AFS India Newsletter | December 2023

THE IMPACT

Newsletter

In this issue: Page 1 In Staff Member: AFS India Team, get to know more about Sweta Singh, Sending Programs Support Page 2 Read about 13 years of volunteering experience of Sudha Rajaraman, AFS Delhi Chapter Page 3 - 8 In Volunteer Story, celebrate with us the success of the Annual Volunteer Meet, 2023 Page 9​ In Sponsored Sending Stories features a holiday special of the YES 2023-24 participants Page 10 In Sponsored Sending Programs, read about the 7-day cultural exchange through the JENESYS Program 2023 Page 11 In Hosting Stories, leaf through the Mid Term Orientation of 13 Host Students of Year Long Program 2023-24 Page 12​ In Hosting Stories, read about the festive experience of the students hosted in India Page 13 In Alumni Stories, learn about the YES Alumni Digital Storytelling Workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Page 14 In Alumni Stories, get inspired by the generosity of Lakshmi Sharma from AFS Bangalore Chapter, YES alumni 2018-2019 Page 15 In Special Program, explore AFS Year Program 2024 - 2025

TEAM MEMBER Sweta | Staff, AFS Intercultural Programs, India In my previous 8.5-year role, I immersed myself in the world of schools, playing various roles and shaping young minds to promote cultural understanding within the classroom.

For the past 3.5 months, I've embarked on a new adventure with AFS India, transitioning from the structured setting of schools to the dynamic landscape of cultural exchange facilitation. As a member of the sending team, my role has evolved from traditional to transformative, contributing to fostering global perspectives through outbound exchange programs.

This shift has been both challenging and revelatory.

Leveraging my background in education, I actively shape the experiences of individuals on crosscultural journeys, extending beyond traditional education to facilitate personal growth, cultural immersion, and the development of a global mindset.

The essence of this transition lies in a commitment to promoting global citizenship. AFS India provides a platform to extend the reach of education beyond classroom walls, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

Excitement pulses through these new endeavors as I envision the positive impact ahead. I eagerly anticipate contributing to a more interconnected world, where individuals shaped by cross-cultural experiences become ambassadors of understanding.

In closing, this shift from schools to AFS India represents not just a career move but a personal and professional commitment to building bridges that connect us all.

Page 01 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

VOLUNTEER Testimonial of a Senior Volunteer from Delhi Chapter | Sudha Rajaraman

The last 13 years of my life have been most fascinating, thanks not in the least to my experience as an AFS India Inter-Cultural Programs volunteer in the Delhi Chapter.

Little did I know when my daughter Priya accepted hosting Hannah Schwarz for a year in 2010-11 that AFS India and its volunteers would become an integral part of my life. Forever.

I have been fortunate that I have not only hosted many international and national Students/ volunteers at home but also had the opportunity to learn during my visits to Germany and during the Community Service programmes over the years. The AFS India Annual Volunteer Meets, of which I have been a part of a few, have their own way of widening horizons.

I feel blessed that AFS India has played a big role in my evolution as an Inter-Cultural Learning trainer who can conduct a variety of orientations. I am grateful that AFS India continues to play a big role in my learnings and adds value with great life experience. In December 2023, I have had the privilege of joining a bunch of Indians who have qualified as facilitators of the AFS Global Competence Certificate.

Above all this is the wonderful interactions I have had with volunteers, young and old, host students and host families over a number of years and AFS alumni. When they share their experiences with candour, I get to see a different perspective. They have encouraged me to find solutions for situations as much as celebrate their growth. Such opportunities to evolve as a person only spur me to volunteer with vim and vigour, energy and enthusiasm.

Page 02 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

VOLUNTEER Annual Volunteer Meet 2023 | Bangalore The Annual Volunteer Meet (AVM), which took place between 1-3 December 2023, was hosted by the Bangalore Chapter at The Chancery Hotel in Bangalore. It was a much anticipated and awaited event for AFS India, as the AVM was taking place after a gap of four years. The Meet was abuzz with the gathering of the participants, which included the AFS India Board members, 1960’s returnees, National Office staff and volunteers from all the different chapters.

