October 2019 Newsletter | AFS India

STUDY ABROAD Discover new things about yourself and find your place in the world by going abroad.

HOST AN AFSer Experience your world through the eyes of a young person from another country.

A world-class intercultural educa onal organiza on; a global movement to develop and ac vate global ci zens AFS Intercultural Programs India is an interna onal, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organiza onthat provides intercultural learning opportuni es to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

SCHOOLS Implement AFS Intercultural Learning Programs at your school for your students & educators.

VOLUNTEER Join a Global community of changemakers & serve a change agent in your community.

Newsletter Your source to stay up to date with AFS Intercultural Programs India’s ac vi es, events & opportuni es www.india.afs.org | india@afs.org

OCTOBER 2019

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Editorial by Aadil F.

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AFS Effect+ Workshops and ICL Educators' Training Domes c & Virtual Class Exchange Program

9 10 AFS Navratri Event 2019 | Durga Pooja Pandals

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Intercultural Learning | Level W Training Training | Milestone In My AFS Journey

12 13 Regional Volunteer Exchange To Varanasi

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AFS Impact Stories

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YES Program | 18+ Programs

11 Network Strategy Mee ng 2019 | AFS Global Conference 2019

Interna onal Volunteer Exchange To Sri Lanka Community Service at Guwaha Chapter | Achievement

How to brand your story of change to inspire others?

AFS India Family members are o en found busy excelling in their lives, ge ng acknowledged by promo on at the workplace or recogni on for their diligence.

They are always stepping up towards crea ng a be er world around them. Their success is AFS’ success. We at AFS believe in the power of outreach. We believe that your diligence and commitment should be bolstered by posi ve and subtle outreach that encourages others to take posi ve steps forward for themselves and their organiza ons. While the internet will take you through a whole bunch of ideas on marke ng yourself, I feel it should be an a ermath to your hard work and should flow with subtlety to everyone who aspires to bring about a change.

Here are five simple ways out of many; you can explore to create a brand for yourself and your impact.

1. Use social media: Everyone is on social media; YouTube, Instagram, Twi er and Facebook. People have turned successful social entrepreneurs through social media and have created large virtual families for themselves. Use the pla orm to share your achievements and stories of change with your network of friends, colleagues and like-minded people to mul ply impact.

They key to building a successful presence on social media is through dis nc ve content and engagement. Think of what you want to accomplish, set your message, and start building your content, voice and image.

2. Write opinions: Wri ng gives you the opportunity to share your story and impact in a format that reaches out to a large set of stakeholders. AFS India publishes newsle ers, puts impact stories on various pla orms and uses social media to promote the hard work. Though it is a compelling way to showcase your journey, you must pay a en on to the message you wish to send out. You can also begin wri ng blogs or sharing ar cles with newspapers and other print media.

3. Network: AFS provides a great opportunity to network where you can meet people from various backgrounds. In-person networking is the best way to showcase your work and achievements. It is important to ask yourself – “How can my story of change lead to many more stories of change?” AFS provides you a pla orm of interac on with different people, myriad of cultures, diverse age groups and professional backgrounds, different opinions and ways of looking at the world. Use the pla orm well to grow personally and professionally and add value to your skill set.

4. Share! Share! Share! Whether it’s your talent or skills, you need to be open to share it. You may want to do a webinar on how you achieved success in a field, want to facilitate a workshop on a unique topic which you mastered or you may want to help others learn the things you’ve learned. Sharing is another way to build your brand and help others to find their dreams and goals. Reach out to your network and see if your message resonates with them and they are ready to help you brand and market yourself. Tag people who could be keen on hearing about the topic. You can become inspira onal to others and inspira on is a great driver of social change.

5. Finally, have a plan to move forward. You need to iden fy your goals, set your priori es straight and create an engagement plan for the future. You need to keep on thinking what’s next, what do I have to do to reach from point A to B, who I need to get in touch with to deliver my message across the network, etc. One needs to be organized so as to move forward in life and be the Changemaker!

Now, there are many other ways you can build your brand and market yourself, you need to figure out what works best for you. AFS India provides a huge pla orm to showcase your success stories, achievements, accomplishments and your changemaking journey. Just take out me and find how you want to reach out to us – whether it’s by making a video, wri ng, sharing photos or anything unique. We’re here to hear your story, and help you showcase the #AFSEffect.

Page 02 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

Intercultural Learning | Educa on AFS Effect+ Workshops and ICL Educators' Training

#InterculturalLearning ICL Teacher Training equips teachers with skills to impart learners with socio-emo onal skills such as mindfulness, empathy and compassion that enables them to become global ci zens.

AFS Effect+ and ICL Educators’ Training workshops were organised in the months of October 2019.

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Kids' Kingdom Public School, Nanded Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School, Boisar St. Mathew's High School and Junior College, Mumbai Vedansh Interna onal School, Indore ASN Senior Secondary School, Delhi

The workshops were duly facilitated and conducted by Ms. Sarita Badhwar.

School | Educa on Domestic Class Exchange Program

By Rashi Seth, Educator, Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi

#DomesticClassExchange AFS India started Domes c Exchange Program to give regional cultural learning to the students of the schools of different regions within India.

The exchange gives students an opportunity to have intercultural learning by engaging the students into various extracurricular ac vi es.

Between: - The Punjab Public School, Nabha (Sending) - Sunbeam School Lahartara, Varanasi (Hos ng) Date 26th - 29th September 2019. A team of 10 girls were part of this exchange program. During this even ul 4 days of exchange program, the students from The Punjab Public School, Nabha par cipated enthusias cally.

The day started with a brief introduc on of Varanasi and why it is called the cultural capital of India. This was followed by the students ge ng the flavor of 'thumri' and 'classical music' from the eminent personali es of Varanasi Gharana. To have the further enhancement of cultural exposure, the students were taken to Kashi Vishwanath temple, Sarnath Museum, Tibetan Temple.

