AFS IND Newsletter | August 2022

In this issue of August 2022, you will find: 1.

In Impact Stories from AFS Staff, read the story of Mr Kuldeep Ghildiyal, Sending Program Team

2.

Check out the Volunteers are Changemakers and know more about the activities carried out

by Ahmedabad and Indore Chapters.

In Member School Stories, read the views of Mr M C Abilash, Director from Sri Aurobindo Mira Group of Educational Institutions, Madurai on how to “Broaden Your Horizon” through GCC. The Hosting Stories brings about the successful completion of the NSLI-Y Summer Program 2022.

Explore the stories of Saravanan, Sai and Janice of Chennai Chapter in Alumni Stories Explore the one-of-a-kind AFS events hosted by several AFS India Member Schools in School Stories.

In Sending Stories, read about the intercultural experiences of Arjun Dhingra in Hungary and Vanshika Bhansali in Spain.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

India

presents the

Newsletter 2022

Photo Credit: AFS Domestic Class Exchange - Pragnya Bodhini High School, Mumbai & Delhi Public School, Srinagar 21 - 27 August 2022

STAFF IMPACT STORIES

“You make a living by what you get.

You make a life by what you give.”

This statement brings an adrenaline rush that drives me to work every single day.

Being relatively new to AFS India, I find my last couple of months a roller coaster ride where I got the chance to get involved with the diverse culture of AFS. I find it very joyful to share that working here has helped me develop my interpersonal skills. It not only helps me to overcome different challenges with proper planning but also, I have learned to work in a team and for the team to achieve the desired goal.

I got the opportunity to get in touch with students coming from across the country as well as around the globe, who share their learning experiences and the amazing culture they have been introduced to, in their host country during their exchange programs. It is interesting when these students share how their programs helped them to be a better version of themselves. Their reflections not only galvanize me to work but also helps me understand how to dwell in harmony irrespective of coming from diverse backgrounds.

I have gotten the wonderful opportunity to work with likeminded people at AFS India who are just as passionate about giving back to society as I am. And that is what I am looking forward to carrying out in the future for this organization. I would say in such a short span, I find myself prepared enough for future outcomes with these learning experiences.

Page 01 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

VOLUNTEERS ARE

CHANGEMAKERS

A virtual volunteer exchange program was organized by AFS India between AFS Spain and Ahmedabad Chapter on 28 August 2022. In the first half, the Spanish volunteers presented their country by sharing languages, culture, art, geography, festivals, cuisines in different parts of Spain.

The Ahmedabad volunteers then started by introducing the city. The presentation included some of the famous places, food, history, heritage places etc. After Ahmedabad, the volunteers took the audience on a tour of the state of Gujarat and then swiftly moved toward India and talked about interesting facts about our country. It was important to talk about Navratri, one of the biggest event organized by the Ahmedabad chapter. It was a highlight of the presentation.

What a wonderful opportunity it was for Alumni and Ahmedabad chapter! Because of the current situation, it has become quite a task to connect with each other. As volunteers of the Ahmedabad chapter, we were proud to have the opportunity to share the culture of the place we belong.

Volunteers Ahmedabad Chapter

AFS Indore Chapter carried out Tree Plantation Drive on 30 August 2022 which was organized in Vidyasagar School and M. P. Police Public Higher Secondary School. This activity was conducted to make everyone, especially the young minds aware of the importance of greens in their lives and that taking care of the environment is not an obligation - but it is our life and our responsibility. Students felt inspired after interacting with the Chief Guest, Commanding Officer SAF (IPS), 15th Battalion Indore, Ms. Yang Chen Dolkar Bhutia. Fruitbearing and medicinal plants were planted in the school premises by AFS Member Schools from Indore, volunteers, distinguished police officers of the battalion and Jaivik Setu volunteers. Keynote speakers Mr. Ramesh Pant and Mr. Naveen Dutt, visionary environmentalists and tree lovers enlightened the participants as new plant parents on ways to keep them healthy and green.

Story telling sessions, making of natural pesticides from ingredients in our kitchen itself, climatic changes, oath to protect trees, distributing seed bombs, making small groups, planting saplings etc. were the major takeaways. The students at The respective schools and the gardeners will be tracking the growth of the plants. Participants were given plant bombs, hand-made bookmarks and AFS certificates as a token of appreciation.

“Haritam” turned out to be an inspirational and fun filled experience for all the participants; A promise to create a greener planet.

Page 02 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

MEMBER SCHOOL STORIES Broaden Your Horizon

By M C Abilash, Director, Sri Aurobindo Mira Group of Educational Institutions, Madurai

In this hyper-competitive and the wide-ranging world, it is indeed essential to cultivate intercultural and global competencies and AFS GCC is a unique programme that caters to the needs of students, staff and professionals across a variety of disciplines from around the world.

