Newsletter | April 2020

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A P R I L 2 0 2 0 Your source to stay up to date with AFS Intercultural Programs India’s activities, events & opportunities

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Inside this issue 2 Explore the AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey and learn how AFS program helps families support their hosted students’ intercultural experience 3 Experience #AFSEffect | Read the Words from the AFSers!

4 Read more about our Member School, The Emerald Heights International School, Indore 5 AFS is collaborating with amazing organizations. Know more about Youth for Peace International, an organization which envisions a peaceful world of empowered individuals and sustainable societies.

6 In Alumni Impact, read how AFS Alumni are working as a change agent and creating impact!

8 Read the Impact Stories of AFS Students hosted in USA, Belgium & Italy 9 Suresh Kethavath is the YES Student of the Month! Find out why!

10 Learn more about the experiences of our hosted students exploring India in our Hosting Stories

The AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey Hosting an international student in your home is a great way to learn about a new culture and share your own culture and values.

Children often enjoy being cultural ambassadors, introducing their new brother or sister to local customs, traditions and national holidays. Everything from preparing meals to sightseeing are opportunities to discover and appreciate cultural and other differences. We call this the #AFSeffect!

The AFS Host Family Program is now supported by the AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey. The Learning Journey helps families support their hosted students’ intercultural experience—and prepares family members to become global citizens.

The AFS Host Family Program provides an enjoyable, rewarding and transformative experience for the whole family. The program is supported by the AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey, built on specific intercultural learning objectives and facilitated by trained staff and volunteers. The Journey includes orientation sessions, facilitated discussions and other learning activities and reflection that help families: -- Explore and build their intercultural awareness and understanding as individual global citizens and as a family -- Better support their hosted student’s integration into a new culture, as well as her or his intercultural education experience outlined in the AFS Student Learning Journey & Curriculum -- Help AFS students achieve their global and personal ambitions while abroad -- Share their culture and learn about new cultures from their hosted students.

The AFS Learning Objectives serve as the foundation for the AFS Host Family Intercultural Learning Journey and the 14 Objectives are divided into four parts: -----

Self-Awareness Communication Skills and Empathy Intercultural Competence Global Concern.

Working through these Learning Objectives helps families: -- Better understand how culture impacts perception, behavior, values and attitudes -- Consider and respect different perspectives when approaching problems and everyday situations -- Appreciate diversity and to engage, display respect for and accept people with diverse backgrounds, attitudes, opinions, lifestyles and values -- Become interested in and concerned about global affairs and aware of the impact our choices have on other people -- Explore becoming a volunteer committed to making positive change in local, national and/or global communities.

Interested in hosting? Please reach out to us.

Page 02 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS

Learning Journey

Words From the

AFSers

Hosting is really a journey of self-discovery and an eye-opener about our families, our community, our culture. Each of my hosting experiences has taught me something about myself, my family, our community at large and our culture - to question it and make changes. And this is an #AFSEffect.

- Vasudha Tavag, AFS Host Mom

Nirali Macchar

Keval Gajjar

Vasudha Tavag

Ameet Gohel

Shalin Dave

Bankim Mehta

Nirali Machhar, an AFS Host Family says, “Our Hosting journey started from 2007 which was the first year AFS India hosted exchange students from abroad. We have hosted 10 exchange students till now which were from various countries of Europe and Canada. It has enhanced all of us with a very powerful insight of the culture of various countries and continents, right from language, food, education system, dance, music, family lifestyle and much more. We have got opportunities to host students, volunteers, alumni and AFS staff members of India and other partner countries. I feel that the need of the hour and relevant song that is apt in today's situation of coronavirus is the AFS song - Walk together, talk together, all you people of the world! We are in this together and we shall overcome.”

“We didn't know what our family was missing until we started hosting.

Over the last 12 years, we have hosted 4 times for a full-year exchange program and many more times as a welcome family. Every student has taught us different things about ourselves, themselves, and the world in general. We became more open-minded and accepting of the change. We have made lifelong connections with these exchange students. All are part of our family now”, says Keval Gajjar, AFS Host Brother from Gandhinagar.

