October - AFS Intercultural Programs India

Celebrating
123456789 10Years
of AFS Intercultural Programs India
October 2015
Newsletter
Issue - X
Your source to stay up to date with AFS Intercultural Programs India activities,
events & opportunities
AFS provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the
knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and
peaceful world.
C
O
01
From Director's
Desk
E
N
T
Intercultural
Learning
05
N
T
02
Explore
MALAYSIA
09
Alumni
Achievements
11
Chapter
Stories
10
Sending
Stories
03
AFS Partner
Schools
07
Hosting
Stories
National Director
desk
Divya Arora
from
director’s
Know About Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s
Slogan Based on Buddhist Philosophy:
Educate, Agitate, Organise
Bhimrao was born in 1891, in a Mahar family in Mhow to an Army man, Ramji Sakpal. The family moved to Satara
in Maharashtra on his father’s retirement, where his mother died when he was barely five. A Brahmin teacher,
Madhav Ambedkar, noticed his intelligence, guided him and eventually gave him his own name. In his early
education, he lived through many insults recounted as No Peon No Water, in his book Waiting for a visa. He was
the first untouchable to enter the Elphinstone College, University of Bombay. Graduating in Economics and
Political Science, he entered the service of the Maharaja of Baroda who noticed his brilliance and gave him a
scholarship to study in Columbia University where he encountered the Afro-American community, which
propelled him to campaign for human rights. Obtaining his doctorate in economics, he then attended the
London School of Economics and passed the Bar at Gray’s Inn.
He returned to India in 1917 and his patron, the Maharaja of Baroda, awarded him the position of Military
Secretary in the Government. Still being treated as an untouchable, he resigned from his post and applied his
energies towards the sufferings of millions of his fellow men. He moved to Mumbai as Professor of Political
Economy in Sydenham College, where he was
very popular with his students, but faced
discrimination from his colleagues. This only
reinforced his determination and he founded a
weekly Mooknayak – Leader of the Silent. He
struggled in summarized in his beautiful final
words “Educate, Agitate, Organise” which is
still the motto of his followers.
He was the messiah of his times and converted
his followers into Buddhism in 1935 to
overcome the stigma of untouchability. In 1936,
Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour
Party, which won 15 seats in the 1937 elections
to the Central Legislative Assembly. His book
The Annihilation of Caste in the same year,
based on his thesis at Columbia, attained
immense popular success. Ambedkar served on
the Defence Advisory Committee and the
Viceroy’s Executive Council as minister for
labour.
On India attaining Independence, his
knowledge and understanding of the political
climate led to his becoming the Father of the
Constitution of India. Today he is the most
respected icon of the Dalits and is revered as
much as ever.
01
intercultural
learning
ICL Level W trainings held in Pune
October 11th 2015
Trainers: Ajay Mehta, Najmuzamman Mohammad
Participants: 19
The training was carried out in Pune at the Kshitij Center and was a one day long training on October 11th
2015. The training comprised of 19 participants from the Pune chapter. It was conducted by Ajay Mehta and
Najmuzamman Mohammad and local volunteers helped organize the training. The training comprised of
basic ICL concepts such as cultural values and dimensions; communication styles; AFS educational approach;
and cultural adaptation models. The participants found the training to be engaging and informative and
enthusiastically participated in all the sessions. The trainers found the group interactive and receptive to the
training objectives. The training was considered a success by both the participants, trainers and the national
staff.
02
AFS Partner
Schools
Mrs. Kusam Warikoo
Principal
Delhi Public School, Srinagar
About the Principal Mrs. Kusam Warikoo with 31 years of experience as an educator finds herself still in a mode of a learner. Her
career spans education, special educational needs, International baccalaureate, resource person and media.
She has been on the Advisory Board of the Education Department and the Indian School, New Delhi,
nominated by CBSE. She has contributed to many organisations including NCERT on Peace Education. Is well
travelled, loves to read books and cherishes her tenure at Sardar Patel Vidhyalaya, New Delhi as the Principal.
