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When AAI Volunteers Meet By Noorliza Leow Abdullah
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n conjunction with the recent AAI Annual Meeting, AFS volunteers from five countries met and bonded over a weekend of fun and education. Datin Teo and I were among 11 volunteers who participated in a volunteer workshop. The volunteers were from Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Japan and Malaysia. Our first session of the day was ‘Bridging the Generation Gap in Volunteering ‘. Ms. Suyin (returnee from Japan and an ICL trainer) introduced the 5 generations under one “happy” roof – from the Traditionalist to the Millenial. We were given stickers to write our opinion on ‘who’ was responsible for different scenarios that were presented to us. As the majority of us were ‘seniors’, we had almost the same mindset, Participants penning down their thoughts on flip charts ie Seniors vs Gen X, Y, Z. It was an eye-opener as Suyin discussed about the Millenial generation, who they are and how to crack the millennial code. This topic helped us to have a better understanding of how to interact with millenial volunteers. After breakfast the next day, we went on a cultural walkabout to Prince William Park, KLCC and by LRT to Kampung Baru. Even our ‘domestic’ tourist Mr. Long learned how to buy an LRT token from a ticket machine! At Kampung Baru, our guide Jasmine gave a brief history of the place and we saw a traditional Malay house, an Indonesian abode, a Thai foodstall and a street peddler (from Yala, South Thailand) selling keropok lekor. We had refreshments and local snacks before proceeding to Masjid Jamek via LRT. Masjid Jamek is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. It is located beside the River of Life where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet. We walked to the nearby Pasar Seni (Central Market) for souvenir shopping before making our way to Publika Shopping Gallery at Jalan Dutamas. While dining on local food like chicken Lunch at Paparich Cafe 4
rice and char kuay teow , Jasmine took the opportunity to talk about DIVE and how to apply it in daily life. After lunch, we headed for Biji biji Initiative (a potential CPO for PEACE Program) which was in the same building and given a guided tour of the centre. Biji biji is a social enterprise where waste eg plastics, banners, etc are creatively reused for sustainable living. The centre provides space for rent, tools and expertise to those interested. There are electronic, fabric and wood workshops too. It’s amazing to see some of the finished ‘creative’ products eg handbags, furniture, plastic bottles used as ‘bricks’ in rural areas. Later that evening, we all attended an AAI Best Volunteer Award ceremony. Everyone was dressed in their respective national costumes and award recipients who were present received their mementos from AAI President, Angela Royes.
Reflection session in progress
We started the morning of our last day together with a game of ‘Barnga’ . We were divided into 4 teams and each team was given an instruction sheet and a pack of cards. After clarifying on how to play the game, we were not allowed to communicate verbally except by writing. The winner would move to Table #1 while the ‘loser’ moved to table # 2. The 3rd person stayed put at the table he/ she was at. As we moved from table to table, we (or at least me!) applied the same instruction from my original table. At the end of the game, we were told that each table had different instructions on who should win the game played at that table. In other words, this exercise was to ‘show’ that as we enter a different environment/culture, we must follow the rules of that culture. Unfortunately, I realised that I had ‘applied’ my rules to the table that I had moved to in a very ‘domineering’ way! A Japanese volunteer said that she had used the same game for her host families and exchange students to help them be aware that with different cultures, we must respect and go with the flow. A good sharing advice indeed. The next session was on ‘Sharing of AFS Volunteering experiences ‘– a round table discussion. We have similarities and differences on hosting and sending. Thailand for example has about 100 host students a year (a drop from previous years of 300 plus students) while Indonesia has about 40 students. During school breaks, AFS Thailand would organise camps like meditation, Thai massage and Thai boxing for the hosted students to add value to their stay. We ended with a session on ‘Reflections’. We were given different color post its for negative, positive and learning experiences and given the opportunity to write down our feedback. It was a hectic but enriching weekend. I hope in future AAI meets, more volunteers can participate in such bonding and educational sessions. Participation from volunteers of all the AAI member countries is truly beneficial as we can network, share best practices and exchange ideas for improvement.