Vasudha Tavag, AFS Host Mom from Bangalore, says “Hosting brings us face to face with our true values, discover our true self and learn about our family and our own culture. Hosting is really a journey of self-discovery and an eye-opener about our families, our community, our culture. Each of my hosting experiences has taught me something about myself, my family, our community at large and our culture - to question it and make changes.

And this is an #AFSEffect. I truly believe Hosting is all about opening your home and heart to another child, building a long lasting relationship and making a difference, however small, in another child’s life. I would like to end this with an old, lovely song which comes to my mind: “Apne liye jiye to kya jiye, tu jee ay dil zamane ke liye...” (Is living for yourself really living life? O heart, live a life for others….)”

Ameet Gohel, AFS Host Dad from Vadodara, says “I think most of the time people are just afraid to host a kid, as it’s a responsibility or liability and it’ll be a big burden on finances because they’ll be feeding another person. But for us, we’ve learned to make big meals, learnt new and different international recipes. It gives us all a chance to learn and grow from each other because experiencing it firsthand is more meaningful. It’s definitely giving us a kind of exposure, we’ve always dreamt of. It’s a transformative experience. It helps to understand that differences are splendid, they add to the greatness we all have. If you’re thinking about it, just go for it. I believe you’ll grow as a person.”

“My family has hosted three girls before as I don’t have a daughter of my own, and I felt that it completed our family. This year for the first time, we had a host son. It was one of my best hosting experiences. My son and I learnt so many things from our host son. I learnt how to stay calm and happy without getting disturbed by any kind of situation. My son has started helping his mother more than he ever did before this hosting experience. He now behaves more mature. I am sure to say that such learnings are only possible when you host a student.”, says Shalin Dave, AFS Host Dad from Anand Chapter.

Bankim Mehta, AFS Host Family from Vadodara says, ““Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is a Sanskrit phrase which means “The world is one family” -keeping the philosophy in mind, we decided to experience the #AFSeffect, which was to host, for the first time, and that was about 12 years ago. We hosted students from Germany, Canada, France, Japan, Italy and Argentina.

We encountered something surreal every time we hosted and made us broaden our horizons and to continue doing it again and again.

Our hosting experiences were always unique; we learned kindness, discipline, values of different cultures which helped us to become a true global citizen. We are always thankful to AFS to change our lives in many ways.”

Page 03 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

The Emerald Heights International School Indore AB Road, Rau, Opposite Akashwani, Indore, MP, India – 453 331 Contact: +91-8720009992 / 93, +91-731-4067536-37, +91 6262045305 Website: www.emeraldheights.edu.in E-mail: info@emeraldheights.edu.in We, at Emerald Heights International School, embody the spirit of global education in an increasingly interconnected world through the many unique opportunities weaved throughout the Emerald Heights experience. By organizing an international Round Square conference The RSIC with 156 schools from across the Dedicated and2019 Highly globe,Qualified sending students for Faculty intercultural exchange to numerous locations and fostering a strong platform of peer to peer exchange State of the Art Facilities for of diverse students, we have distinguished ourselves as a S.T.E.M., Artglobal and leaders. nurturing abodeSports, for future

Music

in education National & For us,Participation the meaning of reaches far and wide from the International Co-Curricular classroom.

We facilitate kinaesthetic, visual, audio and interpersonal Events learning through labs for subjects ranging from robotics, languages, geography International Students and more. In these labs children internalize crucial concepts Exchange Programsby watching their classroom learning manifest itself before their eyes. Recently, our students won the Multi-Dimensional Best Project Award at the National University of Singapore by Curriculum developing an app which aimed at spreading environment protection literacy. Not only do our students thrive in the classrooms, but they also lead healthy and active lifestyles by taking part in one of 35 sports offered. We boast of a rock climbing club, a field hockey field, track and field events to name but a few.

The students who come to Emerald Heights through the cultural exchange programs also get to benefit from our unique approach towards education. Long term exchange students learn Hindi through our language labs and through a specialized language curriculum. Moreover, we foster intercultural learning by letting our students’ families host international students. This helps develop a deep understanding of both cultures and creates bonds that last a lifetime. In fact, several of our students visit their exchange student friends in their home countries!