The AVM started off with an energetic flashmob by Bangalore volunteers, followed by an icebreaker, conducted by Madhusudan Rao, where the participants got to know each other.

After the official welcome, the inauguration took place with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Bangalore volunteers, followed by members from the new chapters: Jamshedpur, Karaikudi and Lucknow.

Next was the keynote address by Ms. Keri Dooley, Executive Vice President, Government Relations and Compliance, AFS USA. As an AFS returnee, she spoke about how AFS impacted her life. At the end of her speech, she distributed AFS badges and requested everyone to pin onto each other.

After that, everyone gathered with their respective chapter members for the group photo session.

Page 03 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

The second day of the AVM began with a keynote speech titled “Give Peace a Chance”, by Dr. Geetha Narayanan, AFS Returnee (1960s). A visionary educationist and instruction builder, she is the Founder Director of the Mallya Aditi International School and Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. Over the last four decades, she has moved from founding institutions that support and enable change to working, both creatively and constructively, in generating capacities for change within teachers, artists and other creative practitioners. She’s a Director’s Fellow at the Media Lab at MIT USA, held the UNESCO Chair in Culture Habitat and Sustainable Development and is a trustee of the Maharani Lakshmi Ammani College for Women.

In her talk, she brought out the different meanings of the word, ‘peace’, which was the central theme of the AVM. Her passionate and inspiring speech was riddled with fascinating insights and thoughtprovoking philosophies, and mesmerized the audience. She imparted wisdom on Wabi-Sabi and the concept of “let go, to let come”.

This was followed by “Reflections and Impressions”, a panel discussion with the AFS Returnees of 1960s: Ms. Anuradha Rao, Ms. Renee Jhala, Ms. Purnima Rao, Ms. Malini Kini and Ms. Angela Roye, where they narrated their stories about their AFS journey and regaled the audience with interesting incidents and anecdotes on their stay with their host families.

The thematic address was then given by Ms. Diya Badgel, National Director, AFS India. She reinforced the need for peace and passion in our volunteering journey. After the address, four groups of participants proceeded to the four different halls, where the eight thematic workshops by the AFS India Board members were scheduled to take place in two sessions.

In the first session, the initial four workshops were conducted. ‘Peace and Marketing’ was conducted by Mr. Dave Banerjee, who has over three decades of experience in the advertising and marketing industry.

He is currently serving on the Board of Fisheye Creative Solutions, a premier marketing solutions company, and Proyog Yoga Wear, a sustainable yoga-wear brand. In the workshop, he spoke about integrating inclusivity, social responsibilities and campaigns, educational content, collaborative partnerships, crisis communication and conflict resolution into marketing strategies, to enable businesses to contribute to positive societal changes.

These peace-promoting values can also help them build a brand image and relations with customers who value social responsibilities.

Page 04 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

Mr. Jayant Hari Har Lal, the Chairperson of the AFS India Member Schools Committee, is a former Housemaster and Deputy Headmaster at The Doon School and the Founder Principal at Sanskaar Valley School in Bhopal.

Currently working as an Education Consultant, Mr. Lal is an Honorary Member of the Round Square International and a member of Global Connections. He conducted the workshop on ‘Peace and Environment’, where he touched upon sustainable practices for conflict resolution, environmental education for peace, climate change mitigation, collaborative international efforts, environmental justice for social harmony. By recognizing the interdependence on peace and environment, individuals and communities like AFS can develop the nations’ holistic approach towards both social harmony as well as ecological sustainability.

‘Peace and Law’ by Ms. Ranjana Iyer, had her emphasizing the inter-linkage between peace and law, which is crucial for maintaining social order, justice and harmony. She threw light on the legal framework pertaining to conflict resolution, protection of rights and promotion of justice, mediation and arbitration, international laws, human rights and its protection, etc., all of which contribute to a peaceful mindset and environment. Ms. Iyer is a practicing lawyer with over three decades of experience and expertise as a senior litigator.