Visit to CPO, Biji Biji Initiative
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Seeing KL through ICL
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FS MAS hosted volunteers from Indonesia, Japan and Thailand for a tour of Kuala Lumpur City when they were in town in conjunction with the AAIAFS Meeting in March. Together with Malaysian volunteers, they were taken to key attractions of the city and visited a community placement organization (CPO). At the Kampung Baru LRT station
The tour was conducted with a twist where the volunteers were given tasks to complete using ICL methods. The volunteers were impressed with the work by Biji-Biji Initiative, a CPO registered with AFS Malaysia, at its showcase lot at Me.Reka in Publika. Biji-Biji Initiative was also identified as a potential CPO for PEACE Project, involving AAI member countries. Posing by the iconic Masjid Jamek
At KL Citywalk
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Visiting BuahTangan, a marketplace that carries a myriad of brands with contemporary Malaysian-themed designs such as t-shirts, tote bags etc.
Participants are required to take a selfies with the renowned KL twin towers
A group photo before starting the tour
Listening to a briefing by a staff from Biji Biji Initiative
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Celebrating AAI Outstanding Volunteers
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n conjunction with the AFS Asia-Pacific Initiative (AAI) Volunteer Meet, an Outstanding Volunteer Award Dinner was held at Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail in Kuala Lumpur in which AAI delegates as well as participants of the AAI Volunteer Meet enjoyed local delicacies presented in a seemingly endless buffet. Board members and chapter leaders also joined the dinner as well as the first batch of Asia Kakehashi Alumni who performed a Japanese A group photo of AFS Asia-Pacific Initiative (AAI) Meeting song to guests. participants and volunteers
From Left: Eduardo Assed (AFS INT), Bert Vercamer (AFS INT), Khalilah Talha (AFS MAS), Atty Sulaiman (AFS MAS), Nikki Lebenson (AFS INT)
Napaporn Klinchan (Thailand) giving her feedback on the Cultural Walkabout organised that morning
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Team Thailand won big on the Cultural Walkabout activity
The highlight of the dinner was the award ceremony which started with a speech by Angela Roye. She spoke about strengthening synergies among AAI members and quoted the AFS anthem, ‘Walk together, talk together� to prove her point. She then presented awards to all Outstanding Volunteer recipients who were accompanied by the Director or Chair of their respective organizations who also gave a brief introduction about the respective winners. There was a total of six awards presented to the Most Outstanding Volunteers from AAI countries comprising Chico Hindarto from Indonesia, Keiko Furukawa from Japan, Long Tin Piau from Malaysia, Napaporn Klinchan from Thailand and Florescel Gay L. Alido from Philippines. The Outstanding Volunteer Awards are presented annually to celebrate and honor AFS volunteers for their passion, commitment, effort and achievements over the years.
Angela Royes welcoming guests to the AAI dinner
A special gondola was packed with traditional snacks brought by AAI delegates from their respective countries
Line up of the Outstanding Volunteer Award Winners. From left Keiko Furukawa (Japan), Long Tin Piau (Malaysia), Napaporn Klinchan (Thailand), Florescel Gay L. Alido (Philippines) and Chico Hindarto (Indonesia) taking a photo with Bert Vercamer (AFS International Program) and Angela Roye (AAI Chairperson)
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Best Volunteer to Outstanding Volunteer By Long Tin Piau
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am really honoured and grateful to be the recipient of this award. I would like to thank the AAI Selection Committee, my family, AFS MAS Board and staff for all their support and encouragement. To all those who had nominated me, I am humbled by your belief in me. My sincere thanks also to all the AFS Terengganu Chapter volunteers for their commitment, time and unwavering support all these years. Also, the host families and school principals as well as the Terengganu Education officers. Time has really flown by because it does not feel like I have been volunteering for 32 years with AFS. I first got involved in AFS in 1988 and there was no turning back from there.
