Photo Credit: Atharva Bansal, AFS Alumnus (Egypt Arabic Language Program July 2022) from The Emerald Heights International School, Indore
presents the
THE CHANGEMAKERS Newsletter In this issue of July 2022, you will find: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
In Impact Stories from AFS Staff read the story of Mr Rajat Singh, Programs Support, AFS India. Check out the Volunteers are Changemakers and know more about the Virtual Reconnect with the Chennai Chapter In Member School Stories, read from the Educators of Jodhamal Public School, Jammu, how GCC is an Institutional Essential The Hosting Stories brings the beginning of the Hosting Cycle 2022-23 with the Arrival Orientation for AFS Core Programs. Explore the story of Suhas Raghavendra in Alumni Stories where he shares his experience of his YES Program. In Sending Stories, read about the adventurous exchange in Hungary of Suhani Agarwal from Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior Read the wonderful journey of Lefa Molemela in the 18+ Programs segment. Read the stories of the students of Sri Aurobindo Mira College of Education for the Global Up with GCC in Virtual Programs. Learn more about the 13th Amity International Model United Nations (e-AIMUN 2022) in Special Programs for You!
STAFF IMPACT STORIES
Rajat Singh
Programs Support
Namaste! “O wise man! Give your wealth only to the worthy and never to others. The water of the sea received by the clouds is always sweet. The rainwater enlivens all living beings of the earth both movable (insects, animals, humans, etc.) and immovable (plants, trees, etc.), and then returns to the ocean its value multiplied a million-fold.”
This is how I feel today being a part of AFS as a staff since February this year. My knowledge and exposure have been moved up multiple folds. I found various opportunities to level up the skill I've had as soon as I began working on such a prestigious scholarship program. It has been a wonderful experience after being involved in giving air to the applicant's wing when it comes to the process and requirements. In all of this, my colleagues have helped me to amalgamate myself when and where required. The support from my wonderful colleagues and guidance from the upper management has been key factors in successfully completing the feat of successfully completing a project and being on the edge of completing another one. This puts me in tremendous joy and satisfaction when I say that AFS India’s impression on one’s life has always been lifechanging and lifting up the level of life. As they say, one should try giving back something to the society from which we have received enormous blessings. So, from my experience at AFS India so far, I would like to give back my long-term commitment to the organization and my responsibility to carry its vision and mission wherever I go and with whom I meet.
Page 01 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
VOLUNTEERS ARE
CHANGEMAKERS
AFS India Virtual Reconnect Chennai Chapter The virtual reconnect was on the topic “Why Sending Programs for High School Students make an Impact?”. The discussion was a chance for many to get down the memory lane, Bringing back the moments of joy that every exchange student cherished forever while brainstorming for the presentation. It was a good platform to discuss the topics covered on exploring culture and language more effectively and broaden opportunity in university and employment. The volunteers discussed more on becoming wiser at a young age during the program by gaining values like acceptance, empathy, leadership, flexibility and learning life skills on the program.
I am really happy that the volunteers were able to relate to every word of ours about the exchange experience. It was such a pleasure to talk about and relate to every exchange student experience. As AFS always taught me ‘Nothing is good or bad, it’s just different’ I always believed in this statement and walked through every storm and always had a positive perspective on everything Saravannan, Volunteer and YES Alumnus, AFS Chennai.
Page 02 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
MEMBER SCHOOL STORIES Global Up, An Institutional Essential Neetu Johri Coordinator, Jodhamal Public School, Jammu At the very outset, I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this excellent course of GCC organized by AFS. A course, which was truly inclusive and has all the ingredients to deal with the challenges of modern times including the difficult ones arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak and its aftermath. The introduction and creation of an interface between the teachers and the students on a virtual platform was a very big challenge for any organization and its custodians. The entire module was beautifully designed to cater to the needs to become a global citizen. This blended learning program enhanced global competitiveness and helped us understand the wider aspects of the modern world. Further, this program also helps develop active citizens who are capable of taking initiative, exploring new opportunities and for those who can bring about change in society. We have implemented this course in our school which has led to a remarkable transformation in the student community. We have ensured that the course gets a maximum outreach, using local workshops and other relevant means.