Our students are exposed to international politics and events through our student-run Model UN club. Children research global issues such as Militarization of the Arctic Circle and Global Pandemic Preparation by mimicking global organizations such as the Security Council and the WHO. Emeralites are armed with the knowledge of global events and the cultural wherewithal to navigate social situations required to be a truly global citizen.

AFS India plays a pivotal role in making Emerald Heights a part of the Global Community.

Page 04 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

YOUTH for PEACE INTERNATIONAL

#PEACE

Office: Hub and Oak Coworking, Devika Tower, 7th Floor, Nehru Place, New Delhi- 110019 Contact: +91-9990-896-558 Website: www.yfpinetwork.com E-mail: info@yfpinetwork.com Youth for Peace International (YfPI) is a youth-led peacebuilding organisation which envisions a peaceful world of empowered individuals and sustainable societies.

Their work focuses on 3 areas which are capacity building, ground action and advocacy.

Under capacity building they conduct workshops and training programs on Peace Education and conflict transformation for young people and educators.

“The Voice of Peace workshops helped me understand the root concepts, the causes of conflicts and how to resolve them”

At ground level, they provide rehabilitation support to Rohingya Refugees by focusing on trauma healing, holistic education and bridging inter community conflicts.

To amplify the work YfPI advocates through creative online campaigns and policy recommendation at National and Regional level. Further to implement UNSCR 2250 they have recently started a National network on Youth, Peace and Security in India.

AFS Alumni have been collaborating with YfPI previously to do youth peacebuilding work in India through the National Network.

Voice of Peace In 2019, AFS Alumni organised 5 peacebuilding training programmes, reaching out to 1000+ students in 5 cities of India, under the project name ‘Voice of Peace’ which was facilitated by YfPI. The 5 workshops focused on engaging and sensitizing the youth between the age of 14-16 years about the importance of peace and celebrate cultural integrity in diversity, positive world narrative, global friendship, empathy and respect. The workshop covered certain imperative concepts of peacebuilding such as conflict transformation, youth as advocates of peace, community engagement and many more.

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

- AFS Alumni, Voice of Peace

Schools and Educators Every education system looks at equipping skills, attitudes and values to nurture youth into empowered citizens. As empowered citizens, they are expected to build an inclusive society and take nonviolent action towards socio-economic disparities.

We facilitate in-person and online virtual labs for young people on Peace Education to inculcate values like empathy, inclusiveness, acceptance and building their skills in negotiation, non-violent communication, leadership, conflict transformation. We have also worked with teachers from different schools to create modules and curricula on Peace Education and to cultivate a culture of peace within the school environment.

Young Changemakers You can join the National Network on Youth, Peace and Security. The purpose of this youth network is to build capacity of members to do more community peacebuilding work, ensure meaningful and active engagement of young people in decision making and implementation of resolution at all levels and becoming a collective voice for advocacy having decentralised awareness-raising on the YPS agenda in India.

Page 05 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

Set your own benchmarks and live a life full of joy and impact. Push yourself from your comfort zone to experience the magic

Alumni

Impact

- Arun Sharma, Alumni LOREM IPSUM

Creating Ripple Effect

In Focus: Arun Sharma, YES Alumni of 2010 Batch Imagine being a child of 5-10 years and walking 7 to 8 km one way to reach the school where they go to get an education. The path they take is not so easy, sometimes it is the jungle, sometimes crossing a river, sometimes it's harsh rains and other times animals.

Arun wants to make a difference, and his way of doing that is by educating the kids who study in the Government Schools in Goa. He works as a project manager with a project called Goa’s Systematic School Improvement Programme initiated by Adhyayan Foundation and Directorate of Education, Goa. They work on building the capacity of the system which includes the teachers, block level officers, Hub leaders, and the cluster schools. In order to mitigate challenges faced by the teachers, he provides solutions related to teaching and learning, assessments and how to track growth of children. It helps the teachers to teach well and enables maximum learning in a classroom.

By developing a growth mindset, Arun builds their capacity so that the learning inside classrooms never stops and can reach its maximum potentials. It is done through undertaking training of system leaders through a collaborative, evidence-based evaluation of a school where multiple stakeholders are present.