Group Photo: Kids’ KingdomPublic School, Nanded

Apart from the cultural visits, the students were served with tradi onal food- Dal Baa which is said to be one of the most famous delicacy of this region. The students a ended the art classes from the qualified art teachers in the school. The exchange ended with a friendly badminton match between the schools.

Group Photo: Viraj Shri Ram Centennial School, Boisar

Group Photo: During Domes c Class Exchange

Virtual Class Exchange Program Group Photo: St Mathews High School & Junior College,Mumbai

By Pree Khichi, Educator, Scindia Kanya Vidayalaya, Gwalior

#VirtualClassExchange Virtual Exchange Program is one of the finest means to u lize the technology as a way to foster intercultural dialogue between schools in different countries to interact and exchange ideas on global concerns.

Between schools in India and Brazil

Group Photo: Vedansh Interna onal School, Indore

- Scindiya Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior - Federal Ins tute of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Page 03 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

Around 70 students par cipated in this exchange program with the school in Brazil through video conference and explored the topicExperiencing different cultural habits. The virtual session started with an exchange of pleasantries like 'Namaste' and 'Chao' from respec ve countries. The session entailed exchange of ques ons on the history of the country, languages, forms of government, school curriculum, sports, cuisine, society etc.

The discussion on society, status of women, everyday day to day school schedule, various sports the children play, the subjects that they study and the curricular ac vi es that they have in school were highlighted in the discussions. Brazilian Carnival and the feast days of some of the Saints are the main days of celebra ons in Brazil.

The schools appreciated the pla orm where they got an exposure to interreact with students of different countries, understand eachothers uniqueness and spread the message of peace and happiness, across the globe, crossing all the regional and global barriers.

Facilita ng Training at Final Camp, PEACE Program

Training Milestone In My AFS Journey

By Madhusudan Rao, President, Bangalore Chapter

#PEACE

During Virtual Class Exchange

Intercultural Learning What Every AFSer Must Know About Intercultural Learning The Level W training for volunteers held on 13th October, 2019 at Vadodara Chapter. The Level W training is an essen al tool for volunteers to be familiarized with the history of AFS, fundamentals of AFS Intercultural Approach, models of culture, cultural adapta on, cultural styles, communica on values and dimensions and the AFS Educa onal Methodology.

The one-day training was well received and appreciated by the chapter volunteers stepping into roles of responsibili es within the chapter.

The workshop serves instrumental to promote heightened awareness among volunteers and staff as they become familiar with core Intercultural Learning (ICL) concepts and communica on strategies. The training was duly facilitated by Mr Ajay Mehta, Mr Bhaskarbhai Patel and Mrs Seema Pathak.

Group Photo: Level W Training, Vadodara Chapter

Page 04 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

“Yet another milestone in your journey with AFS, said my mother when I told her about my selec on for the pres gious AFS Peace program as a trainer for the final camp. It was an opportunity to share my knowledge, evolve as a learner and a trainer at Interna onal level. The Peace program organized and coordinated

by AAI, EFIL and AFS Malaysia is a very intense and meaningful opportunity for the European par cipants to get hosted in Asian countries, get involved in Community service projects, and understand the global issues, importance of change-making and peace in the world.

At its Final camp I, along with three more trainers who were from Malaysia and Indonesia trained about 19 par cipants in various aspects of World Peace. The sessions involved the components of Ac ve Global Ci zenship educa on, Change making and its related aspects apart from sharing their intrinsic experiences of peace program. What was more evoca ve for me was the interac on that I had with the par cipants during my sessions. It was great to see young minds being so sensi ve about global issues and discussing the ways to solve them. I was extremely happy to provide them with several tools and skills that are necessary in order to be the change-makers in today's dynamic world. I got to learn a lot from my co-trainers and develop my knowledge as a trainer. The Final camp also involved one-day sightseeing in beau ful Kuala Lumpur which was fun.”

Photo Below: Group Photo with PEACE Program Par cipants

AFS Impact Stories “A Brave Decision To Go For A Year Exchange, Getting Out of Your World And Entering A Dynamic Journey”

By Vandita Rajpal from Rajkot Hosted in Finland on AFS Programs 2018

#AFSEffect “17th August 2018 is when I began a journey of experiencing archives of moments from my dream exchange in a country having an excellent educa on system, the safest and happiest place- Finland. It is always a brave decision to go for a year exchange, ge ng out of your world and entering a dynamic journey. I was very excited to know that I'll be going to Finland, a lot of emo ons were sinking in me. And finally, my curiosity halted. In Finland, I was placed in a wonderful and a big family and an art school and since I was grooming in such a wellmannered surrounding it developed my various personal goals like punctuality, being independent, skep cal of stereotypes, ambi ous and flexible.

I build many intercultural friendships which taught me to seek out and interact with people from different cultures and become more aware of other tradi ons and most importantly became self-aware as one learns the most about their own culture by ge ng out of it. In school, I par cipated in various ac vi es and learned innumerable new skills like foreign language skills (learning Finnish), deba ng, skiing, swimming, playing guitar, scou ng, community service (earning a bit and a gesture to pay back my Finnish community) and the most special one par cipa ng in European Youth Parliament. These ac vi es

Vandita Rajpal During Her Exchange Program

helped me become fully aware of daily living and working arrangements with a variety of people in the new environment. I a ended a regional session and got an opportunity to go for the na onals and 7 of 70 delegates of us were selected to represent our Finnish delega on in the interna onals. We also got an opportunity to a end a European seminar in Brussels and visit the European Union. I also went for a mini Euro tour visi ng 7 other European countries with my lovely isä and äi (father and mother).

I highly recommend students of all ages to go for an exchange as it teaches you to handle tricky or seemingly tricky situa ons with a calm, happy or crazy approach. Being close to the Finnish community also ignited me to teleport efficient Finnish doings in our country. My desire to some good for our na on has way increased.