Introduction about the school’s association with AFS
DPS, Srinagar is situated in salubrious conditions with approximately 4 thousand students from the age group
of 3 plus to 17 plus. It enjoys the reputation of being one of the most progressive schools in the valley with
excellent facilities. This twelve year old school is the first private CBSE affiliated Co-educational school in the
valley. We strive to nurture global citizens which is a huge challenge for us. The school is associated with AFS
from the year 2013. In this period we have sent thirteen teachers and the Principal for AFS exchange
programmes to many countries .Four students have also travelled abroad under YES programme. One student
went for a short term programme as well. However we have not hosted any student till date.
Q1.What is your take on Intercultural Programs?
Culture is what we acquire after we are born. The first thing we breathe in along with fresh air when we come
into this world is culture around us. So before we know we have already adopted our culture and faiths. It
grows on us. This homogenous conditioning is so natural that we don’t even realise that it is happening to us.
This is the first intercultural programme in the life of a child.
We, as a children get flabbergasted when we experience the heterogeneous situation in the school. This is the
second intercultural programme that we are exposed to in our life. When we see people with different food
habits, speaking different languages and sometimes behaving differently because of their cultural influence we
wonder whether we are at the right place. But as, “Child is the father of man” we adopt and get adapted to
the whole scenario like a fish that takes to water. This brings in fresh breath of air and learning situations in our
life without causing much of a difference.
This whole process brings in learning experiences of thinking logically, trying and analysing whatever little the
child can, trying to understand and accepting the differences in cultures, faiths and ideologies and adjusting
him /herself accordingly. Because, for this child, exposure is not intimidating but gradual and a natural growth
plan .It is only adults who create unnecessary barriers for each other. They become obstinate by nature and
resist change. Acceptance is barred due to ego and prejudice. For these kind of people AFS intercultural
programmes is the best thing that can happen to them as adults.
Q2.Your vision of Intercultural learning in compliance with your school ?
We have a homogenous group in our school in terms of culture and faith .So we try and bring people from
different places to the school and also send children to other places. Every year we conduct two art exhibitions
of different cultures in the school. The artists reside in the premises of the school and they interact with the
students and teachers on a daily basis. All of them together create a new ideology and acceptance of
differences on the canvas, sculptures in metal or clay work.
Q3.What benefits are in store for the school and students?
This year tribal artists from MP, West Bengal, Gujarat, Patna and Maharashtra camped in the school. Students
were amazed to find out that one simple meek looking lady had already travelled half the world as an artist
with her paintings. People from different walks of life interact with the students on different topics ranging
from academics to career option and the world around them. At present we have an international group of
artists from different parts of the world camping in the school. We also had an exchange programme with a
North East school. Much more is needed to be done to bring acceptance of cultural differences on the
foreground through discussions, debates and by living together.
03
Q4.How is AFS different from other organization?
We are very glad to be associated with AFS because it works differently. Its programmes are very well
structured. The volunteer group is well trained and accountable. Selection processes to different programmes
are fair and well structured. Standard Operational Procedures are in place. The best thing about the
organisation is that at every level people are counselled, are well oriented and advised before they plunge into
a new situation. Last but not the least, the hierarchy is very well defined and everyone is committed to the
cause.
Q5.Has there been any notable transformation you have witnessed in students sent on AFS Programs?
Students who had gone for YES programme show tremendous change in their personality. First and foremost,
their horizon of vision has broadened to a great extent. They can easily put themselves in the shoes of others
to analyse and understand the situation which was very difficult for them before this exposure. They have
honed their intrinsic skills. They also have explored themselves .They have learnt to expand their boundaries
.They now understand giving up is not the option but striving for excellence is what is required .They are now
happy children.
Q6.How has AFS Support system been?
It has been a great experience to be associated with AFS. The organisation personifies what they believe in
.Support system is very helpful .We as an organisation have benefitted by their programmes a great deal .We
are proud to be partners in whatever this organisation does and want to extend more help in whichever way
we can .It has brought a breath of fresh air to my organisation .We are very thankful to the American Embassy
who introduced us to this organisation which has a global vision.
Q7.Your most cherished moment with AFS family?
I cherished my visit Istanbul. That was a humongous experience for me personally .Besides experiencing
uniqueness of this historical place which connects Asia and Europe I had a chance to meet people from
twelve different countries, faiths and culture at a go. It doesn’t happen every day that you get to meet people
from the world on a single platform .It wasn’t only meeting them but we lived together, interacted day in and
out. We listened to each other’s point of view, which was so divergent from each other. Even then we
connected at every level. We realised how much our background influences our thought process. Every opinion
lay in context to whichever place we belonged to. In the end despite having diverse cultural opinions and faiths
we parted like friends and are still in touch with each other. I would like to thank our host in Istanbul who not
only served us homemade food (which was lots of it) but also took trouble of travelling for hours to bring us to
her home. Thank you.