She is a Member of the Board, School of Law, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

Mr. Siddharth Singh is the Vice Chair on the AFS India Board. He is the Director of The Emerald Heights International School, Indore. He was selected by Education World magazine as one of the “Young Shining Stars of Indian Education” in 2017 and was felicitated at the ASMA India’s Top 40 Under 40 Awards 2021’ for his contribution in the field of education. Mr. Singh conducted the workshop on ‘Peace and Education’, where he discussed the importance of education in fostering social harmony. He apprised the audience that peace can be obtained through various ways such as teaching tolerance, promoting understanding of different cultures, regions, perspectives to our students, along with social skills, global awareness, environmental education, critical thinking, media literacy, peer mediation programs, empowering girls and women through education, providing equal education opportunities, etc.

Page 05 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

The second session included “Peace and Wellness” by Mr. Joseph Kuok. Mr. Kuok, highly passionate about swimming and water polo, has represented India at various international championships. He won a bronze medal in Water Polo at the 1982 IX Asian Games held at New Delhi. He is the Vice President of the Delhi Swimming Association, Treasurer of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI) and Secretary of the Delhi Cerebral Palsy Association. In the workshop, Mr. Kuok talked about the connection between peace and wellness and also between our mind and body. He spoke about our body being a temple and the need for us to nurture it through healthy habits, daily routines, quality sleep, etc.

Wellness of the body leads to peace of mind. Pursuit to peace is not only a journey, but a destination.

“Peace and Finance”, was conducted by Mr. Ravi Pandit, who is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Company Secretary. He has donned leadership roles across the management spectrum in his distinguished career spanning over 3 decades. He has worked in large Indian conglomerates, such as the Tatas, Bajaj, Essar, Walchand and Global Group. Winning the Golden Peacock Award for CG from the Institute of Directors is one among his many achievements. Mr. Pandit very rightly stated that there is no peace without money. He talked about the negative impact of war on the economy of countries. He also listed out the huge budgets allocated towards defense by different governments and mentioned that if the same amount was spent on resources for peace promotion and development, it would have a huge positive impact on the world as a whole.

Mr. Jayant Krishna conducted the workshop on “Peace and Opportunity, Search, Achievement, Motivation for Global Citizenship”. He said that opportunities come to us brilliantly disguised as problems which don't have an obvious solution as yet.

He used very interesting stories, exercises and facts to bring out the fact that our conditioning and beliefs come in the way of our success. Thinking differently from others is an important way to capitalize on opportunities. We should be 'fishermen' kind of people, who are always on the lookout for other/new opportunities. Mr. Krishna is the Founding CEO of the Foundation for Advancing Science and Technology (FAST India). He has served on multiple committees of the Government of India, chaired several task forces of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and is an independent director on the boards of a few companies.

He was the first Indian to be appointed Group CEO of the UKIndia Business Council (UKIBC), where he strengthened bilateral economic ties. Mr. Krishna was awarded the Chevening Scholarship by the UK Government in 1997 and is a recipient of the APJ Abdul Kalam Award for innovation in governance in 2016.

Page 06 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

Ms. Angela Roye, an AFS returnee (batch of 1966-67), is the Chairperson of the AFS India Board. She has also been a former President of the AFS Asia Pacific Initiative, where she headed the international relations of about ten countries. She is an Early Childhood educator, environmentalist, counselor, and an avid gardener, among other things.

She is the Founder-Principal of Angela Roye’s Child Development Center, Bangalore, where she followed a unique methodology and curriculum, to make learning easy and enjoyable for children. In “Peace and Volunteerism”, Ms. Angela Roye, took everyone on the journey of a volunteer, making everyone realize the what, who, why and where of volunteering. The session was packed with an interesting icebreaker, activities, guidelines and many valuable learnings for those present.