I am extremely grateful to my family and friends there who loved me so well, of course, my family and friends, teachers, both my school (Finnish and Indian) and AFS to give me this incredible exposure and to let me live my dream and life in just a year.”

“Where Reindeer Are A Way of Life”

By Karan Baijal from Mumbai Hosted in Finland on AFS Programs 2018

Jordan Mahida Enjoying in Snow

“Adopt The Pace of Nature: Her Secret Is Patience”

By Jordan Sanjay Mahida from Anand Hosted in Norway on AFS Programs 2018 “One can buy all the riches in the world but one cannot buy experience or pa ence.

These things one has to learn by being in the situa on. The exchange has made me strong, more independent and responsible.

Exchange year teaches you pa ence which stays there with you for a life me. You start learning things, make friends and make a great bond with your family. You stop expec ng from people and become happy in small things. Once you are back home, you won't see many physical changes but there'll be many changes in your personality and at one point even you won't be able to no ce those small changes nor you will be able to say it to someone. It will take some me for you to realize but don't worry, you will be totally happy with these changes and a er realizing the difference you will see them benefi ng yourself.”

“In my Finnish High School, we once had a group of French students staying with us for a week. It was a great opportunity to learn French and Finnish culture. As I was an exchange student and not a tourist, it was interes ng to see Lapland through the perspec ve of a tourist group. I had been in Finland for 6 months, and some of them did not speak English, so I found myself proudly transla ng Finnish into French for them. It surprises me to the core of how Reindeer are the lifeline for the Finish people. From milk, meat, transporta on is eased by Reindeer.

Such a versa le creature! Of course Finland being Finland, all of these prac ces are closely regulated. It was a surreal experience to feed and pet a reindeer. To see how pure, innocent and noble they are because of them, many in the north can make a living.”

Karan Baijal Feeding a Reindeer

Durga Jean With Her Friends

“These 10 Months Have Really Brought A Change Into The Way I Look At Life, Taught Me Countless Lessons”

By Durga Jean from Ooty Hosted in France on AFS Program 2018 “Perfec on, this was everything I dreamed about. When they say France is a beau ful country, they don't lie. A million mes it's been said, but the food is amazing! From experience, everything from a starred restaurant aside from the ocean to snails and frog legs, to the wine, bread and cheese, the simple pasta, it is culinary perfec on.

My host family - they were truly amazing.

Thanks to them I can now call myself the queen of tarts (no self-praise here, they honored me with that tle an amateur baker and a semi marathonist. My exchange was a perfect one. These 10 months have really brought a change into the way I look at life, taught me countless lessons.”

Page 05 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

AFS Impact Stories “One of The Major Changes I Saw In My Self During These Months Was Me Trying To Change From An Introvert To An Extrovert”

By Sowmiya Yoganathan from Ooty hosted in Denmark on AFS Program 2018 “August 10, 2018, was on a flight to Denmark. So excited that I didn't sleep much in the flight. A er reaching, I met my host family and felt that they are the one. Had so much fun in 10 months! I did traveling, learned cycling, cooking etc. One of the major changes I saw in my self during these months was me trying to change from an introvert to an extrovert. I suffered a lot because becoming an extrovert is not at all easy. But my classmates and host family helped me to overcome it. I am s ll shy and scared but not that much that I can't communicate.

Self-mo va on, self-confidence, and communica on are some traits that can never be learned in regular schools. This year also taught me great life skills, communica on, decision making, self-awareness, crea ve thinking and coping with stress. This program has been an amazing change in my life hence I will recommend it to a lot of people.

I do believe in the big picture. The big picture differs for everyone. My big picture is to be happy all my life. It is the main thing I want in my life. My message to the Indian youths is to live your life as you want and be the happiest out of all, this is the only way you can sa sfy yourself.”

Dushyant Mahendra During His Exchange Program

“I Realized How Closely Languages Are Tied To Its Culture, Which Allows Me To Understand Not Only Russia But My Home Country Better Too”

By Dushyant Mahendra Saraf from Indore Hosted in Russia on AFS Program 2018 “My study abroad experience in Russia provided me the opportunity to realize that there is a much bigger world out there, with a very rich and proud culture. I realized what culture actually means, the visits to museums, different ci es and historical sites allowed me to be er understand the Russian culture and gave me the proper meaning of culture. I learned about myself in the process, as I had my conversa on with other Interna onal AFS students who had different point of views, ideas and opinions, that helped me to think like global and challenged me to apply my learnings and to share my own point of view in a cross-culture background. I was able to improve my level of Russian to the point that I can carry a conversa on that allows me to express myself with some emo on and personality. I realized how closely languages are ed to its culture, which allows me to understand not only Russia but my home country be er too.

Some of my learnings that can't be learned in schools are - handling unexpected situa ons, learning and experiencing cross-cultural differences, living independently, pa ence & passion and many more.

Sowmiya Yoganathan With Her Friends

“It Makes You Stronger, It Shows You That The World Is Bigger Than The Walls of Your Room”

By Malikah Rafiq from Srinagar hosted in Denmark on AFS Programs 2018 “It has been around three months since I have been back from Denmark, a lot has changed since the last year before I went in my exchange, there is a change in my perspec ve, there is a change in the people I used to know, even my once-sacred room has changed. A er my exchange I'm a lot more tolerant towards others and a part of the reason could be volunteering I did in a kindergarten back in Denmark, being surrounded by kids for five hours for 2-3 weeks made me tolerant and it was not only the volunteering that made me tolerant it was also that I saw people being tolerant towards me which made me realize that not everything and everyone has to be shouted at to be understood, being calm is be er and much more effec ve.

One of the biggest skills I learned was money management since everything was expensive in Denmark I learned how to have fun in a limited amount of money. I also gained confidence - the confidence to walk on the streets all alone. It's a very simple thing but I just never had enough confidence to do it. In Denmark, it was a whole other story. If I wanted to go I either used my cycle or the local transport and that was it. Nobody drove me around. I was independent and responsible.”

