Newsletter | May 2021

2021 MAY

Changemakers The

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

Inside this issue 2 In In Volunteers Volunteers Are Are Changemakers, Changemakers, read read about about the the impact impact story story of of Syed Manisha Sumaira Bhole from Nashik Chapter World 3 Educator’s Educator’s Desk Desk section section brings brings you you thoughts thoughts on on “Building “How canthe educators Into Our Classrooms” by to Supriyaa Narula,forEducator, empower young people be prepared an increasingly interconPathways World School, Aravali, Gurgaon nected world?”

4 In In Impact Impact Stories Stories from from AFS AFS Staffs, Staffs, learn learn about about the the journey journey of of Parvez Manjual Alam, Devi Programs Support, AFS India the most months from of the 5 Explore Explore Blast Blast From From The The Past Past and and explore learn about GYSDactive engagement year for AFS India, filled with lots of fun, friends and memories. the past

6 7 8

Experience Alumni Achievements and read more about the impact stories of two alumni, Seema and Shadab In School Activities, find out the Results of AFS Photo Contest for Educators which was on the theme of Teachers are Innovators Learn more about 4-weeks AFS Short-Term Program to Denmark in our Special AFS Programs for You

VOLUNTEERS ARE CHANGEMAKERS

The true happiness is to be a volunteer

By Manisha Bhole, Volunteer, Nashik Chapter “I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself” -- I strongly feel this, when I think about my journey as a volunteer of AFS India.

I was introduced to AFS by Mrs Yogita Shinde, my family friend and colleague. I attended a Christmas party of the host students and closely remember Rose, Mrs. Shinde’s first host daughter. It was a friendly environment. Mr. Shivaji Shinde Sir encouraged me to be involved in AFS India programs.

I registered to volunteer with AFS India Nashik Chapter with the idea to explore the world, meet new people and learn their culture, but now when I reflect on my journey, I feel it has helped me explore even my inner world, my wisdom, my own capabilities, my strengths and much more.

At first, I worked as a counselor. The AFS India training for host families and counselors gave me courage and confidence.

Experience is something which helps you to develop yourself and AFS India gave me a lot of opportunities to experience, especially in the volunteer development department, school presentations, event management , community service and currently, even the privilege of working as a vice president of Nashik chapter .

My first journey by air and my first article in the Newsletter both are valuable memories for me . I learned to love more, I learned to have more friends, I learned to listen , I learned to feel global. I learned to stay out of my comfort zone comfortably, I learned to become more human. I must say that each person I brought to this organization is becoming a better version of themselves.

The true happiness is to be a volunteer. Volunteering actually gives you tremendous satisfaction, good health, beautiful vision and creative mind, a vision to see a better version of a new peaceful world having global citizens.

I cannot sum up my journey in one article. The Kolhapur community Service and volunteer exchange program to Indore were great memories for me. It’s a beautiful thing that in these difficult two year AFS India has not stopped in their pursuit of making this world a better place.

I hope this journey remains unstoppable.”

“I am in the process of becoming the best version of myself” -- I strongly feel this, when I think about my journey as a volunteer of AFS India.

Page 02 | May 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

Bringing The World Into Our Classrooms

By Supriyaa Narula, Educator, Pathways World School, Aravali, Gurgaon “Our very ethos at Pathways is where our students exhibit the ability to interact and communicate with people from different cultures respectfully and effectively. It is the channel between diversity and inclusion and is key to creating welcoming learning environments. Authentic intercultural competence coexists with recognizing diverse identities and making intentional steps to be inclusive to people of varying backgrounds. In our School, we implicitly and explicitly teach about diversity as it is an important step in achieving intercultural competence in our classroom. When students understand the value of diversity, it: -- Encourages acceptance by embracing differences -- Prepare students to thrive in an exceptionally diverse world -- Improves decision-making and problem-solving skills -- Adapt to an evolving world by practicing cultural sensitivity At our School, culturally relevant lesson planning takes centre stage, where a teacher not only highlights the importance of academic performance, but also cross-cultural understanding and competence. Our wide-ranging curriculum engages students in their learning and stimulates them to endeavour for knowledge and understanding.

The ability to thrive in this new and rapidly changing environment is grounded in our globally focused curriculum. Global competence should not be seen as an accessory or a luxury item in the field of education. We must acknowledge, that cultivating students’ Global Competence is a necessary trend, and a future direction that we must take. These students learn how to investigate matters of global importance, listen, communicate, and interact across difference mindfully.

