AFS India Newsletter | March 2022

THE

Changemakers March 2022 NEWSLETTER

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

Inside this Issue 1 .Farewell message to all the volunteers, alumni and educators of AFS India from the National Director 2. Check out the highlights of the Virtual ICL Level W training of volunteers and the amazing activity of our Anand volunteers in Volunteers are Changemakers.

3. In School Stories, Cygnus World School, Vadodara tells the story of one of the students, Dhanshri Gajjar, an AFS alumna of the Short Term Program to Italy 2021.

4. In Member School Stories, read about the 3rd Annual AFS Member Schools National Meet that took place in Dehradun.

5. Explore the story of going back to the host family by Parita Patel, YES 2015 in Alumni Stories.

6. Read about the experiences of our host students, Simone Helly and Lefa Molemela in Hosting--Stories.

7. In the Sponsored Stories section, take a look at the Re-Entry Orientation of Asia Kakehashi Project 2021-22 for students and parents.

8. The 18+ Programs segment features the Virtual JENESYS Program 2020 & 2021 which celebrates 70 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan.

9. Learn more about the Global Competence Certificate in the Virtual Programs of AFS India.

A Farewell Message by the National Director Ms Divya Arora

On the 19th of May, 2006, I officially attended my first AFS meeting. It was AFS India's inaugural volunteer meet, and it was a very memorable day for me because May 19th is also my birthday. I never imagined AFS becoming a part of me and vice versa. After over 16 years, I've decided to move on...to a new part of my life. 31st March 2022 was my last working day.

Every day at AFS India has been a joy for me. I began as a Program Coordinator and eventually rose to the position of National Director of AFS India. I am the company's first employee (full time of AFS India).

My experience with AFS has been fantastic. I've learned a great deal, and I'm extremely thankful to my alumni, volunteers, and international partners for teaching me, supporting me, guiding me, and helping me become a popular and effective National Director.

My alumni created and managed my Facebook account, Instagram account, as well as other social media accounts for a long time. They slowly and painstakingly educated me on how to be more and stay savvy. When I'm among my alumni, I never feel old or tired. Despite the fact that I had completed a 14-day tour (community work in extremely hot weather) and had flown straight from the airport to Gateway orientation, I did not feel the need to recuperate. That is the effect of alumni and my participants.

My volunteers gave up their valuable time to make sure that we met our objectives. I knew I could call my volunteers 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ask for anything. They have welcomed me like royalty and have never denied my requests. They have backed me in all of AFS India's new projects, ventures, propositions, and initiatives. Even if they were preoccupied, a call or message from me would motivate them to finish the assignment. They have given me terrific and correct advice and suggestions that have helped me become a better person. I will be indebted to them for the rest of my life, and I know I will never be able to repay them for their incredible assistance and faith in me.

My international AFS colleagues have patiently taught me the processes and have been accommodating to our requests, demonstrating the proper method and adhering to the well-known Standard Policies and Guidelines. Despite the fact that we come from different cultures and have different realities, we formed a group with whom I felt very comfortable and knew I could trust for anything. We may have disagreed and debated on some issues, but we stayed friends throughout. Even after leaving AFS, I believe I will have a home and be accepted in any area of my AFS country.

Page 01 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

I am going at a time when AFS India is strong, healthy, and doing fantastically well.

Despite Covid's best efforts to drag us down, we remained upbeat and found answers to the obstacles that allowed us to keep progressing and continue on the #AFSImpact route.

We transferred to my house (for a few days) and then started working from home when our workplace was closed due to lockdown and we had to send and receive our students. We were able to send and receive all of our host kids safely and with no complications thanks to the team's excellent organisation.

We were able to trace our students until they were reunited with their natural families. After 2 years of tough struggle, we are back in the new office with new enthusiasm and a new resolution to keep moving forward.

I am forever grateful to AFS for giving me an opportunity to work towards creating a just and meaningful society. I do not want to say bye but say…see you soon… “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” (Mahatma Gandhi) My personal email id is divya.snoopy@gmail.com and my mobile number is +91-9811770369.

Page 02 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Volunteers Are Changemakers Community Service by Anand Chapter Anand Chapter conducted a community service on 24th February 2022 where the chapter volunteers reached out to the people of Old age house, Children of slum in an area in Anand and distributed Khichu, also know as Papdi (Prepared with rice flour).

Total 8 volunteers enthusiastically participated in the community service and the volunteers shared the joy of serving and caring with one another during the event.

The chapter looks forward to organizing more such events in the future.