Page 06 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

I would definitely recommend the program. I am even looking forward to be a volunteer and promote AFS in schools.”

The exchange makes you stronger, it shows you that the world is bigger than the walls of your room, it makes you empathic a er looking at the global problems. It makes you appreciate the small things in life. I do believe in a bigger picture but in a different kind.

Because I believe we're all placed in this world for a reason. Remember we are the bigger dominoes of the future -- what we do counts, so don't think of yourself as 'just a teenager' you are the future. we all collec vely need to take responsibility as a community.”

Malikah Rafiq During Her Exchange Program

Funded by the U.S. Department of State a ached to it forever. I was truly a part of the family and my race, ethnicity, color, caste or creed truly didn’t ma er. It was me for Christmas, my first real Christmas! My host family got a Christmas bulb with my name on it and it is s ll hung on the tree each year.

YES Program An Experience That Will Stay With You Today And Beyond

By Kaivalya Tetali, YES 2006 Alumni

#YESAlumni “I le for my YES Program in August 2006 with wonderful feeling of enthusiasm and delight of being selected by the YES program. My journey began -- A journey of acceptance and at the same me finding delight, amusement and joy in diversity. The diversity I experienced during my Orienta on just kept growing throughout my stay in the US. I learnt to write Egyp an le ers, we danced and it was fun but we soon had to depart. It was like going to a theme park. Taking an adventure ride, ge ng the adrenaline high, finishing it just to go to another ride to get your adrenaline going. So all of us were engaged in absorbing the intra-cultural diversity.

In Michigan, everyone was friendly, the whole town was like a family.

People in the town wave at each other and smile even if they don’t know each other that well. Everyone was eager to know who I was and I was willing to make friends. The church was a great experience as well. I used to love the stories from the bible and Pastor Thorn never failed to answer all my ques ons. I celebrated Easter and it was a fun-packed experience. My host father gave me the biggest chocolate bunny and some more emo onal memories that’ll remain

Akshara Sharon With Her Host Sister

A Girl Named Franci

By Akshara Sharon Bansod, YES Alumni 2014-15

#YESAlumni A girl named Franci, Who was from Italy; Came to India, And smiled sweetly.

Ini ally shy, And I don't know why; When she opened up, She o en seemed high.

She was quick to adjust, And never would protest;

Once in school, I was asked to write an essay in the English class regarding a memory. I had scored the highest, I realized how much I had improved on language and dra ing. The same skill landed me, my first job in dra ing. On my last day, there was an early celebra on of my birthday, which was amazing. I realized how much I had grown up. I had learned how to give, receive and trust. I had a new edge to me, I was more confident and was willing to stand up for what was right.

The stay was the most beau ful part of my life, all because I said “yes” to give it a second chance, I put faith in the organiza on and because my host family offered me to be a part of their family. Even if this story is 10 years old, the things I learned are even truer today and beyond.”

Kaivalya Tetali With Her Friends

But if she didn't like something, She'd say it with disgust.

She was awesome, With a pinch of sarcasm; And whenever she washed her hair, It would curl up and blossom.

She was sixteen, And somewhere in between; In the month of September, She turned seventeen.

She started school, And seemed to be cool; But ea ng pineapple pizza?

She said, ' Only a fool'.

She cooked pasta, We said it was 'masta'; And on a holiday, She loved taking a siesta.

She would sleep ll late, And stay awake; Till 2 am some mes, And then rush like a snake.

Disorganisa on all around, Everywhere clothes were found; But that was okay, As by the family rules she abound.

She liked the spicy food, And said that it was good; But a er coming from Gujarat, Her stomach changed her mood.

Now less spices and NO biriyani, She was nice and always funny; But some mes she'd be frustrated, And instead of 'honey', would call me 'aani'.

A wonderful sister, And a sweet daughter; She became family, By sharing sorrow and laughter.

Road trips and weddings, Tea me, snacks and singing; Even the odds and lows, I am going to miss everything.

The days went by, And I will not lie; It feels sad, To say goodbye.

My words may lack, As she's ready to pack; But let me tell you, Franci, We love you to the moon and back.

You now have a home here, Though far, s ll near; Connected by heart and Internet, You will always be in our prayer.

Hope to see you soon again, And pray that you may always gain; Everything that your heart desires, And may our bond sustain.

Page 07 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

YES Program My Falls Break

By Vashita Darji, YES’2019-20 From Anand

#KLYES “I am Vashita Darji exchange student to Sedona, Arizona from India. So this week was the falls break in my host school. So my host family planned a trip for me so I can have my first experience to American Na onal Park and we visited a Grand Canyon Na onal Park. It was the wonderful experience. It was always my dream to visit it and I was amazed by it. We planned two days trip to the Grand Canyon and they were probably the best days of my life. Grand Canyon's beauty amazed me. It was so pre y site. And the best part of my trip was to see my family smiling and laughing with me and having fun with me. I also learnt about the Na ve American culture during my trip. How

18+ AFS Programs School Exchange-Connection of Two Countries

By Ana Cecilia Raffo, Educator From Argen na

#InternationalClassExchange “On July 20 I arrived in India. Two planes, a train and a car brought me to Pa ala and the experience began. The weather was hot, roads were crowded, people and the landscape appeared strange: cows, a lot of vegeta on, and I was there with my luggage and my desires.

In my stay of three months, I challenged myself and learnt a lot about the school culture, which is a bit different from my own in Argen na. We made beau ful rou ne diaries in Spanish. The objec ve was to make exchange diaries, I am taking copies of these diaries with me to Argen na. And I will send back to India some dairies made by Argen nian students. This would help build a possible connec on between students from the two countries.