Page 06 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

The evaluations are done against the Shaala Siddhi benchmark (holistic school evaluation framework). All these actions are taken so that it remains sustainable and can be self-driven in future.

The age when he went for the program was when he was moulding himself to be a more global and an impactful individual.

He learned that magic happens only out of one’s comfort zone.

There were major changes that he witnessed within himself. He viewed himself more confident and lucid. He became aware of the impact he as an individual holds. The relationships that he built taught him that global peace is not a thing of imagination rather we can co-exist together with empathy and respect. The exchange year completely transformed him with respect to the thought he carries, actions he takes, words he speaks and the relationship he builds till now.

Arun says, “It gives an immense amount of exposure and confidence at an age when you are accepting of new learnings and finding your place in the world. It makes you more tolerant about other cultures and lifestyles. One becomes a person who understands the value of peace and unity across the globe. My message for Indian youth is that- ‘Fly and explore the world around you, never let yourself down by society’s set standards.

Set your own benchmarks and live a life full of joy and impact.

Push yourself from your comfort zone to experience the magic’”

Impact of

AFS Program

#France The Impact of Intercultural & Culture Building Programs

By Manish Kothari, Parent of AFS Program Alumni

“Nandita’s AFS journey started in 2014, which led her to moving out of the comfort zone of living at home and experimenting with life in a completely different environment. She got the opportunity to stay in Germany. This exposure kept building her confidence in multi directions. From my perspective she learnt several aspects of life, and importantly understood the culture of the country, and also her interaction with several other exchange students from Brazil, and other countries, gave her a cross cultural understanding. Her 10 months stay built a lot of inner confidence of managing oneself, built her emotional intelligence, and her independence.

The engagement with Empretec in Feb 2019 gave Nandita her 2nd exposure to importance of culture, and exposed her to elements of Ikigai (finding one’s own happiness), Emotional Intelligence – Awareness, Regulation, Social Skills, Empathy & Motivation.

Alumni

Impact With the planting of seeds of culture at AFS, the absorption of the Empretec Philosophy at a young age led her to being even invited to become an International Master Trainer after completion of her International Graduation program. She started absorbing, co-facilitating in Empretec workshops before graduation, standing shoulder to shoulder with the National Director Arnab & myself and connecting with a variety of people of diverse age & background.

Such is the POWER of CULTURE, it can leverage your education and unlock hidden potential, which may have been lost somewhere.

I sincerely thank AFS for playing such an important role in providing a platform to harness the intercultural understanding, and Empretec for leveraging the learnings, and providing the possibility to find the PURPOSE of life, and strengthening from Inside.”

Page 07 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

My Exchange Was Not Less That a Movie

By Pratibha Pandey, Student from Varanasi, Hosted in Belgium “Well, my exchange was not less than a movie. How my three months passed away? I don't know it was hard to leave my family and friends back in Belgium and then come back to India. Though being an extremely extrovert character, I was somewhere hesitant to people, what if they didn't understand what I want to explain. But as I started getting my Dutch lessons from my host sister (Naomi) things became easier to comprehend. This showed me how language and sentiments matter extensively to retain a bond. I really like to thank my host family for giving me that feeling of family.

Impact of

AFS Program

Becoming Your Own Support System

By Sreechandana Lella, Student from Ooty, Hosted in US "If you’d told me a year ago that I was going to spend a year in the US, I’d laugh in your face. Going to another country, living in a stranger's home, and starting school as the new girl all over again was an unbelievably daunting task for me. I was terrified of leaving a support system of people that I’d grown up with and starting all over again.

For me, the most challenging aspect of this exchange was communication, or rather my lack thereof, but this has really helped me grow as a person. I’m not saying that I magically became a social butterfly and that I’m on the highest level of self-actualization, but I think I’m a lot closer to it than I was before.

Problems you face here are different than those you experience back home, because at home you have a support system that you rely on when things go wrong, you know what to do, who to ask and you have a shoulder to lean on.