Thanks to all the wonderful speakers, who have left no stone unturned in making this course a grand success.
Page 03 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
Dolly Chandhoke Educator, Jodhamal Public School, Jammu
"Nothing is more flexible than our own thoughts, we can change them whenever we want!" And this change in thought process is possible only because of this GCC program. Thank you AFS for this amazing GCC journey of learning which was very informative and interactive. Would inculcate the ideas and experiences shared by Arvind sir in my personal and professional life. This intercultural learning and reflection through Global Up with GCC 2.0 has helped me to know my actual potential and to implement whatever I have learnt in a more practical way. The modules have helped me to test myself in every situation and have helped me to know myself more clearly. And has also helped me to understand that when we expand our understanding of people and things, we don't need to control them! Would definitely recommend all my fellow friends around the globe to definitely try this magical module of learning and experience. Last but not least, I want to say that Choices, Chances and Changes are the basic reminders of life. We need to make a CHOICE, to take a CHANCE, otherwise, our life will never CHANGE. And this chance of making the right choice of intercultural learning and reflection has really changed my life.
Page 04 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
HOSTING
STORIES Core Program Arrival Orientation 15th - 17th July 2022 AFS India begins the Hosting cycle of 2022-23 as we receive 10 participants from France, Italy, Thailand and Japan. Their Arrival Orientation took place from 15-17 July in New Delhi which was facilitated by Ms Sehar Abdullah (YES Alumna, Srinagar), Ms Vasudha Tavag (Volunteer, Bangalore) and Mr Neeraj Mittra (Chapter President, Delhi). The participants discussed Communication Styles, Stereotypes, Generalisations, etc. and shared their expectations from their exchange year and India. The students have begun their intercultural journey in their respective host cities of Ahmedabad, Anand, Delhi, Indore, Kolhapur, Nabha, Patiala and Vadodara.
Page 05 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
ALUMNI
STORIES
My Time in the US
Suhas Raghavendra, YES Program 2021-22 My exchange year has definitely helped in shaping my personality to a whole new level. This experience has been more than I could have ever dreamt of! I found a new home and made many new relationships for a lifetime and these memories will always be cherished. It was very interesting to know about the United States and American culture, for I was very pleased to know how the world works together as one. In the same way, I shared Indian culture and tradition with the people over there. During my time in the US, I experienced many things for the very first time in my life like snowfall, skiing, snowboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, rafting and many more. I got friends from different countries who became really good friends of mine and I will forever keep them in my heart. Being an exchange student has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and has taught me to enjoy every single moment of life. I loved every second of my exchange year and would do it over and over again.
I’m very thankful to YES Program, AFS India, AFS USA, and CIEE for making my year so comfortable and loveable.
I am proud of is that I got to choreograph Indian traditional dance in my school for the winter showcase.
Page 06 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
SENDING
STORIES The Most Adventurous Thing! Suhani Agarwal, AFS Short Term Hungary Program Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya
“You will never be completely at home; a part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for knowing and loving people in more than one place”. The Hungary Exchange Program was the most adventurous and exciting thing that has ever happened to me. At first, I was a bit nervous and scared but, as soon as I reached Hungary, I knew it was going to be the most memorable and beautiful part of my life. For the first 10 days, all 8 Indian students were together. We had our arrival orientation and then toured around Hungary with AFS volunteers visiting many cities, historical sites, temples, monuments, and parks. We tried lots of local food and formed friendships and bonds with people that will last for eternity. We made the AFS Hungary volunteers try some of the Indian food we brought from India.
After the 10-day trip, my host parents picked me up from Budapest and I went to their home in Tatabanya. I had a really good time with my family. My host mother treated me like her own daughter and took me out for icecreams and even though she didn’t know English she would try her best to understand what I am trying to say. I hope she comes to India very soon. My host sister and brother were really lovely and friendly. My host mother tried to cook Indian food for me, and it was really great. I cooked some pakoras for them as well. I learnt a lot about schooling in Hungary and made a lot of friends. The school system was a lot different from India; it was really fascinating to experience school life there even though it was for a short time. This exchange has taught me to be grateful to others and for everything that I have. It also taught me to become more confident, and self-aware and it has helped me become more globally aware and empathetic. An exchange indeed changes people in unexpected ways.
