We could feel the warmth miles apart also. This experience was an invaluable contribu on to self development both in educa on and everyday life.

- Shweta Kalia, Indore

Virtual Regional Volunteer Exchange | Indore & Guwaha Distances Cannot Keep Humans Apart “The world, due to the pandemic has suddenly come to a halt but not for AFS and its volunteers. The regional volunteer exchange between Indore and Guwaha chapters was successfully completed. The three days virtual exchange program was full of joy, learning, discovery and making new amazing friends. The exchange started with introduc on of all par cipants on the first day followed by a beau ful presenta on by Guwaha volunteers on Assam and its culture, about famous places, Assamese weddings which gave us a deep and an insigh ul knowledge about the culture there. The Guwaha volunteers next day shared about the mouthwatering dishes from Assam and taught how to cook some dishes. Volunteers from Indore took everyone on a virtual tour of Indore and places around Indore like monuments, temples, food street, etc. Also talked about the food, dresses, fes vals, history and culture of Indore. The third day began with Indore chapter volunteers presen ng more about the culture and food where the volunteers showcased the dishes they had prepared along with sharing their recipes. It was a very colorful evening as everyone was dressed up in tradi onal dresses. In the second half, all volunteers shared their experiences and all that they learnt from the exchange. A er the experience sharing, we all ended the program on a cheerful note with all volunteers dancing on the beats of Bihu, a tradi onal dance from Assam. Though we physically did not visit any place but the way everyone presented, it felt as if we were living that experience for real.”

It was an amazing experience though I could a end the exchange for only one day, but that day gave me the essence of the connec on and the bond that was built... All thanks to the NO for this lovely opportunity to get the experience of something very unusual but deligh ul.

- Vaishali Joshi, Indore It felt as if I was myself there in Assam, savouring all the wonderful dishes, learning more about the culture, marveling at the natural beauty of Assam, which has been preserved over the centuries. I had never thought that learning online could be so much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful expedi on of Assam, while si ng at my home with a mug of hot chocolate - Anant Sahani, Alumni, Indore Jab Indore met Guwaha … Exchange of culture, heritage through the virtual tour to the best and most desired des na ons of Assam was surely a traveller's dream come true in the lockdown period. A memorable Journey where Mekhala chador met Maheshwari sarees and will surely con nue ll we meet again.

- Nidhi Sahni, Indore

The virtual exchange was like a breath of fresh air in this unexpected situa on that we are in. Enjoyed interac ng with the wonderful people and learning about the cultural similari es with their own unique differences. Thank you to AFS for providing this wonderful opportunity to us.

The volunteer exchange was an amazing and a rich learning experience for me. One fact I never knew about the Assamese marriage was unlike other Hindu marriages, in an Assamese marriage, instead of the bridegroom, the mother-in-law of the bride applies Sindoor (Vermilion) on the bride's head. This was something I might not have learnt from books and I believe this is the importance and advantage of regional volunteer exchanges where one learns things which he otherwise might not have learnt about his own country and different cultures therein.

- Deepika Sachar, Indore

- Deepak Solanki, Alumni, Indore

The virtual exchange successfully ignited the fire to visit and experience it live, that itself reflects a feeling of 'Connec vity'. I am glad to say that the virtual exchange was successful in achieving its objec ves. I am delighted for being a part of it.

It is rightly said that a place is best seen through the eyes of a local and we were given an excellent tour of the state and Indore.

- Anurag Thakur, Indore

I thoroughly enjoyed interac ng with all the AFS Indore volunteers and knowing about their culture. I am desperately looking forward to tas ng all the delicacies from Sarafa Bazar. I would also love to visit the beau ful tourist spots in and around Indore. At the same me I am excited to host them in my state as well. Hope the global pandemic goes off soon and we can actually experience this fantas c exchange program.

The virtual exchange was beyond my expecta ons, it not only gave me an insight about the tradi ons, culture ,food and much more about both the places, but established a bond of friendship between all those who par cipated just goes to show that distances cannot keep humans apart.