Receiving the award from the AAI president, Angela Roye and flanked by AFS Malaysia Chair, Khalilah Talha and National Director, Atty Sulaiman
The organizational structure in Terengganu Chapter was established by Mr. Jody Lim in 2001. I was appointed the Chapter Development Leader. Due to a structural name change in 2006, I was elected the Chapter President. Being new and inexperienced, I had to start from the very basics of the AFS world. Through the untiring effort of all volunteers over the years, the chapter has grown in strength. Chapter Presidents are the pillar of strength for the chapter. 10
Long with other award recipients and Bert Vercamer of AFS International
They should inspire and motivate others and lead by example. Leaders must engage and empower the younger generation. Half the battle is won when we have committed and sustainable young volunteers to carry on the mission. As compared to yesteryear, Chapter Presidents today significantly play multiple roles. Being an exemplary leader is not good enough, they need to be team players, good listeners, planners, strategists and at times, counselors. They have to be tactful and diplomatic in dealing with people from different backgrounds and age groups in difficult situations. More importantly, they need to keep abreast with time, equipping themselves with the latest knowledge, strategy and approach in this ever-changing world. Volunteering runs in the family. My wife, Lucy Lim has been with AFS since 1984, so are both my children who look upon us as advocators of world peace. By giving back to the community, we have shown them firsthand how volunteering makes a difference in other people’s lives, how good it feels to help other people and also to enact change.
Being AFS volunteers, my family and I derive enormous benefits. It helps us to connect with diverse ethnic communities and thus, enhance our social skills. It provides us a sense of purpose, pride and identity. More importantly, it helps us stay physically healthy and we derive immense pleasure from being helpful to others. With much uncertainty, animosity and negativity in the world nowadays, AFS is more relevant than ever in efforts to create a just and peaceful world. True to the lyrics of the AFS song, “Walk together, talk together. Oh ye people of the earth. Then and only then shall we have peace,” we have to join hands and together we can change the world and achieve the noble mission and vision of AFS. Last but not least, I would like to dedicate this award to all my fellow Malaysian AFS volunteers who have made a difference in other people’s lives.
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New Program Launch: Leadership Adventure Program
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FS MAS recently launched its new hosting program an outdoor experiential education in collaboration with Outward Bound School Malaysia. This program will enroll international students aged between 15-17 years in a 13-day adventure-based educational program and exposes participants to Malaysia’s multiculturalism and at the same time unlock the true potentials of participants through outdoor experiential activities. During the 13-day program, participants will be put together in a group and will be involved in activities that will help to develop their survival and leadership skills. From engaging with others, learning knotting techniques, building a raft, learning climbing and belaying techniques, participants will learn new skills and how to work effectively as a team. This program also encourages participants to be tolerant and accept differences, learn how to cope with pressure and acquire leadership skills under changing, demanding and unfamiliar circumstances. AFS MAS has started promoting this program to all partners and hope to welcome our first batch this coming August.
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Making Inroads with Brunei And Singapore On Kakehashi
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FS Malaysia has been entrusted to help with the recruitment, selection and orientation of students from Brunei and Singapore for the Kakehashi Programme.
met with several officers from the Singapore Ministry of Education. “Although supportive of the program, there were some reservations expressed by Ministry officials. However, we remain optimistic that we can recruit students With the help of the Japanese Embassy in from Singapore on this program,” said National both countries, AFS Malaysia representatives Director Atty Sulaiman. managed to get a meeting with the Ministry of Education of the respective countries to explain in depth the details and advantages of the programme. The Asia Kakehashi Project is fully sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. It has afforded AFS MAS with the opportunity to build bridges with our neighbouring countries, Singapore and Brunei, both of which have no AFS representation. The Ministry of Education of Brunei has expressed support towards this program and has given Meeting up with Dr Jason Lee in Singapore AFS MAS the permission to run the program. The Ministry played a vital role in recruiting and shortlisting students and a selection camp was conducted in February. Interview panelists consisted of an officer from Brunei’s Ministry of Education, Syahira binti Dato Seri Setia Hj Yusoff, Hiroki Akasaka of the Embassy of Japan together with Amirah Sukurdin, a key volunteer of AFS Malaysia. In Singapore, AFS MAS together with AFS Brunei students who turned up for the interview session with Japan and a Japanese embassy representative panel of interviewers
Group discussion session
All-female panelists: (from left) Puan Farizan from US Embassy, Sophie and volunteer Amirah from AFS MAS
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Johor Bahru Cultural Walkabout 3.0 By Charlie Teo
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FS Johor Chapter’s third edition of a cultural walkabout event was aptly coined JBCW 3.0. It is fast becoming the most anticipated event for our chapter every year. The main objective of the JBCW 3.0 was to introduce to our local and foreign students the different cultures that are ingrained in our city Johor Bahru and how the city has thrived as people of different ethnicities and religions build the city together. The fact that teams had great fun while running around the city trying to decipher clues invited curious onlookers to ask about the ‘ang mohs’ (Caucasian) among us and in a way, raised awareness about AFS. We started the day bright and early at 7.00am for registration followed by a Zumba dance from Serene, Ambler and their team of instructors who helped us warm up, stretch and get our engines running. There was a total of 5 teams of 5 participants each and 9 volunteers to assist us throughout.