AFS plays an important role as it provides the opportunity to become globally competent by interacting with different cultures.

AFS plays an important role as it provides the opportunity to become globally competent by interacting with different cultures. Global competence and intercultural learning are not restricted to knowing about other cultures and other perspectives. Working with and building relationships with people who have different backgrounds add meaning, wisdom, and joy to your life. Varied perspectives and worldviews enhance our understandings and constructs.

Intercultural competence is the first step toward fostering human understanding and creating peace around the world by promoting a welcoming learning environment for all.”

Page 03 | May 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

IMPACT STORIES FROM AFS STAFFS AFS, A Happy and Welcoming Family

By Parvez Alam Programs Support “There is no second opinion on 2019 and 2020 being the most disastrous years in the history of mankind.

However, I will not remember these years because of this reason, but I will always cherish the best thing that happened to me, which was joining a new family called AFS. I am so fortunate to be welcomed and surrounded by the young as well as older leaders, educators, selfless and highly motivated volunteers, changemakers, and not only from India, but also across the globe. On being asked, what do I do? I can proudly say the following: -- We are doing our bit to create a more just and peaceful world.

-- We are providing this world with active global citizens.

-- We are connecting this world and bringing it closer and making a difference.

AFS is the family that gives you wings to fly, it helps you broaden your perspective, it helps you break stereotypes and grow as an open-minded individual. Yes, I have noticed all these changes in myself since December 2019. It has been more than a year now and I am having the best time of my life while working with the staffers, educators, volunteers and students. I have heard ‘Unity in Diversity’, but I am living it here, how the people from different castes, religions, regions, even from different countries are working together with the same mindset to make a difference. While interacting with all these intellectuals, I have been inspired by their enthusiasm and determination to do something out of the box and come out of my comfort zone.

The only regret I have is not being able to meet all of these people in person. But, on the other hand, it also excites me at the same time, how amazing it would be to interact with all these souls when I meet. Looking forward to meeting, learning, growing and contributing more towards the mission of AFS.”

AFS is the family that gives you wings to fly, it helps you broaden your perspective, it helps you break stereotypes and grow as an open-minded individual.

Page 04 | May 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

May 2011- Barodians hitting a sixer!

Host students in Baroda experienced the cricket culture of India when they participated in the ‘gully cricket’ tournament organized by the young volunteers and returnees of the chapter. What a fun way to spend early May Sunday morning!

2012 May 2012- Upskilling volunteers to take charge 12 participants including senior volunteers and AFS India staff attended a 3 day training on themes such as designing a training, experiential learning, methods of intercultural learning, etc. in Bangalore, under facilitation of Lucas Welter, trainer from AFS International.

2013 May 2013- Indian representation in Washington DC Janak Gajjar, YES '08 and Jerry Prabhakaran, YES’10, attended the Sponsored Program Workshop in Virginia, USA. The week-long event included alumni specific workshops, Ashoka’s Youth Venture Program and TOT. It was a wonderful learning experience.

2014 May 2014- Bidding heavy goodbyes to our host students End of stay orientation for AFS participants hosted in India, was conducted over 3 days in New Delhi. It included reflections, sharing experiences, learnings and strategies to cope with reverse culture shock.

2015 May 2015- Happy 10th Birthday to AFS India AFS India completed 10 successful years of ‘Changing lives & sharing cultures’. Celebrated 10 glorious years of intercultural engagements, discussions, leadership opportunities, affiliations, partnerships and much more!

2016 May 2016- A study tour of its kind AFS India successfully hosted an International Study Tour in New Delhi in which 13 participants from 10 AFS partner countries participated. Apart from gaining knowledge on India’s culture and traditions, the participants also had the first hand experience of living with Indian families. A happy moment & a privilege for AFS India to host all participants.

The month of May has always been filled with highlights of GYSD Activities, Sending Meets, End of Stay Orientations and Hosting Trips. It is undoubtedly one of the most active months of the year for AFS India, filled with lots of fun, friends and memories.

2017 May 2017- AFS Meet 2017 | A world of opportunities AFS India successfully organized the first ever Process Training back to back for all departments (AFS Sending, YES Sending, Hosting, Finance and Sentio). 59 volunteers from India learned about various departmental processes and knowledge on best practices in AFS India.

2018 May 2018- Educators’ Conference in Istanbul, Turkey Ms. Smita Chaudhary, Director- Internationalism, Mayo College Girls’ School, Ajmer represented India at Spectrum of Education VI, a four-day Educator’s Conference held by AFS Turkey in Istanbul. The participants worked towards brainstorming and streamlining pedagogy for equipping individuals to become global citizens.