- Aradhana Borah, Guwaha

- Anita Aga, Indore - Monalisa Gogoi, Guwaha Page 10 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

Wonderful to see the pride and respect the volunteers of Indore have for their city. The virtual city tour was enthralling. The experience exploring Indore's cuisine, famous for its exquisite taste, fascinated me. A deligh ul cultural tour. A big thanks to Roma Shah for taking this ini a ve and choosing Maria's Public School for the exchange program. My hear elt gra tude to our Founder Managing Trustee, Nellie Ahmed and our Principal, Mausumi Mahanta for their constant support and ever encouraging words!

Sessions were very informa ve and engaging with valuable insights on the cultural heritage and culinary tradi ons of Indore.

- Juri Hazarika, Guwaha We had an interes ng exchange of cultural, historical, tourism and visits to places of interest and delicious cuisine of both the places.

- Sarwat Ahmed, Guwaha

- Nandita Baruah, Guwaha

GCC Special Edi on We are happy to share with you AFS India's engagement with AFS GCC Special Edi on. This Special Edi on GCC has been modified from the GCC Study Abroad version used by the AFS network to enhance the learning of 18+ par cipants before, during and a er the program. It has been adapted to meet the specific needs of the high school par cipants at this me whose program was affected due to COVID-19 crisis. This tool provided our AFSers with a safe, private pla orm that helped them process their experience, come together and con nue the intercultural learning journey that was cut short so unexpectedly. AFS India is proud to have enrolled 80 par cipants sent by AFS India on various programs with the modules. Alongside, we are extremely proud of our 7 Qualified Facilitators, Aditya Chowdhury, Ajay Mehta, Angela Roy, Arvind Agrawal, Bhavya Arora, Sapna Sukul and Sarita Badhwar who volunteered their me and effort to help facilitate sessions for their assigned par cipants. AFS India Qualified Facilitators were assigned 500+ par cipants from India, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Argen na & Uruguay, Indonesia and Russia.

I was very comfortable and super excited always for the next session. The students I was interac ng with were from China, Hong Kong , Thailand and Russia.

This training taught me to be an effec ve online trainer, to develop a connec on with students who were from different countries, via zoom mee ngs, we shared a great camaraderie by the end of the session.

Every session was interac ve and made me learn a lot about different cultures and experiences. Highlight was that by the end they all became friends online and started learning about different cultures.

I think I got to learn a lot by hos ng these sessions.

First of all, it has made me confident about the use of the virtual pla orm as an effec ve tool for teaching and training. It has helped me hone my skills as a trainer. I have improved upon my intercultural competence by hos ng these sessions. It will also have a great impact on my role as a teacher.

- Ajay Mehta, Qualified Facilitator and Senior ICL Trainer It was amazing to facilitate the GCC sessions and connect via experiences in a global crisis. The experience of facilita ng GCC has benefi ed me both personally and professionally. It was a very meaningful engagement and connec on during pandemic and to hear of different experiences only broadened my understanding of those around me, making me more empathe c, aware and conscious of the community I belong to. Professionally, it has been a blessing to have fun with technology to this scale! I have grown as a trainer and I owe it to my wonderful cohort of par cipants, my Na onal Organiza on- AFS India and the GCC team for suppor ng us so wonderfully.

- Bhavya Arora, Qualified Facilitator and Training and Development Coordinator, AFS India

- Sapna Sukul, Qualified Facilitator and ICL Consultant Trainer It had been a great experience and heartening to see the introverts transforming to open up and share views. There were moments of sadness of missing the host families, friends and community they lived in. It was great to hear the young promising youngsters who have embarked on their journey of making a difference in tomorrow's World. Thanks to AFS for offering this wonderful opportunity to get connected with the youngsters who are our hope for tomorrow.

- Sarita Badhwar, Qualified Facilitator and Senior ICL Trainer Page 11 | June 2020 | Newsle er | AFS India

Khushi Gupta from Indore