When you’re away, you learn how to become your own support system and how to deal with your emotions and thoughts, you start becoming reliant on yourself. That in my opinion, is the greatest gift you can take away from this program. Yes, you get to travel around the world and make new connections, but you mostly learn how to connect with yourself. That I think is the opportunity this program offers you, and so many other people all over the globe. I wouldn’t trade this exchange for anything in the world, and I hope that reading this, set someone on the adventure of a lifetime”

Page 08 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

I used to work in Oxfam as a volunteer and my reason behind volunteering over there was to understand the international trade. Being the youngest one over there, other volunteers taught me a lot of things which I couldn’t have learned just by reading books or studying in a school. When Oxfam organized a meal for raising funds for Guatemala, I got a chance to interact with people from various backgrounds which I didn’t expect at all. Even my host family was also invited over there and they were really happy to see me working at the event. People present there thought that I am from Spain and they even asked me "Do you speak Spanish?"

And I answered, “No, I'm from India and I speak English” Well, what I am today is really a different individual. Some people say I changed because I went on an exchange but actually the people over there taught me new life hacks, how to handle the situation wisely. I am still that same Pratibha but with new skills. One mantra that I apply now on myself is that "work on yourself", but at the same time don't forget your own culture and values, because that's what defines your personality. Your behavior will reflect on what kind of culture you live in.

My message to students who are going or planning for the exchange programs, utilize your time very adequately so when you come back you don't feel missed out on anything.

Always consider locals' suggestions before doing anything.

And learn to appreciate things around you.”

Impact of

AFS Short-Term Program

Impact of

YES Program

Getting Ready for the Unexpected

By Aditi Agarwal, Short Term Sending Student From Gwalior, Hosted in Italy “Experiences aren’t worth anything if you don’t come out of your comfort zone because every journey that you undertake contributes to the making of you.

In my three weeks of stay with the host family I not only marveled at the country’s bounteous flora and fauna but learned lessons which one cannot learn in their comfort zone. I learned how it is necessary to know more about the world outside of ours. There is a lot more to it than we know. Things are not always the way we expect them to be and we should be ready for the unexpected. Exposure is necessary and our school provides ample opportunities, it’s in our hands to grab them and not let them slip away.

Going to a country with a culture entirely different from ours was a difficult task but my host family never made me feel excluded or homesick and made their house feel like home. By the end of the first week things seemed more settled. Staying with my host family enriched my experience exploring the southern part of Italy. I was fortunate to visit the best preserved Greek churches - which were once a part of Ancient Greece. I was introduced to great spots of the city like The Castle of Scilla which is a blow to the heart for those who visit this beautiful town.

Having a heavy heart full of memories and a phone gallery filled with crazy pictures and beautiful landscapes I left them by thanking them. Their hospitality and true caring spirit left me with wonderful memories of my stay.

In the last three days I went to Rome, the capital of Italy and met other AFS participants and learned about their experiences. This exchange was not a page but a whole new chapter added to the book of my life. I am deeply grateful to my host family for their warmth and acceptance.”

The YES Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Education

YES Student Of The Month | March 2020

In Focus: Suresh Kethavath, YES Student From Hyderabad, Hosted in Washington DC Suresh Kethavath from Hyderabad bags YES Student of the Month title for March 2020. The title of YES “Student of the Month” is to recognize the contributions of YES participants in their host community.

Suresh has volunteered in 40 different places and completed over 100 community service hours. He strongly believes the quote by Father of our Nation, "Be the change that you want to see in the world. I am the change that I want to see in the world." He shares that volunteering is the biggest life-changing idea and heart connecting relationships with others and the exchange has helped him become more open minded, enthusiastic, independent.

Suresh says, “YES program made me feel like a young cultural ambassador of my nation. I always find opportunities to present my home country, India and did more than 25 presentations reaching 1000 people through celebrating festivals in the community, talks on traditional values, singing songs during Christmas parties, Telling Indian Mythological stories during my camping, answering to the stereotypical question from people about India. Making friends from different cultures, nations, and the other corners of the world and learning from them was an incredible habit that I have adapted well during my exchange. I have also seen myself very open-minded and enthusiastic, which I was never before. I have become very independent. I am very thankful to the YES program, United States Department of State, PAX placement Organization, and especially AFS India for this great opportunity.”