GCC program has been like a lens to me through which I beheld the colours of the culture of the world. It also has bestowed me with the privilege to observe kaleidoscopic patterns of crosscultural communication and life-long global “power skills”. While doing this course, I was able to assess how adaptable I am and how beautifully I embrace diversity to engage effectively across cultures. I continued to become amenable and develop empathy and critical thinking during this course. This is where we stand and build our own understanding of world events thereby taking learning into the real world. Our journey with the GCC program made a difference in our approach to teaching cultural differences to students in the classroom. Rather than just teaching students about the multiple cultures in the world through books, we take time to reflect on what is happening in the world through stories. We organize AFS week every month and teach culture through music, dance, etc.

The GCC program was a double delight to learn new things and cherish a rich experience of exchange at the same time. The modules were quite cool, diversified and comprehensible. The most interesting learning experience was the forum where we could share our answers with thousands of other people worldwide and read about their experiences and opinions.

I’d like to recommend GCC programs to other educators for the virtual learning modules, as they are well-crafted and designed. The real-life learning experience in the modules would undoubtedly transform our students' classrooms.

Page 03 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

HOSTING

STORIES

The NSLI-Y Summer Program that started on 30 June 2022 was successfully completed on 12 August 2022. The 6-week program hosted students in Delhi International School, Dwarka, Delhi wherein they participated in cultural events and celebrated Rakshabandhan, Independence Day, etc. with their host families and the school.

To have an enhanced exposure of the cultural heritage, the students were toured around Delhi and Agra, and visited the Taj Mahal and the Akshardham Temple. The host school organised a farewell where the students shared their experiences and takeaways from the program.

AFS India conducted the End of Stay orientation of the NSLI-Y students in Delhi on 12 August in which Ms. Melissa Rossi, AFS USA staff member, had joined. The orientation was facilitated by Delhi Chapter volunteers, Mrs. Zahra Rizvi and Mr Anuj Gupta. Post the orientation, the students departed for their home county.

We congratulate them on a successful completion of their program and wish them luck in their future endeavors.

Page 04 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

ALUMNI

STORIES

This moment cannot be explained with any words because it was such an amazing and a dream come true moment. Few years ago, I was on the spectators' side and talking with the alumni about their great stay and their experience in the US. It was so inspiring and that actually created an ambitious dream in my heart that I had to apply for the program. I also chased that dream and here I am standing before my school and sharing my experience that changed me as a confident and courageous person. It also gave me a chance to look back into my whole 10 months of life in the US. I had an alumni say that "exchange year is not a year in life, it's a life in a year". I had goosebumps when I heard this line and now I have truly experienced this. I learnt a lot of American culture and I also learnt in-depth Indian culture during my exchange. AFS has given me a lot of experiences and a new beginning for myself. I think doing presentations and telling the goodness of the exchange program to my juniors gives me immense joy and happiness to my heart.

Now it makes me feel so happy to help my juniors, answering their questions and encouraging them to participate in this amazing KLYES program. I thank AFS India, Chennai chapter, my school and my family for giving me this wonderful opportunity of being an exchange student.

It has been a decade filled with experiences. On 6 Aug 2012, a group of 30 students wearing the same-colored T-shirts were sitting across gate 1B in the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. We went on a life-changing experience in the United States for a year through the KL-YES program. I still talk to my host family about how they welcomed me at the airport, wearing a t-shirt with Dad, Mom, and Sister printed in my native language. I felt so happy and emotional. The rest of the year was just amazing. After my return, I joined AFS India as a volunteer in June 2013 and since then I have been a part of various projects.

At the Chennai Chapter of AFS India, I started as the Vice President this year. I have worked in multiple roles in the chapter and conducted many orientations. I was one of the mentors of the first batch of Thriving 30 and also one of the participants of the first batch of the AFS Leadership Development Program. I worked with alumni across India on various community services.

Thanks to the English Language Teaching Program, I received a $500grant to do English Language Training on my own for 100 female students in Chennai.

Due to COVID-19, I got the opportunity to connect with like-minded volunteers from around the world starting with Interculture, Germany for various facilitator programs, AFS Global Ideathon, and the AFS Virtual Training of Trainers program.

Page 05 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

Contd.

ALUMNI

STORIES

Contd.

I also had the opportunity to become a GCC facilitator and it was a great experience in training young minds on empathy and intercultural learning. Finally, after a year of online training, AFS India conducted an in-person Gateway Orientation for the batch 2022-23 of YES participants and I was selected as one of the facilitators for the orientation. This was a huge coincidence because 10 years ago I was in New Delhi for the same orientation as a participant and now as a facilitator. It was such a nostalgic and emotional feeling when I dropped the present participants at the airport. I was reliving the events that happened in August 2012.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share my thoughts and experience with the present batch of students and hopefully with many more students.