2019 May 2019- Towards regional cultural exchanges The Sunbeam School, Varuna, Varanasi hosted 13 students and 2 teachers from Strawberry Field High School, Chandigarh on a six-day domestic class exchange program. The program helped strengthen the learning experiences of students.

2020 May 2020- Kick-starting Cultural Grip over Virtual Trip The first ever International Volunteer Exchange in COVID times took place between AFS India (represented by Nashik chapter) and Egypt. The sessions took place over two-days and were highly engaging and interactive. It was a beautiful experience for everyone involved.

Page 05 | May 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

ALUMNI

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

ACHIEVEMENTS We’re Proud of You, Seema Seema is a young girl from a small village in Jharkhand who is a braveheart, a fighter against the odds and a true inspiration for all who wish to change their lives and the world. Right from her childhood, Seema fought the odds of her life. She joined YUWA, rural India’s largest platform for girls to pursue sports. She worked as a football coach to pay her school fees and also has defended her rights to education after refusing to get married at a young age.

In 2019, Seema also earned the opportunity to spend a year abroad in the United States as a participant of the KL-YES program. During her exchange, Seema engaged in several hours of community service and was determined to be a change-maker.

“While volunteering at different communities during my exchange, I learned that my main goal of life is to help my community and girls live better lives in safer conditions”, says Seema.

Seema’s story was brought to light when Priyanka Chopra Jonas tweeted about her most recent accomplishment. She bagged a full scholarship to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and will be the first from her family to attend a university and pursue higher education.

It is a matter of great pride for AFS India as Seema is our very own alumna.

Her story stands truly inspirational. We extend best wishes and many

National Awardee at the service of people in Aligarh, UP Mohammad Shabad is a young, talented and emerging leader from Aligrah, UP. He is a YES 2019-20 returnee who is working actively to engage in community service. On the occasion of the GYSD 2021, Shadab geared up to sanitize his locality and distribute sanitizers, masks and food, free of cost among the slum dwellers of Aligarh.

“The current situation in India is heartbreaking. We are facing the second wave of COVID-19 with an acute crisis of oxygen and hospital beds. The number of deaths is escalating. These numbers are turning into names, names of our family members and loved ones. As a future leader it is our utmost duty to tackle this situation and do something to help others. So I took the responsibility and completed the sanitisation work in my city. I also distributed free oxygen cylinders, hand sanitizers, masks, food, medications and other necessities to the needy people” says Shadab

As a future leader it is our utmost duty to tackle this situation and do something to help others. So I took the responsibility and completed the sanitisation work in my city.

Page 06 | May 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

Shadab is a rising star. We’re extremely proud of him for being awarded the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (Prime Minister’s National Award for Children) earlier this year. Shadab has also actively applied to and got selected in various YES alumni opportunities such as the YES Alumni English Teaching Workshop, YES Connects Workshop and Asia Youth MUN. Heartiest congratulations to Shadab and many best wishes for his future endeavours.

SCHOOL

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

Winner

ACTIVITIES

Winner

Ms Roshni Sancheti (Educator)

Ms Nidhi Singh (Educator)

Suchitra Academy International School, Hyderabad (AFS India Member School)

Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi (AFS India Member School)

Caption: Measuring happiness in our lives is a matter of disposition!

Caption: Walking water Rainbow makes it a Rainbow kind of a day for the little ones.

Second Position

Third Position

Ms Shikha Mishra (Educator)

Ms Anju Sumbria (Educator)

Caption: Using waste item up to the optimum level - No Waste

Caption: Aksharon se Shabdonka Ghar अक्षरों से शब्दों का घर

Sunbeam School Varuna, Varanasi (AFS India Member School)

Heritage School, Jammu (AFS India Member School)

Results of AFS Photo Contest for Educators

Theme: Teachers are Innovators

With the objective of recognising individual teachers and educators’ attempting innovations in Education, AFS India organised Photo Contest for Educators on the theme - Innovations in Teaching Learning Process. The educators from AFS Member Schools were invited to submit original photographs/screenshots clicked by them as their entries for this competition. We have received 203 wonderful valid entries from 35 schools.

The two-step evaluation - Elimination & Final Evaluation - was followed with coded entries for anonymity. A review committee of ten judges for Step 1 evaluation was formed that had helped us reach Top 10 entries.