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The official flag off time was 8.00am. The race covered 16 locations with the majority of it at JB old town. It included places of worship, key landmarks, historical buildings and museums. Participants had to solve a variety of puzzles, try the local food, buy things using the local language, play with traditional instruments and learn about our history. It was basically a crash course in JB history and culture. We ended at approximately 1.30pm at the lush and breathtaking Rina Balinese resort. The host was our event’s main sponsor. After running around the city the entire morning, it felt good to wind down with a wonderful meal and celebrate the outcome of the day as winners were announced. We are grateful that Annie from AFS National Office, AFS Board member, Mr Ellangesh and Puan Farizan, a representative from the US Embassy, participated in our event. “We hope all our participants had learned new things about our city Johor Bahru and most importantly, gain better cultural understanding of Malaysians from all walks of life,” said Irene Leong, Johore Chapter President. “We look forward to the next edition of JBCW and to have more participants for this annual event.”
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Thumbs Up for Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
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hroughout 2018, AFS MAS had volunteers who came forward to help with camps, workshops and various events and recently, National Office feted the volunteers to a relaxing and informal dinner at the AFS National Office. The event also served to reconnect returnees and provide a networking platform. Some 40 returnees attended the event ranging from very senior alumni and younger returnees who have just completed their exchange year. Thank you notes and AFS pins were presented to seasoned volunteers who never hesitated to help out with events and activities.
chilling and getting to know one another better
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Returnees from different years catch up on food and stories
Getting better acquainted with AFS MAS’ National Director
The gathering also received positive feedback from attendees. Mika Low said. “It’s always great to catch up with other passionate and engaging volunteers and together celebrate the achievements of AFS together.” Umi Nabila was happy to get to know returnees from other AFS programs and not just those from YES. “Looking at how we were all able to spend time at the dinner, made me realise how important it is to organize such social Some talked, some ate, some played! programmes for volunteers as it can motivate and inspire other returnees to come back and volunteer. We were able to mingle around and share stories with each other and the ambiance, food and set up were all on point and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening,” she added.
And some returnees were always ready for their close-up!
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Returnee Creating Waves with Viral Videos
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FS-YES Returnee 2011 to Wisconsin, Muhaqmad Fazri Hassan, has caught the attention of global media company BuzzNews Feed after videos of his young charges at play went viral and hit more than 3.5 million views. Fazri is a teacher in special education at SK Gas school in Sandakan, Sabah and he usually tries to take videos when something interesting happens in his class, like when his students learn something new, so he can share them with their parents later on. He said he initially shared a video of Maisarah, who has global developmental delay,
Fazri with his special students and fellow teachers
and her friends at PE Class to his Instagram stories, but it somehow made its way to Twitter, where it went viral. Fazri has been teaching in the Special Education Integrated program at the school since January 2018 and that his students are between the ages of 7 and 12.
A beach outing
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“We have our own classroom, separated from the mainstream students, and our own special curriculum,� he said. The school has shared activities to promote inclusiveness and understanding of special education such as weekly assemblies and annual camping trips. The school
also has a special education awareness week every year where mainstream students join special education students in their classes and interact with them. The video was shared by multiple celebrities such as American film director Ava DuVernay and stand-up comedian and actor Patton Oswalt. Hassan said he was overwhelmed by the response as he hadn’t expected the video to go so viral. “The viral content has even inspired people to ask me about the path to become a special education teacher, “he beamed. BuzzFeed has breaking news, vital journalism, quizzes, videos, celeb news, food videos, recipes, and all the trending buzz. It was founded in 2006 to focus on tracking viral content. Top and bottom: Fazri has created a special and loving bond with his young charges 19
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Malaysia In One Classroom Initiative
FS China is leading the AFS One Classroom Initiative which will connect classrooms from different cultures to help equip young people, teachers and school leaders develop the global competence needed to learn, live, work and thrive together in the 21st century. The AFS One Classroom Initiative is a pilot project that will link schools in 13 countries using virtual technology and structured learning to facilitate meaningful cross-border classroomto-classroom dialogue, intercultural learning, and global competence acquisition.
programs, expand access to intercultural learning for non-mobility (e.g. virtual exchange) programs, develop active global citizens through non-mobility programs, leverage and expand relations with and between schools in participating countries and provide professional development and training for teachers and school leaders to build global competence through virtual exchange.