Yes, you read it right! This is a story of an Indian Exchange Student who went on the KL-YES Program to the United States of America and that's me, Sai Charan Tharmani. As most of the YES Students say, "It's not just a year in life, but it's a life in a year which makes you ready for the future". I can definitely resonate with this quote because the YES Program itself is not just a single opportunity but it's a pool of opportunities from which you can grab life-changing lessons.

Being on the program, I have done a lot of things that gave me happiness as well as great learning lessons. I discovered myself, my interest in exploring the world, and my passion for leadership. I really had a great time with my host family, friends, teachers and everyone I met during my exchange year.

Those days were precious for me and every day I spent in the States has an interesting story behind it.

One of the best memories would be the time I spent in Washington DC as part of the Civic Education Workshop. That's when I got to meet people around the globe and the diplomats representing the US Mission in different countries. Visiting the White House is something I dreamt of and it came true through the YES Program.

I am grateful to the US Department of State, AFS India, AFS USA, American Center, my schools (both India and USA), and every person I met and every organization that I am associated with for giving me such an awesome experience.

Page 06 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS SCHOOL CALENDAR

STORIES

ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi in collaboration with AFS India, organised a virtual Interschool Competition “ECOLOGIQUE” with an aim to sensitize the young learners to understand their role as a catalyst for a sustainable world with their sustainable mindsets and actions, ultimately preparing them to be global denizens, making them accountable to invigorate a sustainable planet.

The school received an overwhelming response from around 500 enthusiastic participants in all the event categories namely – Sustainable Verses (poetry writing), Splash of Sustainability (Poster Creation), Sustainable Ambassadors (Mime Act). Mr. Joseph Kuok, National Director AFS India declared the results and applauded the efforts of the participants as well as the school for organizing such activity. The Principal of the school Ms. Swarnima Luthra addressed the gathering and urged the young minds to adopt strategies to repay the planet for all we take from it, however as individuals, they can consciously support efforts to make responsible choices in ensuring its sustenance .

The competition enabled the students not only to understand the interconnectedness and interdependence of social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability but also to appreciate the role of young populace in creating the nation’s ability to develop and achieve sustainable targets.

The competition was organised by the school in association with AFS India. More than 20 AFS Member Schools participated. The competition concluded on a positive note on 7 August 2022.

The videos received from different schools were very creative, innovative and informative. Each video showcased the best of each state and its beautiful culture. All the participants did a remarkable job to showcase the best of their cultures. This is the first virtual Tableau competition hosted by any organization across the four regions. More than 39 videos of students showcasing the beautiful culture and traditions of their preferred states across India were received.

The top 3 positions were won by: 1. Delhi Public School Bhopal & Delhi Public School, Kolar Road 2. Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Jodhpur 3. Partap World School, Pathankot We congratulate all the participants and their mentors for their exceptional efforts and making the event a real success.

Page 07 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS SCHOOL CALENDAR

STORIES

The Wisdom Global School, Haridwar organized “National Science Quiz- Where Science surrounds Us” for grades 9 and 10 on 15 and 16 July 2022. The quiz was based on general science, scientific temperament and awareness of the participants. The quiz was divided into two rounds – The preliminary round and the final round. The preliminary round was conducted on 15 July 2022 on Zoom. There was one team of two students from each school who competed in the quiz. 32 AFS Member Schools across India participated.

The preliminary round was conducted in 5 phases: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Picture Based Animation Based Riddle Round Rapid Fire Kahoot

The Final Round was conducted in 4 phases: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Interview Based Let's Collab Kahoot (Video Round) Kahoot (T/F)

All the selected schools participated with a competitive spirit. The participants presented their views during the second round of the quiz which led to an amazing collaborative session.

There were overall four rounds, on Day 2, in which the participants competed to snatch the winners' position. Each team kept their best foot forward and performed their level best.

The top 3 positions were won by: 1. Delhi Public Sschool, Bhopal 2. Delhi World Public School, Noida Extension 3. Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur & Rajmata Krishna Kumari Girls Public School, Jodhpur Page 08 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS SCHOOL CALENDAR

STORIES

Friendship is probably the most powerful weapon that can be utilized by mankind to resolve any conflict and maintain social harmony on this planet. Sarala Birla Gyan Jyoti, Guwahati celebrated the International Day of Friendship on 7th July in collaboration with AFS India to provide students a platform to present their views and ideas pertaining to the theme of "Sharing the Human Spirit through Friendship". The event was celebrated online and attended by around 100 students from schools across the country, who were enthusiastic to participate and form connections with likeminded individuals aspiring to become global citizens.