During my stay, I par cipated in different ac vi es. I a ended the House Nights, ar s c events that combine dance, music and theater performances by students of the three houses. The three nights were spectacular, full of smiling and enthusias c faces. I had

Vashita Darji With Her Host Family

different tribes like Navajo, Hopi, Yavapai tribes used to live in that area and their agricultural pa erns. They planted the three crops corn,beans and squash together and they were called three sisters crops. They were wonderful three days and I enjoyed it a lot. I would like to thank to my host family for such a wonderful experience.”

the opportunity to take part as a jury and to see all the performances from the front row si ng with the principals and special guests. Also, I had firsthand experience where I witnessed how hard the students worked each morning prac cing and at the same me their teachers who were guiding and suppor ng them backstage.

I also interacted with girls of Community School: The Alicia Jones Community School. This is an a ernoon school, which runs in the premises of The Bri sh Co-Ed High School. It has been set up for the local underprivileged girls. Sta onery, uniform and a ernoon meals are provided to these girls by The Bri sh Co-Ed High School.

It was a pleasure each a ernoon whenever I met these girls they would greet me “Hola” and “chau” (Hello and goodbye), the first gree ngs words that they had learnt the first me. This really made me happy. Moreover, I want to express that the educa on provided to them is very important because they need to empower themselves and have a be er future and life.

In the beginning of October, a er the term finished, I had the pleasure of traveling to New Delhi, Agra and Amritsar. The visit to these places was quite learning and enriching as I came to know about the history and architecture of Delhi besides how to deal with students outside classrooms. I also got the opportunity to visit my favorite place, The Taj Mahal. In Amritsar, I learnt more about Sikh religion. Later I visited Chandigah and Sirhind, two beau ful and contras ng ci es near Pa ala. The first one a modern city planned by the French architect Le-Corbusier and the second one is an old historic city. It was an amazing experience to walk in the narrow street markets and interact with the people of the city.

It would not be appropriate to not write about the friendly, helpful and cooperate staff of the school. They all approached me willingly to help me in understanding the working system of their school.

Each member made sure I was acquainted with the school schedule and my responsibili es as a teacher I learnt how to say gree ngs in both Hindi and Punjabi. I have saved the words learnt of these two languages in my memory.

During Amritsar Visit

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Such a nice and enriching experience! I enjoyed the School, people, the places, food, colorful culture and shopping for Kurtas as well.

Thank you for being my home these three months. I hope we meet each other again.”

Hos ng Stories AFS Navratri Event 2019

#AFSNavratri The Ahmedabad chapter organized AFS Navratri event 2019 from 04th to 07th October 2019. The event had the par cipa on of host students, volunteers and staff member.

There were total 34 host students from different parts of India who par cipated. There were prac ce sessions organized for the student where they had utmost enjoyment while learning the 'Garba' steps on Indian dance numbers. The music and dance vibes gave them memories of a life me. The chapter also arranged for nail art and tradi onal Heena applica on which the students loved to engage with. On 05th October, the student spent their me with their host families in which they were placed. The main 'Garba' func on was organized on 05th evening with a gathering of around 100-150 people. During the event, the volunteers, alumni and host students from Ahmedabad chapters also presented a small dance performance. It was a deligh ul experience for everyone.

During the stay, students were also taken on a cultural expedi on of the city where they visited some famous places like Gandhi Ashram, Jain Temple and Adalaj Step Well followed by dinner at “Rajwadu” and Garba program in the evening. Students relished authen c Gujara cuisine. Other than this, the students also had an opportunity to observe and play Garba in the local vicinity of their host family. The en re program was very well organized and appreciated by all.

Photos: Host Students Enjoying Garba

Page 09 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

Group Photo: Core Commi ee Team of Navaratri

Volunteers Playing Garba

Host Students Enjoying

Durga Pooja Pandals Anna Keyzer and Dontae Ryan II (YES Abroad from USA) and Roberto Andreozzi (Italy) all hosted in Kolkata enjoyed thoroughly the various Durga Pooja Pandals and various styles of idols during Navratri celebra on in the month of October. They learnt about the demigods, their weapons and their chariots. Their had a great me with their respec ve host families who tried to make the best of this great fes val of West Bengal.

We thank you Ahmedabad chapter for providing this wonderful opportunity to our host students where they had great fun. Enjoy some of the glimpses of the event.

Par cipants Enjoying on The Song Rhythm

1

Volunteers During Garba

2

Host Student Enjoying Garba

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Host Students Enjoying Navratri Event

Page 10 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

1. Anna Keyzer, 2. Dontae Ryan, 3. Roberto Andreozzi During Durga Puja Pandal in Kolkata

Mee ng Network Strategy Meeting 2019

#AFSNetworkMeeting The AFS Network Strategy Mee ng was held in Montreal, Canada from 11th to 13th October 2019. Partner Directors, Board Members from AFS partners a end this 3 day mee ng. The goals for AFS Network mee ng was to take stock of where our organisa on is and to share ideas and best prac ces. It was me to report on the performance and Implementa on of Network strategy Projects.

The 3 days of conference saw meaningful and solu ons - focused conversa on on key opera onal challenges that can help us to grow. These included discussions on declining numbers in our Flagship program, shrinking hos ng capacity, Board governance, program quality and compliance, and volunteer management.

The partners also got me to interact with one another and discuss business and see how more programs and collabora ons can happen between the AFS countries. It was a great me to share prac ses and enjoy each other company.

AFS Global Conference 2019 Getting Real at Montreal

By Seema Shaikh, Educator, Mumbai

#AFSGlobalConference “AFS Global Conference 2019 - A place where knowledge is transacted and a day that brings along with it a hope of shaping up a be er future, is what educators call paradise. With more than 500 par cipants, 100 organiza ons, 70 plus speakers & more than 70 countries brought together in the spacious and aptly created learning ambience of Centre-Mont Royal at Montreal, the period between 9th to the 11th of October proved to be a me which made a special place in the memories of those who a ended the AFS Global Conference 2019. The essence of this conference lied in crea ng smart goals that would lead towards a collec ve effort on coming up with achievable solu ons to make Global Competence an integral and an integrated part of the educa on system across the globe. In these 3 days of tremendous idea and innova on flow, every speaker who addressed the topic of 'Ac ve Global Ci zenship & How to educate for 21st Century' voiced his concern on the increasingly divided socie es & strategies that people imply to collabora vely make this planet more favorable & sustainable.