Page 07 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
AFS PROGRAMS FOR
18 YEARS & ABOVE My Indian Story Lefa Edward Molemela, Internship participant for 5 months in Aveosoft Pvt. Ltd, hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat One can never dream of a place if it does not exist in one’s day, but never have I thought I would get to see the beautiful land of India and its beautiful people. India, the state of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad! These places have taught me a lot and gave me new friends, brothers and sisters that I can so trust! India taught me that I can refrain from a lot of things and become capable of doing a lot of things if I set my mind to it. India has taught me about their very tasty dishes which I want to apply in my household. India taught me that I will always have family in foreign lands. India and its people are very beautiful, peaceful, and helpful. India has taught me the real meaning of combining minds in order to accomplish a task effortlessly. India has taught me how to love more, how to appreciate, how much culture means to the people and how various cultures can come together as one and unite to replace bad with good. Thank you very much to everyone that was involved in my journey. Thank you for the love that was and is still being given to me. It’s now safe to say that my head is now sound and my confidence to travel more has been lifted 110% more.
Thank you everyone! I will definitely visit again in future and that’s a promise I make to myself.
Page 08 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
VIRTUAL
PROGRAMS
Global Up with GCC Exchange Takes Off with Colleges in 2022 AFS Intercultural Programs India is proud to partner with Sri Aurobindo Mira College of Education to deliver a virtual exchange and global competence curriculum with 4 B.Ed. students who completed their course in July 2022. This was a great partnership that has had great success with implementing the Global Up programs with their B Ed students who are training to become future educators. AFS India heartily thanks the cohort mentor Dr. Arvind Agrawal to facilitate the sessions. The positive impact of these partnerships to deliver Global Up programs is reflected in the words of our partners' participants:
Priya: Before joining the GCC program, I believed cultures were largely biased and people cared about their own cultures. As a result of going through the program, I became more aware of my own culture and then began to accept other cultures. After watching the modules and learning the concept, I see myself as a more flexible individual, and a global citizen, as part of the global community. Bharati: I got an immense opportunity to reflect upon myself culturally, physically, and socially during the course. Eventually, I was able to resolve a lot of the conflict. I feel empowered learning a number of skills and concepts that were taught during the course, such as SDGs, microaggressions, and 21st-century skills. They are useful and very relevant in today's time.
Our students are very much privileged to have had such a great learning experience. I am sure that the GCC program has taken our students to the next level in understanding the world. The students happily shared that the online sessions were so engaging and interactive. As a Head of the team, I strongly feel that this program has helped the budding teachers to understand the importance of Global citizenship which they could apply in their career thereby making the world a better and peaceful place to live in. A. Ajumunisha Ali Begam Principal, Sri Aurobindo Mira College of Education If interested to enroll in Global up with GCC Programs kindly reach out to
Page 09 | July 2022 | Newsletter | AFS India
Shradha Roy | shradha.roy@afs.org, +91-9873119541 Shifa Naaz | shifa.naaz@afs.org
SPECIAL PROGRAM From AFS Member School
12 - 14 October, 2022 AIMUN offers a prestigious, immersive, and highly engaging experience in the realm of global issues and international relations. AIMUN is one of the most well-recognized and respected conferences on the global MUN circuit. It is organized by Amity Educational Resource Centre, Amity Group of Schools. Since its first session in 2010, AIMUN has hosted students from more than 12 countries across 5 continents, making it a truly global experience. AIMUN is supported by UNESCO and UNIC.
Mailing address & queries Ms. Jyoti Arora Director AERC & Chargé d'affaires AIMUN E-mail: jarora@aisn.amity.edu Phone: +91-98-103-47744, +91-1141888315 E-27, AKC House, Defence Colony, New Delhi-110 024, India www.amity.edu | www.theglobaltimes.in https://www.facebook.com/AERCResou rceCenter
Delegate & Faculty Advisor Fees Indian Schools – Rs. 2500 per delegate International Schools - US $ 35/€ 30 per delegate Faculty Advisor - No conference fee Deadline: 3rd September 2022
Page 10 | July 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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