Students who went on Exchange Program from Srinagar shares their experience
https://youtu.be/GOyTtH6aKDE?list=PL2u0rBAY0brv6SZutbHCkDcKBshwqp1Os
04
Malaysia
Beautiful & Diverse Country
Want to study in Malaysia? Stay with a traditional Malaysian Host
Family? Experience the Malysian School System? Be part of their
Culture & Tradition?
Here’s why you should choose to go to Malaysia:
Populated by a blend of Malays, Chinese, Indians and indigenous groups, Malaysia boasts a rich cultural
heritage, from a huge variety of annual festivals and wonderful cuisines, to traditional architecture and rural
crafts. There’s astonishing natural beauty to take in too, including gorgeous beaches and some of the world’s
oldest tropical rainforest, much of which is surprisingly accessible. Malaysia’s national parks are superb for
trekking and wildlife-watching, and sometimes for cave exploration and river rafting.
Lifestyle and Family Living
1
Extended families often live together. Elders are highly regarded and respected. Malaysians have a relaxed
attitude about time and punctuality. Parents are protective of their children and like to know whom there
2
are with and whereabouts. When visiting a Malaysian house,
it is customary to stop at the bottom step and
announce one’s presence, or knock at the door and wait. Nobody walks through an open door uninvited.
Education System
School plays an important role in Malaysian society. In states where Friday is a weekend day, school
runs from Sunday through Thursday. The language of instruction is Bahasa Melayu but English is a
compulsory second language. AFS students can choose which classes to join depending on their interests
and availability. Most schools in Malaysia (both primary and secondary) have computer labs, and learning to
use the computer is compulsory. Extracurricular activities, including sports and clubs, are conducted after
school hours or on Saturdays.
AFS MAS will expect Students to make an effort to learn Malay, Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) or Tamil languages
3
06
Teen Life
Malaysian teenagers love sports. Soccer and
badminton are the most popular games. Tennis,
bowling, golf, squash, motor racing, swimming and
horseback riding. Teens also engage in sea sports
such as surfing and jet skiing, or martial arts. Dating is
not encouraged among teenagers. All religions in
Malaysia respect each other.
Unsurprisingly for a country situated entirely
on a peninsula and islands, Malaysia has
thousands of miles of beaches for relaxation
and recreation. Most of its western coastline
is swamp and mangrove, not sandy beaches,
but the tiny offshore islands contains some of
the country's most visited beaches.
.Malaysia has 65,877 km of highway. This is more than the Earth's
circumference of 40,075 km.
Outside of its major cities, Malaysia is
covered by lush rainforests, mangrove
forests and offshore coral reefs, making
it one of the most biodiverse countries
in the world, according to the World
Wildlife Fund. These include several
endangered species of elephants,
rhinoceroses, tigers, turtles and
orangutans.
In 1999, Malaysia launched the Formula One
Malaysia Grand Prix in Sepang, near Kuala
Lumpur International Airport. At that time, it
was the first Formula One event in Southeast
Asia and the only one in Asia outside of
Japan. In subsequent years the event, which
occurs in early spring, has become one of
the country's major international tourism
draws.
Last Application Receive Date: 1st March 2016
Program Start: July 2016
Program End: June 2017
Country Age Preferencet: 15 to 18 years
For more information, write at: india@afs.org
Facts & Photos are copied from various sites on internet.
06
Regional Mid-Term Orientation
Hosting Stories
For Hosted Students
Mid-Term Orientations were organized at the regional level in
the month of October 2015 at seven different ports. Orientation
was hosted by the following seven chapters namely Anand,
Ahmedabad, Jalandhar, Delhi, Karaikudi , Mumbai and Pune
which included hosted students from the neighboring chapters.
The objective of the orientation was to facilitate the hosted
students to reflect on their experiences and see if their
expectations and goals have been met so far. During the
orientation workshops, host students were able to recognize
and talk about their difficult situations which they had been
facing and how to overcome these situations. These discussions
which took place enabled them to help each other to
understand the Cultural realities .They had also talked about
their feelings and moments which they have been able
experience as a consequence of their memorable experiences.