The topics of the workshop that ranged from 'Developing dialogue skills in teen's to 'Explore & iden fy diversity' to 'Leveraging a collec ve leadership to promote global competence', had

Group Photo: During AFS Global Conference 2019

From India the representa ves were Mr. Siddharth Singh, Vice Board Chair, AFS India and Mrs. Divya Arora, Na onal Director, AFS India.

Some of the important highlights of the conference was - AFS has entered 2 new countries - Greece and UK and the new Market Development project has been launched which aims to see an increase in program numbers. 25 online modules have been produced in AFS Founda on which is a new benchmark to showcase AFS as an Educa onal ins tute. Fundraising has increased by 32% and new programs are being launched under the names of Global Prep and Global Choice.

successfully set a premise of the conference, the ethos of it was visible from the beginning, besides educators knew what to expect when they signed up for this. The essence of any conference lies in the takeaways, and that surely were the effec ve tools that the speakers shared that could be used to nurture and create global competency, So I personally was glad that the sessions went beyond just chalk & talk and Powerpoint displays.

A premiere that showcased 'Crash Test the Word' exhibited some easy to engage digital tools for integra ng global ci zenship in the classroom, I indeed felt privileged to be amongst the few Indians to witness this. The mere structure of the 3 day evenly spread sessions was designed in a manner that it took the educators closer to their goals of a aining and raising the Global competency Index of those with whom they collaborated. The remarkable minds who furnished knowledge through their sessions empowered the par cipants by offering prac cal, cu ng edge & doable solu ons to turn Global Competency Educa on into prac ce.

Engaging Global Ci zenship through Story Telling for Change & Learning to Disagree (L2D) were some things that stood apart on day two. Are we There Yet? Yet another segment from the sessions, enabled the par cipants to take a hard look at the state of Global Competence educa on around the world. A talk to enrich the audience about the role of Media on a pla orm in spreading Global Competency was definitely worth spending me on. 'Idea Dates' a crea ve segment was a wonderful way to interact with people who had done substan al things by thinking out of the box. Short and crisp interviews that generated ques ons in the minds of the audience and quick & wi y answers by the interviewees indeed gathered all the eminence.

Amidst other things that this conference empowered the par cipants with, it was successful in making each one realize the urgency of crea ng Global Competency in The Genera on Z, so that they thrive in this turbulent world and are able to navigate in this rapidly interconnec ng space. These sessions truly inspired us to assume ac ve roles & move a step ahead towards a more peaceful, tolerant & accep ng world.”

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Photo Above: Group Photo

Volunteerism Regional Volunteer Exchange To Varanasi

#Varanasi

One More Lifetime Memorable Experience

By Bankim Mehta and Sonal Mehta, Volunteer, Vadodara Chapter

People speak in their na ve language but their demeanor is like that of a pure Banarasi. So it is hard to dis nguish between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Chris ans. Even God himself would be confused perhaps, as He sees his own reflec on in every Banarasi. To an outsider, it may well seem like mayhem but is quite commonplace for the insouciant, fun loving na ves, for whom these pulsa ng lanes are the veins of the city, if Ganga is the proverbial heart. The uncanny ap tude of the city to simplify the complexi es of life makes it a metaphor of unassuming subtlety.

This is the beauty of Banaras, a microcosm of Indian socio-cultural and moral cosmos, which we've tried to experience and live with during our 5 days of stay.

“It is said that unless you experiment something you cannot experience and express. To begin with, we are happy to share our experience of regional volunteer exchange trip to Varanasi. We extend our thanks to AFS India & AFS Baroda from bo om of hearts for giving us this opportunity to visit the spiritual capital of India and one of the ancient ci es in the world.Sunbeam school, Laharata welcomed all the volunteers during their school assembly.

The staff took us for a round of school where they showcased many of their unique systems of educa on which impressed all of us. They have taken up several ini a ves that are very inspiring and contribute to the community. One very peculiar and interes ng thing of deep interest was that in this school the people who were the daily chores workers or the people who were doing the cleaning works were given educa on in the premises. Subjects such as Mathema cs, English and Hindi are taught to them. The most interes ng thing here is that the school students teach them.

They also have to give examina on on a regular basis. This is a very good way to spread knowledge and I really appreciated this concept. They have the Sunbeam Gramin School which is run under CSR ac vity and around 800 poor children come to school from nearby towns. School provides them free educa on along with uniforms, school books, lunch and sta onery.

In a nutshell, we're feeling fortunate enough to have started our domes c volunteers exchange journey with a marvelous city and last but not the least apprecia on from the bo om of our hearts to AFS Intercultural Programs India for providing us this splendid opportunity.”

Visits to Kashi vishwanath temple, the Iconic Banaras Hindu University, Ganga river aar , Carpet factory, saree shopping gave us a deep insight into the ancient city. We visited famous po ery works in chunar village. This po ery contains delicate designs made with silver paint. A more elaborate variety is by producing a

VARANASI – The Place Next To Heaven

By Ameet Gohel & Pri Gohel, Volunteer, Vadodara Chapter “Tu Ban ja gali Banaras ki... Mein shaam talak bhatku tujhme…..

This means- 'You become the ghats of Banaras and I will never get bored of you.' Such is the serenity of this place… simply amazing.

Banaras is a place chao c, but immensely enjoyable. It represents true India where religion takes precedence over everything else in life.

In Historic Museum

Page 12 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

In Historic Museum

glossy finish using a special powdery prepara on called ‘Kabiz.’ This powder is made using the soil taken from rice fields. Needless to men on that the whole trip was amazing and with absolute planning as well as execu on by Aditya Sir, Saurabh sir, Rashi ma'am, Abhinav sir, Pawan sir and en re Sunbeam family was just superb.”