The One Classroom Initiative was launched in Beijing late last year and 11 partner countries including Malaysia are taking part in the pilot project with SMK Dato Panglima Perang Kiri school in Tapah and SMK Pasir Gudang 3 in This initiative will include online classroom Johor Bahru being the partner schools. teaching and learning exchanges, educational program training for teachers and students, educational delegation visits, and youth leaders exchange. Through the pilot initiative alone, AFS expects to reach 1,000 students, teachers, and school leaders in Year 1 and produce educational products and services in China and participating countries to globalize classrooms and activate global citizens. Such a framework will provide intercultural curriculum to virtual classroom exchange
Principal of a Beijing vocational school welcomes AFS delegates to the launch of One Classroom Initiative
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Malaysia’s representatives Shoba and Premah, both high school teachers, meet with Chinese school officials to kickstart the One Classroom project
AFS students in China perform a Chinese number as the launch gimmick
Tapah School Receives Visitors of AFS One Classroom Initiative
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MK Dato Panglima Perang Kiri school in Tapah, one of two participating Malaysian schools in AFS’ One Classroom Initiative, recently played host to visitors from AFS China, Indonesia and Thailand. Leading the delegation was AFS China representatives led by its Vice Chair, Ling Zhang, who were keen to visit the school, view its facilities and talk to teachers and students on the One Classroom project. The delegation was shown around the premises, including its library and cultural room, and given an update on preparations and progress made thus far. The school’s AFS Club members were present to hear from AFS China on the programme roll-out and their expectations. A Memorandum of Understanding was later signed between the school and AFS China.
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
Johor Chapter Last February, Johor chapter brought their host students to celebrate the annual tradition of the Johor Old Temple, Chingay. The festival usually begins with a symbolic lighting ceremony of fireworks. In March, the Chapter held its third Cultural Walk or JBCW which saw the participation of Puan Norizan from the US Embassy, Annie Yap from AFS National Office, Board member Ellangesh, and Dr Jason Lee, former board member and also an ICL trainer.
Terengganu Chapter Former hosted participant, Sara Manni returned to Terengganu last March to attend the wedding of her host sister in Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu Chapter also conducted roadshows in some local schools to promote AFS programs to the students. These include SMK Komplek Seberang Takir and SMK Chung Hwa Wei Sin Kuala Terengganu.
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Sarawak Chapter For this year’s STE, students and participants hosted in Sarawak had the opportunity to watch a musical fountain at Kuching Waterfront, which lines the south bank of Sarawak River. They also went trekking at Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu.
Perak Chapter This year, Perak chapter was one of the hosts for the STE. Students were given the opportunity to experience Malaysian cultures and traditions in greater depth. Some of the activities provided were gotong royong, a visit to an Orang Asli village, Gua Tempurung, Memory Concubine Lane Ipoh, Kellie’s Castle and many more. They also visited an AFS Club in a Tapah school, sharing their experience as AFS participants abroad with club members.
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS
Kedah Chapter Kedah Chapter conducted roadshows to promote AFS and KL-YES programs, including one at Harmony Adventure Camp.
Penang Chapter Penang Chapter brought their 18+ Community Service Participants to experience a Penang Street Food Festival. Roadshows were also conducted to promote AFS Programs, among them at Tenby Schools Penang.
Negeri Sembilan Chapter During this year’s recruitment period, Negeri Sembilan Chapter started its own roadshow to promote AFS programs to local communities and schools. One of the roadshows was held at SMK Bukit Mewah.
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Ampang Chapter For Ampang Chapter, roadshows at SMK Seksyen 5 Wangsa Maju and SMA Hulu Langat were conducted with the assistance of hosted students, National Office staff and returnees.
Perlis Chapter Hosted students in Perlis had the opportunity to experience Songkran Festival. This festival is a celebration of the New Year in accordance with the Hindu solar calendar. The celebration covers a period of three days.
Damansara Chapter Early this month, with the assistance of returnees who shared their experiences on AFS programs, Damansara Chapter conducting a roadshow at SMK Sri Aman.