Dr. Diganta Halder, principal of SBGJ welcomed the audience and thanked AFS India for giving the students a wonderful opportunity to interact with each other. The event began with a fun icebreaker where students were asked to select one iconic on-screen friendship to describe their bond with their best friends and talk about various books or movies that illustrated what friendship meant for them. Students from the host school spoke about the importance of International Day of Friendship, the relationship between friendship and conflict resolution, a few great bonds in Indian mythology and recited a poem by Rudyard Kipling. All Saints' College, Nainital presented a wonderful dramatization on friendship. Shreya Lahoty, a psychologist and an alumna of SBGJ spoke about friendship and its impact on a person's well being. The event concluded with performances by students from various participating schools who shared their experiences and ideas through self-composed poems and speeches. The program was a very interactive and enriching experience for all the participants who were able to gain a fresh perspective at friendship and its power to change the world.

Page 09 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

AFS SCHOOL CALENDAR

STORIES

Children’s Academy, Thakur Complex organised CAMUN 2022-23, a 3-day inter-school Model United Nations conference, from 26-28 August 2022 which brought together around 111 participants from pan India. This second edition of CAMUN intended to strengthen the knowledge and broaden the perspective of students on global issues. Ever since, it is aligned with the belief that education must transform students into creative think tanks and solution providers.

Conceptualized in association with AFS India and with the help of the alumni, the event made the students aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The inaugural ceremony was as mesmerizing as it could be. The enthralling event started off with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by the rendition of songs by the school choir. The School Chairman, Mr. Rohan Bhat addressed all the delegates. He urged them to perform to the best of their abilities and gave a riveting discourse on the implications for their career.

Students were given the opportunity to develop not only their research and public speaking skills but also their critical thinking abilities in challenging situations.

The stimulating and competitive environment intrigued some intense deliberations, constructive discussions and negotiations on matters of global concern.

The prize distribution ceremony was held on the third day.

• Best School Trophy Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur • Runners-Up Trophy The Universal High School, Thane

Page 10 | August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

SENDING

STORIES It all started when I got an email from AFS India regarding the program. We were 8 students (me being the youngest of the lot) from 5 different schools for this trip. Since I study in a boarding school, I did not have much time to pack. I had exams to appear for and prepare for the trip at the same time. I was excited to go alone as it was going to be a new experience for me because I had never gone alone to a different country before.

We followed all the steps guided by AFS to catch our flight and we all made it on time. Now, it was time for some serious fun and new experiences. We reached Budapest and the entire team of 8 students gathered to proceed to the hotel. We stayed there for almost 10 days and visited several different places, and it was new learnings every day. We also had orientations and workshops regarding the places we visited and their safety protocols.

After the sight-seeing week, my host family welcomed me at their house for the next 2 weeks. My experience of staying with a host family was unique because my entire routine changed, and I was an independent boy managing everything on my own. There were so many things to explore and try out which I had never done before. I learnt how to independently visit places which made me more confident. Both my host parents used to go to work daily, and I used to go to school every day with my host brother. Hungarian was difficult for me to understand but the time that I had in school was fun. I met new people who shared their culture with me and so did I through presentations about India. I was able to inculcate values like being self-dependent and being confident.

Based on my experience, it was fun and beneficial both at the same time to explore a destination abroad. Overall, I had an amazing experience, and I would like to thank all those people who made this trip possible for me. I would encourage all students of my age to explore the options AFS provides to students to travel on cultural exchange programs.

Page 12| August 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India

SENDING

STORIES

My life has been so exciting since the day I received my acceptance letter. I still remember the amazing first week with my host school volunteers. When we arrived at the airport, all of us had a picture of the volunteers opened on our phones so that we could recognize them. The moment we came out of the terminal, we saw the volunteers waiting for us with our name signs! They were so happy to see us.

Everyone over there helped us out in the best possible way that they could. I had my roommate from Canada who was the sweetest. Each day of my life was different.

Different in the sense of excitement and new challenges.

I spent most of my time at school, beach, and on the porch area where we used to chat a lot. In the beginning, talking to other students was difficult for me. But slowly I did. Now I have tons of friends around the world, and we love to talk to each other and stay connected. It made us forget all our differences and helped us focus on how similar we are. I really appreciate every effort that the volunteers made over there to make us comfortable and happy. Indeed, they were the best volunteers one could ever find. The activities they arranged for us were the most interesting part of the day, then the pool beach thing and obviously how can I forget about the free time that they have given us.

We occasionally went out to new places such as museums, churches and other places. We visited around 7 cities around Malaga every weekend and that is a time that I fondly look back upon.

All the days I spent there were absolutely amazing, and I cherish them a lot. I wish I could turn back time to those old gold days again. I'm thankful to AFS India and my school for providing me with this life-changing opportunity!

Page 11 | August 2022 | 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.

Global competence is the "power skill" young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicated, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges

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