ICL Level W Virtual Training On 8th March 2022, the ICL Level W Training was successfully conducted virtually for 22 volunteers from Anand, Mumbai, Delhi, Indore, Chennai, Nashik, Vadodara, Rajkot chapters. During the training, the participants shared their thoughts and opinions with each other and were very interactive throughout.

The three GCC qualified facilitators Mr. Ketan Padya, Mr. A Saran and Ms. Vibhooti Maldhari conducted the 1 day virtual training where the participants were divided into 2 groups.

The training started with a fun icebreaker which then continued into a brainstorming session with multiple breakout room sessions and Q&A sessions. The day was filled with topics such as What is AFS?, Culture, Stereotypes and Generalizations, and Communication Styles.

Page 03 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Member School Stories Cygnus World School, Vadodara Opportunity Availed!

By Dhanshri Balkrushna Gajjar, AFS STP Italy Cygnus World School, Vadodara As a 16-year-old student in grade 11-Humanities, I consider myself as someone who is ready to take up every challenge and believes in continuous learning.

This skill of mine has been very much enhanced at Cygnus World School as my school has constantly given me different platforms to explore my potential and grow. One of them was introducing me to the cultural exchange program by AFS. My exchange to Italy boosted my confidence, communication, and taught me money management. I have learned to come out of my comfort zone and deal with life head-on. Unfortunately, my host mom and host sister became covid positive on the last day of my 10-day compulsory quarantine period which extended my period of isolation in a foreign land. But Lorem ipsum at the same time, I developed a lot of resilience.

I decided that I should return to India. I got in touch with the AFS team in India and asked for their guidance. A lot of discussion and counselling was done by the AFS team, I could not return for which I am very thankful to AFS. If I had returned to India, then it would be nothing but regret. Once the house members recovered, it gave me joy unbound. There was a language barrier, especially with my host mom, yet I was closest to her. The warmth I experienced made me think that even if it was a difficult pandemic time, still it was in the end, all manageable!

My exchange has certainly an addition to my portfolio. I have been schooled in subjects such as Philosophy, Italian language and Art History which has given me an experience beyond the regular academic subjects. Every second of this amazing journey has made me a better version of myself. Also, every effort and every penny spent behind this is worth it in every way. Thanks to AFS for this unique opportunity as an exchange student.

Page 04 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

3rd School Annual Meet AFS Intercultural Programs India in association with SelaQui International School, Dehradun organised AFS Member Schools Meet on 26 - 27 March 2022 which was studded with representations from 25 School Heads and 25 AFS School Coordinators from 35 schools covering pan India.

Mr Rashid Sharfuddin, Headmaster, SelaQui International School, Dehradun & Mr Joseph Kuok, National Director (Interim), AFS India welcomed all the participants. The program with its dynamic agenda covered engaging and energizing sessions by eminent speakers such as The Doon School, Dehradun and Dr Sanjeev Chopra (Retd. IAS). They appealed to the esteemed gathering to ignite, ideate and take lead in creating difference taking cognizance of global citizenship and intercultural learning as one of the foundational pillars of School Curriculum and Academic Activities.

The program under the able blessings and guidance of AFS school core committee mentor and advisor Dr. Sumer Singh and Mr. Jayant Hari Har Lal led to sessions appealing to the schools to look at the programs with the outlook as an engagement critical for the holistic development of the school in all.

The program witnessed an introduction to ‘Valley of Words’, an organization working toward inculcating the culture of reading. An act that assimilated the skills of critical thinking comprehension, reflection communication and listening. The session was taken by Dr Sanjeev Chopra and his team.

Page 05 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Day 1 ended with concluding remarks by Mr. Rashid Sharfuddin, Headmaster, SelaQui International School, “In a world torn by strife, conflict and intolerance the volunteers and programs to AFS will help in creating a more just, tolerant and global citizens.”

The group visited Indian Military Academy in the second half and enjoyed the enthralling experience of seeing what the mission "Wisdom and Valour" means engraved on the walls of the AcademySPECTACULAR! On Day 2, the platform was set by Dr. Jagpreet Singh, The Doon School, Dehradun to ideate in groups discussing how we align with our preparation towards building global citizens. Thereafter, the AFS Regional Heads presented their enriching ideas and plan to all the member schools.

Day 2 culminated with invigorating interaction with Mr. Om Pathak - Chairman of DPSGS and SelaQui International School wherein he suggested the member schools should come together to share resources, ideas and policies, to help the young minds explore newer opportunities and possibilities.