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RETURNEE REFLECTIONS
The Path to a Lifelong Connection By: Nurin Syahmina bt. Sharif
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am a young enthusiastic girl that has travelled to Ohio, United States of America for six months in 2018 on a Kennedy Lugar –Youth Exchange Study Program. This brief experience of living in a foreign country has molded me into a more matured person, given me a roller coaster emotional ride and most importantly, become the path to a lifelong connection.
problems. Thankfully, I did not face any unsurmountable ones but I did encounter challenges like adapting to a new culture and making new friends. How did I overcome these obstacles? Courage is the answer. I convinced myself that nothing was impossible and I was determined not to be wimpy anymore. I fought my low self-esteem and my fear of trying new things. I braced myself to make the first move Like others before me, I went in making friends at school. I through a phase that enhanced managed to overcome all my my maturity, one in which I fears and those challenges did had to face and solve my own not seem as obstacles anymore.
Brooklyn Bridge! My trip with AFS Northeast Ohio to New York City
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On the contrary, they made me become more self-confident. I also sought help and advice from my American mom and she really helped with boosting my confidence and raising my self-belief. It was also a blessing to witness nature’s beauty in the US. For the first time in my life, I lived in a place that was laden with snow. Ohio, especially Northeast Ohio, always have white fluffy snow during winter time. Although the cold weather presented another challenge, I adapted quite well and enjoyed
Left above: My friends and I at my farewell picnic Left: Unable to control my tears as I took our last wefie together Above: My trip with AFS Northeast Ohio to Washington DC
observing snowflakes gently falling on trees. Niagara Falls and Mammoth Cave were two of nature’s wonders that also mesmerized me. I had the opportunity to do many wonderful things in Champion High School such as taking part in my school musical and going to prom with my best friends, Alyssa and Hailee. Not to forget the volunteering services I did through AFS in my region and my school. It taught me to be more independent, ambitious and to help others. Many of
my friends who were on the same exchange year with me highlighted that spending time with their family was their most favorite thing to do and it was the same for me too. However, the moments that I cherish the most and will forever be replayed in my mind are the car rides with my mom there. During these car rides, we exchanged thoughts and stories. We would laugh a lot and enjoy the scenic rides together. We were both very inquisitive and asked each other questions so we could understand, accept and respect the differences in our
culture. Such a connection will never ever end even if we never get the chance to meet again. I am blessed to be able to have this great bond with a family on the other side of the world. Being part of this exchange experience has broadened my mind and helped me have a better and different perspective of life. Now, I am ready to call myself a global citizen who will try her best to make the world we live in a better place for everyone.
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INTERCULTURAL
Who is changing the world? Educators are! by Hazar Yildirim, AFS Director of Strategic Alliances
world will be nothing,” explained Bana. “It’s a great honor to be here to add the voice of ’ve just returned from the Global Education children but the world is not doing enough for & Skills Forum (GESF) organized by the education in Syria. We have a lot of guns in Syria, Varkey Foundation and its partners in Dubai but we need more schools.” where 2,000 delegates explored the conference theme—Who is changing the world? As a dad and the host of the annual AFS Global Conference, Bana’s remarks resonated strongly The conference that is dubbed “the Davos of with me. They made me reflect on why educators Education” ended on a compelling note with two are such a critical catalyst for changing the world inspiring nine-year-olds sharing their insights on and motivated me to work harder to educate the world. Bana Alabed (@AlabedBana), a nine- and empower more Active Global Citizens like year-old Syrian girl who tweeted her struggle to Bana and Braydon. And the request for access stay alive under siege in Aleppo, Syria joined the to better schools helped me appreciate even nine-year-old host of the Forum, Braydon Bent more the contributions of Peter Tabichi, a truly (@BraydonBent) from the UK to discuss why inspiring teacher from Nakuru, Kenya who education is so important to children and their received the 2019 Global Teacher Prize at the future. “I want to be a teacher, because teachers end of the Forum. are number one in our lives, without them, the
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Two nine-year-olds, Bana Alabed and Braydon Bent discuss why education is so important to children and their future
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AFS’s Hazar Yildirim and Linda Stuart met the Global Teacher Prize winner, Peter Tabichi
Access to quality education must be a basic right for young people, and I firmly stand behind the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #4: Ensure inclusive and equitble quality education and remote lifelong learning opportunities for all. To many people’s surprise, also embedded in that goal is the quest to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to navigate a global world. These so-called global skills match up quite effectively with the power skills that make things happen in all sectors—critical thinking, problemsolving, communication, and collaboration. In fact, “global competence education” helps students learn how to use these important 21stcentury skills in intense situations that require navigating differences.