All the host students enjoyed and had good time during Mid
Term Orientation. One of the host students shared that eating
with hand was a cultural shock for him when he arrived but now
eating by hand comes naturally to him. Some of them shared
their expectations to see Elephant on roads, learn to cook
jalebis, dance with peacock and many more which made them
go on different levels while discussing with each other.
They were happy to share about the bonds with their host
parents, siblings, teachers and elders at home. One of them
shared that she trusts her host parents and love to answer their
concern questions again and again as this is really new to her
and will surely miss it when she will be back in her country.
Someone shared that the religious values and belief her host
family is giving to her would be something which she would
remember throughout her life.
The event was successfully organized and spread over for two
days at every port. On the first day of the orientation host
students had intensive sessions which helped them to debriefed
and second day it was much on the discussion over their future
plan of actions to have a great exchange year in India followed
with a city tour.
Mid-term Orientation helped us on monitoring the progress of
all the host students. This was a successful event and
productive in terms of better understanding of the host
students. Host students on different ports thank us for
organizing Mid Term orientation as they shared that these
reflections has helped them to plan their next months of their
stay in India. They shared that this was a learning and self
reflective experience for each one of them. Last but not the
least, we would like to thank the volunteers who came to
facilitate the orientations at various ports.
07
Bravo Julia!
Hosting Stories
By Julia D. Marden, Hosted in Jodhpur, Rajasthan
As a proud member of YES Abroad student of AFS ,I Julia
D. Marden joined Rajamta Krishna Kumari Girls’ Public
School, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) on a one year exchange
program (2015-2016). Within a short span the school gave
me ample amount of opportunities to explore and groom
my personality and skills. One of the best among them
was my selection in the IPSC swimming Championship at
Vidya Devi Jindal School, Hisar. This event was organised
by the school from 9th Oct to 11th Oct 2015. Almost 19 top
IPSC schools participated in this championship.
I represented the team of RKKGPS under 19 category and
participated in the following events• Free style (400 mts)
• Breast stroke (100mts)
• Individual medley
• Rely (4x100mts) free style
• Butterfly 100 mts.
It gives me immense pleasure to write that I won the Bronze Medal in the Butterfly 100 mts event. I am
grateful the school Principal Mrs. Neera Singh and my swimming coach Ms. Sita Kumari who showed trust in
me and became the motivational force behind my victory.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrations!
By Mansi Vadgama, Host Sister of Christina Guyn, Rajkot
I am mansi Vadgama, the host sister of Christina Guyn from Rajkot.I like to share some photos of one of the
great functions ' Raksha Bandhan'.
As per our home tradition, we have celebrated it. Then we went to our Maternal Uncle's home to tie a Rakhi.
And had so much fun with them. On that day, Ahji wore Chaniya Choli the very first time. And she liked it
very much. There are some photos of that day.
08
Alumni Achievements
A National Youth Forum on drug abuse
prevention called “FIRST INDIA YOUTH FORUM”
was conducted by Colombo Plan (Drug Advisory
Plan) in collaboration with SPYM –society for
promotion of youth and masses from 06-08
September 2015 in New Delhi.
AFS alumni: Arun Sharma (YES’10), Vyom
Raisurana (YES’10) and Syed Maaz Hasan
(YES’13) were a part of this forum-conference
that was intended for students’ youth leaders
and young professionals etc.
The plenary sessions comprised of what is drug
and how harmful it is, types of drugs, addiction,
drug prevention strategies, healthcare in India,
About Colombo plan and SPYM– society for
pro-motion youth and masses.
The sessions were led by doctors, psychologist
and train professionals and full of energizers and
innovative activities to make us understand
concepts such as life skills (e.g. assertion skills).
Last day an action plan was made in order to
help the victims and to spread the awareness
about drug abuse. The participants found this
forum as a fun learning experience where they all
join their hands from different background to
empower this social cause.
Furthermore, this forum also provided a good
platform for networking and public speaking
skills. This program was full of surplus amount of
enjoyment. The participants were also awarded
participation certificate along with receiving few
books as a gift.