We are proud of his exemplary contributions towards culture sharing and creating positive impact in the community.

Kudos to Suresh for being conferred the YES “Student of the Month” title.

Page 09 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

Hosting HOST Stories Memories For a Lifetime

By Greta Callegari, Student from Italy hosted in Pune “Not many days have passed since I returned from India to Italy. I’m happy to share that my exchange program was an extraordinary experience. It still feels like a dream; weeks and months seem to have passed in the blink of an eye; and now, here I am, thinking about all those thousands of memories.

Page 10 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

I can proudly say that India was the greatest teacher I have ever had, as she gave me the opportunity to learn so many things. I got to understand the meaning of values; patience is probably the most important lesson that India taught me; being a part of a new family and different culture needs patience. I remember how senseless things appeared to me at the very beginning, yet each one of these things found their respective place in the bigger picture I was creating, and with all the knowledge I was gaining. I slowly started understanding people’s habits and emotions, traditions and lifestyles, and before I even realized it, I was part of a huge, vibrant and colorful world – a place where people really cared about one another, dance and sing while praying or simply because they are happy, eat sitting on the floor, and want one to feel comfortable at all times. It was not an easy path; on the contrary, it was full of challenges, but the things I was achieving and the people I was surrounded with gave me the energy I needed to go on, to complete my experience, and to finally say that it was totally worth the risk.

I would have never thought that I could call a place 6000 kms far from my country “home”, but I was wrong. India will always find a place in my heart. I will always cherish the memories I made during the exchange year, and look at them as the starting point for something new. I will always remember the moments spent with my family, the laughter with my friends and yes, even all the tears and difficulties that made this year an amazing, worthwhile experience. And this is the reason why I truly believe that if I had the chance to relive this journey, I would choose India as my destination, yet again, and a thousand times over.”

Hosting HOST Stories I Had to Leave My Home to Go Home

By Anine Oezman, Student from Germany Hosted in Karaikudi “This is a quote I heard once, and it is so true: “I had to leave my home to go home.”

My exchange year has given me a lot - India, with all the colours and different cultures, religions and ethnicities living together and everybody accepting everyone the way he/she is. I will never forget the experiences I made here.

Especially in the south of India, where I lived, a small town leading a traditional life -- people in sarees and dhotis, and the little girls in colourful dresses or in their uniforms.

During the course of my stay, I became an Indian too. I wore my jeans rarely. Instead, I wore kurtas. Also, at the end of my exchange year, I would not leave the house without a bindi on my forehead – just like my friends. I was applying oil in my hair too!

I was expecting to, perhaps, get a second family in India, but, actually, I can say I have three -- my host family, my school and the AFS family! The orientations and also Navratri were a lot of fun! I always enjoyed being with my international friends and also all the open minded and super nice volunteers. I also applied for the National volunteer camp that gave me a lot. I am really in love with the village and the students there.

My family was super. I had a brother and a sister. She used to smile all day long and everybody liked her. We did some really funny baking activities together.

Then there was my Appa. He was just super nice and even taught me a bit of Tamil:) My Amma was like a mother to me, but at the same time also a friend.

We had interesting talks about a whole range of topics. We talked a lot about cultural differences and she even told me a few times that my dad should start looking for a good husband for me. She knows, though, that in Germany marriages aren’t arranged.

Most people in India are really warm, helpful and caring, even if you don’t know them too well. This is another thing I like about India. I also like how people respect each other. That’s a big thing I learnt: respect people – even students a year or two older are addressed as Akka and Anna (sister and brother in Tamil). Making friends isn’t difficult in India. Making close friends is difficult though. However, I guess I have made some really close friends in India too.

Not everything was always easy during this year, but it was an absolutely amazing year. I learnt a lot and made a lot of good memories, which will stay with me forever. I have another family at the other end of the world and a lot of amazing friends and memories.

Thank you AFS for all the support during this year!”

Page 11 | April 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

Page 07 | January 2020 | Newsletter | AFS India

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

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

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

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

Cover Photo: Vashita Darji from Anand 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

Anand Bhawan, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi - 110001 Office:+91-11-42512498/41501672/41540827 www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org