Volunteers Going For Cultural Excursion

“Exploring to Spiritual City – Banaras”

By Bhupesh Khairnar, Volunteer, Nashik Chapter “Varanasi- Volunteer Exchange program gave me a lot. It also taught me a lot.

At Ganga Ghat

“Amongst the chaos of the busy and crowded city, one still finds inner peace in every street of Banaras”

By Deepak Solanki, Volunteer, Indore Chapter “The Regional Volunteer Exchange to Varanasi was a life me opportunity for me. One of the most ancient ci es in the world, Banaras, does full jus ce to the tle of being the Spiritual Capital of the country. Visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankatmochan Temple, residence of Goswami Tulsidas, Parshwanath temple and witnessing the Ganga Aar were out of the world experiences which cannot be described in words. These places truly make one feel directly connected to the almighty.

Boa ng in Ganga and the best view of the beau ful sunrise were the most peaceful experience I could ever have on the exchange.

Shopping of Banarasi Saree and learning how it is woven, visi ng the Carpet factory in Bhadohi and the Trade Facilita on Centre gave us the most detailed knowledge on the handicra and the tradi onal knowledge of people of Banaras. The museum at the Trade Facilita on Centre was one of its own kinds which gave us a mythological, spiritual, historical and cultural tour of Banaras in the most beau ful way. The Chunargarh (Chunar Fort) was another splendid place to be visited which holds a rich mythological and historical significance.

This exchange was not only a golden opportunity for me to learn more about Banaras, its culture and history but it was also an opportunity for spiritual engagement, enlightenment and selfrealiza on. Be it visi ng different religious and cultural sites or trying the different dishes or be it the ever welcoming people in the locality, it was all a life me experience for me. It is truly said that Banaras has some aura that holds you back and makes you stay there and that I realized, while leaving Varanasi. This exchange not only gave me a wonderful experience of different places in Varanasi but it has also blessed me with beau ful people in my life whom I now call as a family. I would really like to thank Sunbeam School Lahartara and the en re team for hos ng us and making our stay very comfortable and memorable. I would also like to thank all the fellow volunteers for being a great support system.”

I didn't realize at all where the me passed by. I am really very grateful to AFS India for giving me such an amazing opportunity.

Ge ng to spend a week with 8 volunteers from different states of India along with a team of Sunbeam school definitely was a pleasurable and amazing experience for me! Each day of the week had definitely something new to offer. For me, the regional volunteer exchange program means to understand the different colors of our country with our AFS family! And just like that the beau ful colors of Varanasi made me understand what a beau ful world we live in.

Sunbeam School and their other branches are AFS registered schools. It felt like the en re staff is AFS volunteers. The moment I entered the school, the first word I heard was “Jai Hind Sir” and for the next 7 days, each and every person, right from the students to the watchman said the same very proudly which for me was the most impac ul thing. Thank you, Nashik chapter, thank you very much Sunbeam School. Nothing could have been possible without you all. Thank you!.”

Banarasi Saree Shopping

Enriching Cultural Experience

By Jigna Suthar, Volunteer, Gandhinagar Chapter “Being in Varanasi, also known as the spiritual capital of India has been a very culturally enriching experience for me. Visi ng the sights on river Ganga and other temples which are very important in Hindu religion has been quite eye opening. Also, the way school func ons has been great to see. Trea ng every worker as equal, no ma er their posi on in organiza on, is something we can all try to implement in our life.

Learning about the aspects of daily life in Varanasi and their effect on people has been very impac ul. People have been living peacefully and with harmony in this city for years.”

Page 13 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

though we were mee ng them for the first me in this visit, I experienced the great love in rela onships.”

Group Photo: During Interna onal Volunteer Exchange Program To Sri Lanka

Volunteerism International Volunteer Exchange To Sri Lanka

#SriLanka

This successful exchange has mo vated us even more in the lines where we can work with external collaborators and partners, and ini ate programs to advance AFS's mission in India and neighbouring countries. This will not only lead to cultural learning but also expand the visibility of AFS as a whole leading to a full new spectrum and arenas of involvement and quality expansion.

AFS India is proud and happy to have collaborated with Sri Lanka to make this exchange a huge success! We're thankful to Dr. Eshantha and the wonderful volunteers of Sputnik Interna onal for hos ng AFS India volunteers and opening their homes and hearts for a beau ful exchange.

“Ayubowan” To All - The warmth and love of Sri Lanka are beyond words!“Ayubowan” is the word used in Sri Lanka to greet someone.

It means Long Life. One is generally greeted by joining two hands in a prayer-like manner and saying “Ayubowan”. During the 2018 Annual Volunteer Meet, AFS India invited 2 representa ves, Dr. Eshantha Ariyadasa, Director General and I P S N Senarath (Sara), Coordina ng Secretary of Sputnik Interna onal Educa on Centre to India to a end the Meet and get a chance to interact with AFS India volunteers.

A er a ending the meet in India, Dr. Eshantha shared, "It was such a rewarding opportunity to create and promote friendly rela ons between our brotherly na ons. Your volunteers are an exemplary example for my beloved Mahatma Gandhi's saying "Be the change you want to see in the world". You not only inspired us but also proved to be the true and meaningful conveyors of the message "AFS is love and AFS is brotherhood". "To further develop and strengthen the rela onship between India and Sri Lanka, AFS India and Sputnik Interna onal facilitated an Interna onal Volunteers Exchange Program from 16th to 22nd September 2019. A group of 4 volunteers went on exchange to Sri Lanka with full enthusiasm and excitement.

AFS India offers the Volunteers Exchange Program to its Volunteers as an expression of gra tude for their contribu on and commitment to AFS. It aims to mo vate volunteers to be ac ve and contribute further to AFS ac vi es s mula ng further Volunteer and Chapter development. Through the exchange between India-Sri Lanka, AFS India volunteers got an opportunity to gain a stronger understanding of India-Sri Lanka Rela ons while discovering the culture and tradi ons in a beau ful way.