After a quick lunch, four process training sessions were conducted by volunteer trainers from different chapters. Hosting training was conducted by Ms. Meera Surve, the Hosting Coordinator for the Mumbai Chapter. She is an experienced educator with over sixteen years of experience teaching French. She currently serves as a visiting faculty member at V.G. Vaze College of Arts, Science and Commerce. She is also an international trainer associated with Junior Chamber International since 1991, conducting numerous training programs.

Ms. Sudha Raj Raman, a devoted volunteer and a former President of the Delhi Chapter, conducted the session on Sending. She has also essayed the roles of intercultural learning (ICL) trainer and counselor trainer. She has also participated in AFS India community service programs in Indore and Gandhinagar.

Ms. Mayura Pande, the President of the Pune Chapter and Marketing Director at Purple Pelican Consulting, conducted the training on Leadership. She went on an exchange program to Japan in 2006-07, where she developed a passion for global connections and community service.

The training session on Counseling was conducted by Mr. Ajay Mehta from the Rajkot Chapter. Mr. Mehta is an esteemed Associate Professor of English with over three decades of experience at a commerce college in Rajkot. He is a qualified facilitator for various programs like AFS Global You Adventurer, Global You Changemaker, AFS Global STEM Innovators, Global Competence Certificate (GCC), etc. Later in the evening, all the participants were transported to The Chancery Pavilion for the Gala Dinner.

The evening began with the inter-Chapter fashion ramp walk, where all the volunteers displayed the culture and traditional attire of their respective regions.

Page 07 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

This was followed by a musical extravaganza by Mr. Peter Isaac and his band, “The Chronic Blues Circus”, where the congregation was entertained by popular blues songs from a variety of singers like Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, etc. The performance concluded with the AFS song, “Walk together, talk together”. The evening ended with a hearty dinner.

The final day of the AVM commenced with the keynote address by Mr. Kris Ramachandran, AFS Returnee 1960s, and Independent Director, Vodafone Idea Ltd. He is a former President of the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). He has been an Independent Director of the Board of Directors of Thomas Cook India, Cyient Ltd. And Nelco Ltd, and a member on the Board of Directors of BITS, Pilani. He spoke about his experiences in the exchange program to the US in the 1960s and how the learnings from the same have molded his personality and taught him to make the right choices. He inspired the audience to focus their energy on matters where they can influence people and bring about change.

The recap by Ms. Vinaya Sawant, Vice President, Bangalore Chapter, ensued, wherein she summarized the events that took place over the length of the AVM. Next, the different chapters presented their roadmap for the year ahead in the areas of sending, hosting and volunteer development and engagement.

Ms. Sundari Surya, President of the Bangalore Chapter, concluded the AVM with the vote of thanks.

Page 08 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

SPONSORED YES Program 2023-24 | Festive Holiday Celebrations Christmas was really amazing. We opened our presents in the morning, and visited the Capitol of America. Had a fantastic party with friends, lit candles at church in the evening service, and even met someone with a fascinating AFS experience in Germany. I went to Texas with my family to celebrate Christmas. I attended a rodeo, and got to witness some incredible cowboys. On New Year's Eve, my family and I went to one of the best parties ever. We counted down to midnight and indulged in delicious food.

Harshita | Swami Nitanand Global Residential School, Jhajjar, Delhi Chapter I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to AFS for providing me with this incredible opportunity, along with the gift of an amazing family and wonderful friends. I was deeply touched and moved to tears when my host grandmother warmly declared, "You are now a beautiful addition to our family. I wholeheartedly embrace you as my grandchild." My Thanksgiving and Christmas were truly memorable.

The joy of decorating for Christmas and the cherished moments spent with my neighboring friend made the holidays special. The dazzling Christmas lights made my eyes light up with delight!

Hasini Baliga | Dr. B. R Ambedkar Gurukulam, IIT Medical Academy, Edupugallu, Vijayawada, Hyderabad The Holiday Season was full of fun and new experiences. I spent most of my time doing Christmas Decorations and shopping. During Thanksgiving, my whole family gathered for dinner and we had a great time. On Christmas Eve I went to Church with my family and had the best dinner. Christmas morning was the best morning of my life. I received multiple presents from all my family members and friends which was amazing. I loved how they gave me presents and showed their love and talked about New Year’s Eve. It was an amazing event to say Goodbye to a wonderful year and welcome another.