To read more about AFS Stories,
please visit our blog:
https://afsindiablog.wordpress.com/
IIT I Can Conference was conducted from 11 – 13
September in New Delhi, the capital city of
India. It was an honor for Syed Maaz Hasan
(YES’10) and Akash Kumar (YES’14) to be part
of IIT conference, with young minds from top
colleges and with different backgrounds. The
conference was based on a captivating model, a
simulation of the three fundamental pillars on
which the modern civilization is laid: the
Government, the Corporate and the Media.
The enthusiasm among the participants and
zeal to win at any cost made the atmosphere
overwhelming. The political parties battling
against each other, propagandizing and making
coalition in order to win the election along with
hearts of corporate who fought in the market to
gain heavy profits in market and convincing the
media for advertisements. The complexity of
this conference challenged one’s potential as a
seller, buyer, leader, graphics designer,
propagandist, politician, networker and a lot
more in order to stand out as an ultimate winner
for his/ her team.
A special certificate was awarded to Akash
Kumar for the best political party. A certificate
of participation was awarded to each and every
individual.
Last but not the least, Mr Shashi Tharoor, an
author and MP for Thiruvananthapuram gave an
inspiring speech and made the evening more
delightful.
For more details, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/iitd.delhi/posts/900
121813348717
09
Sending Stories
Discovery Day
For students going abroad
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for secondary school students to spend one academic year in the United States.
The Discovery day which is the second stage of YES Process cycle was carried in 16 cities Nasik, Indore,
Mumbai, Nagpur, Delhi, Baroda, Hyderabad, Rajkot, Anand, Bangalore, Chennai, Srinagar, Gandhinagar,
Ahmedabad, Pune and Bhubneshwar. It included activities like My name is exercise, English/Vocabulary test,
Short story through newspaper, interaction with the parents etc. It was conducted in the month of September
and first week of October and was facilitated c by the volunteers and staff members. This gave all of us a
platform to interact with students. The students were enthusiastic and pro active during the entire day.
Divyalakshya Chauhan, Hosted in Belgium Flanders
Umang Patel, Hosted in Colombia
I am very thankful to you for giving a
wonderful oppurtunity to have a
exchange year in Colombia.
And I am enjoying a lot. I also feel
wonderful as I am very first student
from India.
I am doing good. and I always
represent India in a incredible way.
10
10
Yashashvi Sharma, Hosted in USA
Sending Stories
BP Scholarship
I have completed a month in Houston and this is the best experience
I ever had. The US education system provides many opportunities to
make choices and display our talent. My host family is also very
supportive and they encourage me to try new things .This program
is promoting me to be an independent and confident individual. I am
really enjoying my stay in the United States. Thanks to BP for
providing me the scholarship.
Atharv Vyas, Hosted in Japan
Marching J Scholarship
It feels so great after completing more than 6 months in Japan. It
has been a great experience. Japan is an amazing place with rich
cultural heritage. People here are so welcoming and always ready to
help. From its wonderful people to its wonderful food japan is now
one of my favourite country in the world. I am really happy to stay in
such an awesome place. The more I learn about this place, it
fascinates me more. A thank you might be a very small word to
express my gratitude. I am giving all my efforts to imbibe, learn as
much as I can and share my culture, values and traditions as well.
Thank you so much AFS and AFS volunteers for this wonderful time
till now.
Janmashtami Celebrations
By Jasleen Kaur
On the eve of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the Delhi chapter organized
an event for the host students to experience the joyous celebration. AFS
volunteers got together with two of our host students Chiara and Pietro
(From Italy) at the ISKCON Chhipiwara Temple in Old Delhi. Our host
students actively participated in activities like aarti and kirtan and got to
learn about the history behind the festival and the temple. Dressed in
traditional Indian attire, our host students took to the floor joining the
singing and dancing devotees at the temple. We would also like to thank
Divya Ma’am for gracing the auspicious event with her presence.
Share your story/experiences
Write at - aadil.fahim@afs.org
For more information, write us at - india@afs.org
Designed by: Aadil F.
Edited by: Ridhima Chabbra
AFS Intercultural Programs India
Anand Bhawan, 12, Hailey Road, New Delhi - 110001
www.afs.org.in, +91-11-42512498 / 41501672 / 41540827
Connect with us:
https://twitter.com/IndiaAFS
Chapter Stories