everyone comes to the table with the same point of view. Supporting educators to take on global competence education requires a cross-section of stakeholders—policy makers, businesses and community leaders for starters—to join forces and drum up the will and the resources. Easier said than done. That’s why I am so excited to announce the convening of the second annual AFS Global Conference in Montreal (October 9-11, 2019). This year we are sharing scalable solutions, dissecting roadblocks and identifying resources to educate Active Global Citizens.
How do we empower young leaders and changemakers to tackle pressing global issues leveraging different points of views and in collaboration with those “different” from themselves. If you have ideas and insights you Every day, cultural, religious, economic, ethnic, want to share, join me and 600+ stakeholders national, gender and political differences from a large spectrum of backgrounds in prevent people from connecting and working Montreal. I look forward to building a global effectively together. However, it’s hard to solve network of collaborators and educators with major problems or take advantage of new you to rise to the challenge Bana echoed from opportunities if you are unwilling or unable the GESF stage. to leverage diverse ideas and perspectives. Innovation and creativity rarely happen when 29
HERE & THERE
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State of Social Enterprise
FS MAS attended a launch of The State of Social Enterprise Malaysia by the British Council in partnership with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Ministry of Entrepreneur Development Malaysia, and Yayasan Hasanah.
At the launch, participants were given an insight into social enterprise in Malaysia including the changes since the implementation of the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC)’s State of Social Enterprise in Malaysia 2014/2015. An assessment of several key initiatives supporting the sector and key The launch was an opportunity to inform key evidence-based recommendations relevant to stakeholders on the current size, scale, and various stakeholders were presented. AFS MAS scope of the social enterprise sector in Malaysia. representatives learnt through the presentation The project is the 10th in a series of surveys and briefing that there were many similarities on social enterprise undertaken by the British with AFS, especially the business model for Council around the world. sustainability, and that best practices can be emulated.
Kakehashi Completion Ceremony
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n February 2019, each participating partner of the Kakehashi Program were invited to Japan to attend its Completion Ceremony.
Partner representatives visited AFS Japan’s new office where a candid evaluation of the programme and its pioneer batch of participants was done. After the meeting, everyone was treated to Sushi in the AFS Office itself – staff had cleverly turned the meeting room into a Sushi Bar! The next day, all Partners were taken to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology (MEXT) to witness a certificate of completion ceremony. Malaysian returnee Indhra was selected to receive the certificates on behalf of all 200 30
students. Mr Makato Fujiwara, Administratice Vice-Minister of MEXT presented the certificates. It was a simple, solemn and very dignified ceremony which reflected the best of Japanese Culture.
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Staying Connected Through ECA Programs Workshop
rograms Manager Nani Taha and YES share how the YES programs have impacted Specialist Nadia Samsudin attended communities throughout the U.S. this year’s ECA Sponsored Programs Workshop in Arlington, Washington D.C. An International Bazaar was also held which provided an opportunity for all Partners to show Every year, all YES Partners gather to share best off the “visible” parts of their respective cultures practices and how to best support the students to workshop attendees through table displays. during the year - for both Inbound and Outbound During the event, attendees walked from country (YES Abroad). The theme of this year’s workshop table to country table to learn more about each was Diverse.Inclusive.Connected. country and its culture represented by the international attendees. Each group of country On April 1, all workshop attendees met with representatives were also given a one-hour time Senate and Congressional representative staff slot to present their country and culture. The on Capitol Hill in support of continued funding country sessions provided concrete examples of for U.S. Department of State exchange programs. how cultural differences play out in real hosting These visits provided great opportunities to and sending exchange experiences.
Introducing Malaysia during the Country Session
Melvin Herman, AFS USA Staff talking about his exchange experience in Malaysia in the year 80-81
Ang sharing his experience on the YES17 exchange
Barbara, host mother to our Malaysian YES14 shared her hosting experience with the audience
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SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
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