List of Participating Schools 1 SelaQui International School, Dehrudun 2 The Doon School, Dehradun 3 Delhi Public School, Srinagar 4 Pinegrove School, Dharampur 5 Vantage Hall Girls Residential School, Dehradun 6 The Wisdom Global School, Haridwar 7 Yadavindra Public School, Mohali 8 Sunbeam School, Varuna, Varanasi 9 Pathways World School, Gurgaon 10 Shri Ram Centennial School, Dehradun 11 Him Academy Public School, Vikasnagar, Hamirpur 12 Maa Anandmayee Memorial School, Raiwala, Dehradun 13 Sunbeam School, Lahartara, Varanasi 14 The British Coed High School, Patiala 15 All Saints' College, Nanital 16 Delhi Public School, Rajpura 17 The Punjab Public School, Nabha 18 Yadavindra Public School, Patiala 19 ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi 20 Sunbeam School, Suncity, Varanasi 21 The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur 22 MCC Public School Chennai 23 Sri Aurobindo Mira Universal, Madurai 24 Mayo College Girls School, Ajmer 25 Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School, Boisar 26 Bihani Children's Academy, Sri Ganganagar 27 Shristi English Medium School, Anand 28 Pragnya Bodhini High School, Mumbai 29 Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Jodhpur 30 Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur 31 Delhi Public School, Indore 32 Vidyasagar School, Indore 33 Indore Public School, Indore 34 Golden International School, Indore 35 Academic World School, Bemetara

Page 06 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Almuni Stories

By Parita Patel, YES 2015-16, Anand

When I received the email of being selected for the YES Civic Education Workshop as an alumni mentor, I did not let myself get too excited as nothing was sure because of covid and the workshop could get cancelled at any second. I think, right until I was in the cab to the airport, it didn’t hit me that I was going to the US. I felt overwhelmed and slightly in shock, because I hadn’t let myself believe that it would happen. But it did and I am all the more grateful for it.

At the Civic Education workshop in DC, I was one of the three YES alumni along with Ugur from Turkey and Ali Haji from Zanzibar. We interacted with the current exchange students and participated in their sessions. One of my favourite parts of the workshop was an alumni session where I took 3 back to back 25-minute sessions with a bunch of students where I talked about my YES year and how it impacted me and left the floor open for questions. The current students asked me several intriguing questions and I saw them taking my words seriously - I was their contact for how they would perceive going back home!

Only because of YES, I could speak so candidly in a room full of students from diverse cultures who were strangers to me, and yet manage to communicate and articulate my thoughts without any hesitation or fear of judgement.

Another part for the YES alumni was meeting with the office of senators and representatives from our host states and representing the program.

Page 7 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

We got 1 zoom meeting and 8 in-person meetings. I even met with Senator Joni Ernst for Iowa who sat down for 30 minutes with us, listened to our stories and then shared her experience of being an exchange student in Ukraine (then it was in the USSR). That was so incredible, I don’t think I’ll ever forget it!

We also presented to the State Department Officials about how YES impacted us.

After the CEW workshop, I was going to meet my host family after 6 years! I had imagined our reunion so many times I didn't even know what to expect. But then, I had my answer to what it feels like to reconnect with your host family. It feels like those old ratty PJs you lose in the back of the closet, find after years and slip them on again. Familiar and comfortable and just perfect. YES is truly a lifetime thing, as the bonds I developed during my exchange lasted all these years, and I hope they last forever. We had changed so much in the last 6 years, but at the same time, had not changed at all in the sense that they were still my family.

The last few days in DC with the YES students and then with my host family were some of the best days in my life. I am very thankful to the YES program, U. S. Department of State, American Councils, AFS India and FLAG for my YES year, all the ways I have been able to stay connected to the community and this opportunity.

Hosting Story MY EXPERIENCE AT AN AMAZING AND SO EVER BEAUTIFUL INDIAN WEDDING

By Lefa Molemela, 18+ Internship Program, hosted in Gandhinagar

My one week stay in the Hugli District, West Bengal State of West Bengal here I come! I’ve been talking with one of my teachers about this trip for a long time. My project has endured last-minute delays, disappointments, and COVID-19 regulations. But now I'm here, and I'll be there... for a week.

When I return, I will be quarantined for the same period. Well, this has changed a bit since I have caught covid-19 and have been quarantined here for another week. Thus, it’s an extra time…

However, I was able to taste Bengali dishes thanks to my teacher’s mother. She cooked us some delicious fishes and chickens, not to mention the vegetarian food… From all sorts of fish’s curry to “chicken paturi”, or to another version of “chhole bhature”, I enjoyed Bengali cuisine.