Medha Ramesh Bangera | Pragnya Bodhini High School, Mumbai 2023 was very special for me. I achieved so many things which I have never imagined. I'll always be thankful to AFS and YES for these life changing opportunities. I had a really great time with my host family.

We had numerous family parties during the Christmas week. Love the food, gifts, games, etc. I also had a great time with my friend and their family making candles, shopping, games, diamond art, etc. Also the New year party at church was so fun, we had a feast. This year I'm excited for the new semester, new classes and new experiences.

Roda Evanajilie Mahanandia | DR.BR.Ambedkar Gurukulam Center Of Excellence, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad Page 09 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

SPONSORED Jenesys Program 2023-24 | Impact Stories Unforgettable experiences, lifelong memories, and a global perspective gained.

Here's to the incredible journey of personal and cultural growth!

Our batch of 30 participants from different renowned colleges/universities and organizations has completed a 7-day cultural exchange through the JENESYS program. They started their journey on 14 December and returned after concluding their journey on 22 December.

The return marks the culmination of an unforgettable journey filled with enriching experiences, forging lifelong memories, and fostering a global perspective. The program offered the participants a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions and culture, language, and lifestyle. They visited historical places and learned about origami, calligraphy, etc.

Cheers to the incredible journey that has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the participants, fostering an appreciation for Japanese culture and promoting a broader perspective that transcends borders.

Shreya Varshney

Aishwarya Ameya Patki

Mukta Ghosh

The patience and discipline of the Japanese people have left an indelible mark in my life.

The appreciation for nature's beauty implanted a sense of environmental responsibility.

To summarize the experience, it was a dream to exist in Japan and I can’t wait to visit again. I express my heartfelt gratitude to AFS India, AFS Japan and MOFA for giving me this incredible opportunity.

Thank you so much for making it happen.

AFS India staff supported us in each and every stage, right from the application submission till the Visa issuance. On the very first day of this program at the New Delhi airport, we started with exchanges among participants, as we were from different states of India. After the orientation by AFS India staff, the actual journey began. We were so excited for this beautiful journey as we were soon going to taste the essence of the culture which we have been learning from the past few years. After reaching Japan, we experienced the kindness of Japanese people at every stage. We met our guide and AFS Japan staff members accompanied us throughout the journey, and gave their best efforts to make this program a success.

My experience in Japan through the JENESYS scholarship program was truly enriching and unforgettable. Visiting Japan was a life-changing experience for me. The journey was not only a physical one, but also a spiritual and emotional exploration. This journey has significantly contributed to my personal and academic growth, and I am truly grateful to AFS India and AFS Japan for providing me with this opportunity. I am excited about the potential impact this experience will have on my future endeavours.

Theme A: Science & Technology

THEME B:- Japanese Language and Culture

THEME B:- Japanese Language and Culture

Page 10 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

HOSTING Year Long Program 2023-24 Mid Term Orientation 13 students hosted in different cities of India for the Year Long Program 2023-24 attended the Mid Term Orientation in Delhi. They were facilitated by our AFS YES Alumni Mohammad Shadab and Prachi Pundir along with the AFS staff members Diya Badgel, Nikhil Bhatnagar and Bulbul Kashyap. The 3-day orientation began on 14 Dec 2023 with the arrival of host students and ended with their departures on 16 Dec 2023.

The students were tasked with reflecting on their experiences in the host community over the last 5 months through various activities. They shared their journey, highlighting On the evening of the 2nd day, they had the opportunity to visit the famous War Memorial, India Gate, located in the heart of New Delhi. The students learned about the significance of India Gate and the stories associated with it. They enjoyed their time there, capturing several pictures with fellow host students.