The Top 10 entries were shared with a review committee of three judges who worked together to identify the winners for this competition. With a lot of energy and enthusiasm the review processes were completed.

Though all of them could not be winners of this competition, all the educators are winners for developing and amplifying innovative solutions to education challenges. Over the last few months during the COVID-19 crisis, we have seen just how essential innovative thinking is for educators when faced with a challenge. This crisis has also highlighted just how innovative teachers and school leaders can be.

Thank you, judges!

Others in TOP 10

(203 Total Valid Entries Received)

Ms Tasneem Malu

Step 1 Evaluation (Elimination)

Ms Navdeep Kaur

Delhi Public School, Rau Indore

Sunbeam School Varuna, Varanasi

Caption: Turning Mirrors into Windows

Caption: Pizza into equal pieces, when you eat it decreases. It will be a distraction but you can find your fraction

Neeta Rani Sinha

Heritage School, Jammu Caption: Leaves are falling, autumn is calling: Intro of swar 'उ', Owl with fallen leaves

Step 2 Evaluation (Final Selection)

Ruchi ladha

Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi Caption: (through tic tac toe)

1. Ms Shilpa Tanna, Educator | M.B.Patel English Medium Secondary and Higher Secondary School, Gandhinagar (AFS India Member School) 2. Ms Rebecca Akshita Lal, Educator | All Saints' College, Nainital (AFS India Member School) 3. Mr Mohit Joshi, Educator | The Punjab Public School, Nabha (AFS India Member School) 4. Ms Prachi Kulshrestha, Educator | SelaQui International School, Dehradun (AFS India Member School) 5. Ms Deepshikha Gupta, Educator | Global City International School, Bangalore (AFS India Member School) 6. Ms Sarita Rao, Vice Principal | Sunbeam Suncity School and Hostel, Varanasi (AFS India Member School) 7. Ms Shivali Ahluwalia, Educator | ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi (AFS India Member School) 9. Ms Tejeshree RV Singh, Vice Principal | The British Coed High School, Patiala (AFS India Member School) 9. Ms Rubina Suneja, Educator | Mount Litera Zee School, Amritsar (AFS India Member School) 10. Ms Kusum Sharma | Partap World School, Kangra (AFS India Member School)

Shalu Mehrotra

Neetu Singh Sidhu

Delhi Public School, Indore Caption: RAZZLE DAZZLE (STORYTELLING THROUGH STICK PUPPETS)

Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi Caption: Photo Caption: Tambola aka Hindi Shabd aka Fun Learning.

1. Ms Jyoti Arora, Director | Amity Educational Resource Centre, Amity Group of Schools 2. Mr Bhavin Shah , CEO | EducationWorld 3. Mr Jayant Lal, AFS India Board Member & Co-chair, AFS Member School Committee

Page 07 | May 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 4-Weeks in one of the Happiest Countries -- Denmark If you visit Denmark, here is a word you should keep handy - Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah"). Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people - it is in fact considered an emotion. Sitting and spending good time with close friends for family is hygge, watching a good movie is hygge too. It is considered that perhaps Hygge explains why Danes are some of the happiest people in the world.

We bring to your children an opportunity to spend a Hygge time of 4 weeks at a Danish “EFTERSKOLE” exploring cultural differences, learning Danish and English and participating in interesting activities and cultural excursions.

This is an individual program where the participant will take part in international life in a way that they experience daily life and classes at a Danish Efterskole. During their stay at the school, the participants will be part of the vibrant social life at the school and interact with Danish and international students also staying at the school. There will be activities organized for the participants during vacant weekends and evenings.

At the end of the program each participant will be given a certificate of participation with details of the program curriculum - both from Ranum Efterskole College and AFS Denmark. Not to forget the life long memories, long lasting bonding and learnings they will gain through the transforming experience.

Program Details: -- Arrival Date: 29 August 2021 -- Departure Date: 26 September 2021 -- Age Criteria: Between 14 to 18 Years -- Application Deadline: 14 July 2021 Program Fees: INR 2,06,500 (18% GST included) + Visa + Airfare

People in Denmark are fond of Indian food. I have never cooked at home, and now I have discovered myself as a good cook by preparing Indian food even with limited ingredients. This has surely boosted my confidence. I have acquired patience, and now I am more confident and self aware about myself. AFS exchange has helped me to make friends across the world.

AFS Returnee, Denmark Page 08 | May 2021 | Newsletter | AFS India

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).

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: Amaury Bouchez from France 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