Secondly, I had a great time exchanging with his parents. They are nice people and were eager to make me discover their culture. I heard them speaking in Bengali. Which was quite a frustrating experience. Indeed, I had started to understand Hindi speaker. Now, I didn’t understand a word and unfortunately this hasn’t changed much towards the end of the trip.

Anyway, I practiced my Hindi with Arya Sir and even learned how to say “West Bengal” in Hindi, Paschim Bengal!

Finally, these exchanges half in English half in Hindi with the family led me to discover a brand-new musical genre, Bengali music. At night, Sir’s father and I would sing Aguner Poroshmoni in the living room. Singing and hearing Rabindranath Tagore’s songs made me realise how much I love it.

I am grateful for this trip and for everyone who made it possible despite the covid-19 conditions.

I had the most amazing time and experience at an Indian wedding. I mean from the food and witnessing how Indian weddings are carried out from the engagement to the traditional ceremonies and the dances and attire that compliments the wedding.

The all good and tasty variety of dishes from starters to the main course, and my personal favorite starter was the sweet chillie tomato soup. It was delicious.

The wedding was held by the Karnadiya family who happen to be related to my host family and that’s how I got to witness this beautiful event. I am certainly thankful and honored to have experienced this wonderful experience and being welcomed by so many beautiful and friendly faces. My experience is definitely extended to the AFS family, the Chavda and the Karnadiya family. WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE! I am looking forward to exploring India’s traditional and religious norms. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be in India and experience all this right before my eyes.

Simon Helly, 20/01/2022 Page 8 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Sponsored Stories Asia Kakehashi Project 2021-22: Re-Entry Orientation AFS India is extremely pleased to share the successful completion of the Asia Kakehashi Project 2021-22 program to Japan. The Re-Entry Orientation was conducted for the Parents of the students that went on the program with the objective being to prepare the parents for the return of their children, managing expectations and how to deal with the change that they would see in them.

The parents actively participated and shared the positive changes that they had already witnessed in their children- Independent, Confident and Smart.

The session was conducted by Ms. Divya Arora, National Director, AFS India and Ms. Vibhooti Maldhari, ICL Coordinator and Alumna, AFS India.

The Re-Entry Orientation for 23 students (India and Bhutan) was conducted from 16th to 18th March 2022 in Delhi by the AFS India Interns and Alumnae; Sweta Sadhu, Siya Joshi, Aru Jain, Shifa Naaz, and Staff Members; Divya Arora and Manjit Sandhu.

The students actively interacted and shared their experiences and the learnings they had from the program. The orientation focussed on cultural exposure and how the students can readjust back to society. The goals of the orientation focused on reflecting on the exchange year, the reverse cultural adaptation cycle, planning how students can take these newly developed global skills forward and their future engagement with AFS as alumni. They were also made aware of AFS India's processes and various activities that they can participate in once they go back to their chapters. These students not only successfully completed their exchange year, but they have also now emerged as sensitized global citizens. Most of them are now even more aware of Indian culture and equipped with learnings from a new diversified culture of their host country.

We wish the newly AFS graduates good luck. We look forward to seeing them get engaged and participate in various activities as alumni and volunteers. We would like to thank AFS Japan and the Japanese Government for the Kakehashi Program. We have immense gratitude to our partners for giving this opportunity to our young ones.

Page 09 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Page 08 | January 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

JENESYS 2020 & 2021

Indo - Japan friendship ties; a celebration of 70 years of diplomatic relations AFS India kickstarted the Virtual JENESYS Program with an orientation on 18th February 2022. The program registered participation of 90+ individuals along with the representatives from the Embassy of Japan - Yamashita Takeshi, Second Secretary, Japanese Information Center, Embassy of Japan, New Delhi and JENESYS Alumni. The 2.5-hr call witnessed the welcome of young participants, apprising them around What, Why and How of the program in detail. Two of our JENESYS alumni further shared their experiences adding to the joy and excitement of the program.

Continuing with the mutual commitment of the two countries and support from MOFA, the Govt of Japan, the JENESYS 2020 & 2021 Program final was held from 27th Feb to 3rd Mar online with 105 participants under two themes - Science and Technology and Japanese Language and Japanese culture hailing from 20 organizations from PAN India. The program on a whole was a venture to provide exposure to the youth with the immense possibility of intercultural exchange and dialogue, commitment to peace, involvement of youth and envisioning the future together with sharing of technology, ideas, and cultures.