On the 3rd day, the students were briefed about the plan for the remaining months in their hosting year before bidding farewell to each other and returning to their respective hosting chapters. Overall, it's evident that the students had a transformative experience in Delhi, gaining new ideas, cultural insights, forming lasting friendships, and creating memories. This orientation will play a crucial role in fostering understanding, cross-cultural communication, and personal growth among participants.

Page 11 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

HOSTING Host Students Christmas Celebrations It was a wonderful experience for the AFS host students who celebrated Christmas with their host families and friends. Celebrating Christmas in different cities across India exposed them to diverse cultural traditions and celebrations, adding to the richness of their overall experience.

The students helped their host families decorate the houses for the festive season and shared their insights about it. These festive occasions can be particularly meaningful for students in a foreign exchange program, as they get to witness and participate in unique customs and celebrations distinct to the host country. It was not only an opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit but also a chance for cultural exchange and deeper immersion into the local way of life.

The holiday celebrations likely contributed to the students' overall positive experience, creating bonds and memories that will stay with them long after they return to their home countries.

Genevieve Caruso

(YES Abroad 2023-24 Exchange Student, hosted in Chennai) My Christmas here in India on exchange was quite different from how I celebrated in the US, but I had a wonderful time and I think it accurately captured the Christmas spirit, which is family and love.

Alisa Yarling

(YES Abroad 2023-24 Exchange Student, hosted in Delhi) For Christmas, I attended our school’s Christmas carnival with my sister and friends, where we played games, rode rides, chatted, and ate rolls. In the evening, our family spent time together making homemade hot chocolate and cozily watching a Christmas movie. I explained the history and traditions of Christmas, and we also visited a church decorated with a giant sculpture of Christ.

Lastly, I helped in setting up and decorating a Christmas tree with Evan, my cohort member, and his family. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the holiday season in India!

Page 12 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

ALUMNI Digital Storytelling, YES Alumni Workshop

In the current digital age, the production of high-quality content has become increasingly significant. Whether you are a blogger, marketer, or entrepreneur, creating engaging and informative content can help attract and retain your audience's attention. However, the content creation process may appear daunting, particularly if one is uncertain of where to begin.

Addressing this need, the AFS and iEARN-USA Digital Storytelling Workshop was organized in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 3-9 December, 2023. 3 YES Alumni from AFS India took part in this workshop. The Digital Storytelling Workshop offered a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their skills and knowledge in this field.

Throughout the workshop, they learned how to operate video designing applications and honed their skills for effective storytelling. Additionally, they had the chance to immerse themselves in the captivating landscapes and rich culture of Malaysia. They forged valuable friendships and absorbed a wealth of knowledge from their peers. The participants express their sincere gratitude to AFS Malaysia and iEARN-USA for deeming them worthy of this opportunity. This was a memorable and constructive experience that they will cherish for a lifetime.

There are some days that change the rest of the days of your life. The Digital Storytelling Workshop was one such experience highlighting the importance of stories we hear and the stories we tell and how they end up changing our entire world bringing in transformative sea changes!

Unpredictable and thrilling, it unfolded as a week of uncharted explorations, creative lessons, and lifelong connections. From the intricate skills of operating video designing applications to capturing the vivid landscapes of Malaysian treasures including the Batu Caves, Blue Mosque and Thean Hou Temple, applying the golden rules of photography, the workshop gave our creativity a direction to nurture.

Beyond the technical skills acquired for effective storytelling, the week gave us a chance to network with and befriend people from around the world! The post-workshop-sleepless nights to gather extra hours from our limited time in Malaysia, weren't just a testament to the passion and dedication for editing our story video group projects but a heartfelt exercise in absorbing diverse narratives and stories from our fellow participants, understanding the world from their eyes. Through the tapestry of our shared experiences, laughter, inside jokes, and postdinner adventures to ChinaTown and other shopping sprees- I found the treasures of belongingness, love and friendships.

This workshop wasn't just a training ground; it was a journey that left an indelible mark, reshaping my perspective on storytelling, life, and the profound impact of shared moments.