"SPUTNIK" is a well-equipped Japanese Campus situated in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. It is affiliated to KAKE Educa onal Ins tu on in Japan, which is recognized as the largest educa onal ins tu on in western Japan.

Sputnik Interna onal went above and beyond from the planning to the implementa on phase to support the program so that the objec ve of the same could be reached. The week-long program consisted of School Visits, Religious & Cultural Excursions, Tradi onal Food Party, Community Service and explora on of various cultural aspects of Sri Lanka. These volunteers were hosted in the guest house provided by the Sputnik Interna onal as well as host families throughout their stay. In the words of one of the volunteers – “I was floored by their hospitality. People who were total strangers becoming lifelong friends in a few days can happen only through such exchanges. “He further adds, “I have been a host dad (with AFS) for two years and this me I could experience what my host children would have experienced when they stayed with us. Thank you AFS India! I shall cherish this memory forever.” Similarly, another volunteer shares, “Even Page 14 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

With His Host Family

Ayubowan

By Govindraju, Volunteer, Ooty Chapter “Ayubowan is the word used in Sri Lanka to greet someone. It means Long Life. One is generally greeted by joining two hands in prayer-like manner and saying "Ayubowan". I was floored by their Hospitality. The way they accepted us into their family within such a brief me was simply amazing. People who were total strangers becoming lifelong friends in a few days can happen only through such exchanges. In my host family, both of them were Doctors, in spite of their busy schedule they took me off to be with me. They made sure I was engaged in some ac vity or they would interact with me. This made me feel at ease very soon and I even cooked for the family. Among the places I visited I have to men on about the Gem city, Rathnapuri and Colombo, the Capital city. Even though Sri Lanka is a developing country like India I was surprised to see the cleanliness in Colombo. Visi ng a monastery helped me to connect with the spiritual dimension of my life.

Overall all it was a very memorable learning experience. I have been a host dad for two years and this me I could experience what my host children would have experienced when they stayed with us. Thank you AFS India! I shall cherish this memory forever.”

Volunteer to create change Join a movement of ac ve ci zens helping people and communi es learn to live together.

working with AFS to create a truly egalitarian classroom experience wherein the students are able to develop the social skills necessary to survive in an increasing compe ve global arena.

This trip to Swabalambi has helped our students to recognise the efforts and poten al in empowerment of disabled persons in rural India and to integrate school learning with social and cultural development of the individual.“

Achievement REX Karmaveer Global Young Leaders Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Awards

During School Visit

Life Experience To Explore A Beautiful Country

By Larzy Varghese, Volunteer, Mumbai Chapter “This was my first me where I had stayed in someone else's house. I was both nervous and excited to stay with my host family in Sri Lanka. Though we met for the first me, the family gave me great love and a feeling of rela onship. My host family was keen to show me their culture and heritage. We visited Sputnik Interna onal Educa on Center which is one of the top Japanese Language Ins tu on. They have a branch 'Sputnik Girls Home' which shelters 20 abandoned and underprivileged girls. I also got to a end a conference where we discussed 'Disaster Management' and 'Climate Change'. We visited 'Mahinda Rajapaksha College' which is a beau ful eco-friendly school. Interac ons with Educators, students were very impac ng. It was a jouney full of cultural learnings and knowledge exchange.”

By Bhavya Arora, Training & Development Coordinator, AFS India

#CelebratingVolunteerism Primary to exemplary leadership that drives social change is a leadership rooted in character and values. This has been yet another chance to be recognised for a character rooted leadership opportunity in my efforts towards social change and development. The truth is, social change is a slow process. It takes years before you see a sustainable change but that does not take from the years the impact it starts building and showing right at the onset of efforts investment.

I am happy to have almost 9 years volunteering recognised by The Campus Connect - REX Karmaveer Global Young Leaders Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Awards ins tuted by iCONGO in partnership with United Na ons fraternity.

The purpose of this fellowship is to mentor young leaders so that they understand the value of character rooted leadership and how character and not just competence takes people ahead.

Thus, the fraternity is building a culture of volunteering, which has been recognised as the best form of leadership. This will also introduce the fellows to a culture of learning-to- learn, which is one of the most essen al skills.

Group Photo: During Community Service, Guwaha Chapter

Volunteerism Learning Beyond The Classroom | Community Service

By Nandita Baruah, Maria's Public School, Guwaha Chapter

#Empowerment

The fellowship is a learning and collabora ve process that results in personal and voca onal growth for one and all. The fellowship included a knowledge dissemina on, sharing and networking pla orm called Global Youth Leaders Fellowship CONCLIVE on October 12, 2019 at IIT Delhi.

In the many years of associa on with AFS, first as a volunteer and now as staff, I am proud to share that my affilia on brings me value and develops my leadership poten als more. I am happy to be a part of AFS's idea on of crea ng a culture rooted towards building a just and peaceful world and am so happy to be a part of the #AFSEffect.

“On 30th September 2019, a group of students of Maria's Public School accompanied by teacher escorts and Founder and Managing Trustee to the Swabalambi Society of rehabilita on and training of persons with mul ple disabili es in Sonapur, Assam.

Under the vision-"Learning beyond the classroom" and the aegis of community development through AFS, the students were enlightened on the progress and obstacles of integra ng specially abled persons into society in rural India. As a part of AFS community society, Maria's Public School has donated furniture and almirahs to the center and the students distributed fruits to the workers.

MPS, the first school in the North East with integrated educa on for the specially abled has worked on countless occasions to achieve equality and deliver jus ce to those long denied of it. On top of Inclusive educa on, the school has commi ed itself to

Facilita ng During Award Ceremony

Page 15 | October 2019 | Newsle er | AFS India

Takuma Innami from Japan, Hosted in Bangalore