The program was studded with sessions on Nuclear Abolition and Peace Studies, University of Nagasaki, Experience of disaster by Mr. Takeshi Yamakawa, Member of A-Bomb Survivor Storytelling Group, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Survivors Council, Virtual tour to city - Kyoto and Nagasaki, Home tour; an experience of Japanese lifestyle, food and culture, sessions on JAXA satellite technology, Session on calligraphy, origami, to name a few.

The interactive sessions provided the participants with the time to reflect on their learning and share their views with the group. The Indian participants were involved in a panel discussion with NAGASAKI Youth during the program to talk about their views on nuclear deterrence and the reason for hurdles in achieving a nuclear-free world.

In addition to this, the program ended with presentations by the participants on the future action plan where they highlighted their learning and how to take to achieve a prosperous future, in front of the embassy officials Govt. of India at Japan, AFS Japan, MOFA, Japan and Embassy of Japan in India. The role of youth, social media, Government, Non Governmental organizations, schools, education, animation and movies could be a bridge for Cultural, Technological & Ideological exchange between the two countries.

The ancient art of SHODO has been popularized through pop culture but never would I have thought that I would get to experience it one day. Calligraphy is not just a skill but an art form full of serenity. The simplistic beauty and techniques of how an ink-dipped brush flows, forming kanji characters, instil an inner mind-body connection. The JENESYS program so far has taught me how simple things in life can have life-long impacts.

Ashesh Dubey, Computer Science And Engineering, IIT Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Today's program was a learning opportunity for me. Seeing my group mates present their views in the panel increased my interest in the topic. The first-person experience of the Nagasaki attack and listening to Ms. Keiko talk about the end of nuclear weapons was engaging. Maintaining peace in the world will ensure the safety and stability of the human race.

I believe that fighting with nuclear weapons is never a viable choice and it only causes disturbance among the masses.

Tanishi Gola, Bachelors in Design, IIT - Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

Page 10 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Global Up with Global Competence Certificate With revised fees sturcture For2022-23 AFS India with the support from Schools, Corporates, Volunteers and Alumni have been able to successfully empower more than 150 individuals in Global Competence since 2019. The program is NOW OPEN FOR ENROLLMENTS for the year 2022 in all categories including Educators, Teens, University Students, Corporate professionals and Community.

What's new in 2022 ??

-LAUNCH of Global Up with GCC @Educators program -NO CHANGE in the Basic Program Fees in the year 2022, which means all the Global Up GCC programs would continu to be available at the program Fees of INR 8,500 + 18% GST. -SCHOLARSHIP IS REDUCED TO 20% waiver in the Program Fees applicable to all the categories as standard scholarship including Volunteers, Member Schools (students & Educators) and Alumni.

-NO NEW GCC Qualified facilitator course enrollment till July 2022.

Global Up with GCC @ Educators With the Global Up Educator program, educators will learn to collaborate effectively across differences through the virtual interactive program that requires no travel. The Global Up Educator teaches global competence and equips educators to foster global competence in their students. Learners will Global Up by engaging in the curriculum that’s categorized into modules that bring them Inward, Outward and Forward. The full set modules can be used as shown or rearranged and tailored to meet the needs of a specific audience. After completing the AFS Global Up Educator program, learners are more self-aware, aware of other perspectives and can bridge across differences.

Program Highlights : PARTICIPANTS - 18+ Adults TOTAL MODULES - 20 MODULES TIME ESTIMATES - 10-15 Hours TOTAL FACILITATED DIALOGUE SESSIONS - 3-4 FACILITATED BY - Trained QFs PROGRAM FEES - INR 8,500 + 18% GST SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS - 20% waiver in the Program Fees applicable to all the categories as standard scholarship including Volunteers, Member Schools Educators and Alumni To apply or for any query or register your interest for any of the virtual program, reach out to Shradha Roy: email at shradha.roy@afs.org or call at +91 9873119541 Manjit Sandhu: email at manjit.sandhu@afs.org or call at +91 85869 25131

Page 11 | March 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

This course covered the wide spectrum of learning values and has immense potential of knowledge enhancement.

The duration which we spent while undergoing this course was actually a path to self-discovery and introspection which has brought a lot of positive personality traits to the fore. Many personality attributes were harped upon to make our lives and social surroundings more amiable and peaceful.

It has exceptionally helped and enlightened me in taking up my responsibility as a Global Citizen and reaching the path of self-actualization.

- Dr Kavita Singh Bhati, Educator, Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Jodhpur

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