- Siddhi, YES Alumni 2018-19 Page 13 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

ALUMNI Lakshmi Sharma, YES alumni 2018-2019 In an unforeseen twist of events, a group of nine YES alumni from Chennai Chapter, found themselves marooned in Bengaluru as Chennai succumbed to the perils of incessant rain and floods. Faced with an uncertain situation, the stranded alumni engaged in discussions about the prospect of finding a host family. It was during this challenging moment that Lakshmi Sharma from Bangalore Chapter, a fellow YES alumni from the 2018-2019 batch, emerged as a beacon of generosity. Without hesitation, Lakshmi extended her hand in hospitality, agreeing to host all nine individuals, despite her mother's absence at that time. Remarkably, she assured the group that they could collectively manage the cooking responsibilities for a total of 14 people, including her three brothers and father. The spatial constraints of their home were apparent, but the warmth and generosity emanating from Lakshmi's family transcended physical limitations.

While being part of the YES family implies a sense of shared camaraderie, hosting nine adults for two days and ensuring they were well-fed is no small feat. Yet, Lakshmi and her family undertook this responsibility with grace, embodying the true essence of hospitality. Their genuine kindness transformed what could have been a stressful situation into a heartening experience, making the temporary stay feel like a true home away from home for the stranded alumni.

Lakshmi's benevolence extended beyond mere accommodation and sustenance. She took the initiative to enhance the guests' experience by organizing a local tour, actively participating in the activities, and ensuring that everyone felt included in unfamiliar surroundings. This additional effort underscored her commitment to not only providing a practical solution but also creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for her unexpected guests.

Reflecting on this act of kindness, AFS India recognize and appreciate individuals like Lakshmi and her family. While not seeking formal accolades, these volunteers and alumni embody the spirit that sets AFS India apart from other organizations, creating a unique and special bond among its members through selfless actions and genuine hospitality.

Page 14 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

YEAR PROGRAM AFS Year Program 2024-2025 The Year Long School Program is AFS's flagship, emphasizing 'Stay and Study' in a different cultural setting. Participants will live with host families and attend local schools for an academic year. Departure is in September 2024, with return in June 2025. Applications are open to students aged 15-17.5.

Why this program?

Program Fee includes:

This program gives you an opportunity to embark on a unique school and home stay program exploring Spain's rich traditions.

You will experience diverse climates, landscapes, and official languages moving beyond stereotypes. Participants will fully immerse themselves in Spanish culture residing with a host family, attending school, and participating in local orientations and excursions. The program commences and concludes with a national orientation in Madrid or Barcelona, offering a transformative journey for participants.

• • • • •

Why should you go on this exchange program for a year?

• •

Learning a new language and culture Increase intercultural competence Make friends around the globe Cultural activities and field trips organized by your hosting chapter • Break the stereotypes • Earn an extremely valuable AFS certificate • • • •

• • • • • •

• •

Housing & Host Family Placement Host School Placement Meals Domestic Logistics in the Host Country AFS Medical Insurance of USD 500,000 per occurrence Risk Management Logistics Continuous Support & 24*7 Emergency Support 24*7 Local Councilor as Individual Contact Person for Guidance in the host country Student Learning Journey - a Virtual Program on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) in collaboration with University of Pennsylvania Assistance with Application Process Training and Development Management (Orientations in India and in the host country) International Airfare Visa application support assistance (Visa fee has to be borne by the student) Worldwide Presence & Connect Access to Alumni Network for a lifetime

Program Details: • Program Language: Basque, Catalan, Galician, Spanish • Program Dates: 6 September 2024 – 21 June 2025 • Age Eligibility: Born between 6 May 2007 to 6 March 2010 • Program Fee: INR 10,59,640 * (Check the program fee chart for details) • Application Deadline: 20 February 2024 (Subject to availability of seat & First Come First Serve Basis) Page 15 | AFS India Newsletter December 2023

AFS Mission

AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, nongovernmental, 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 communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.

AFS India Vision To be the leading organization in intercultural education and experience that focuses on growing its programs for the underserved.

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