WHD in AFS | 4
2014-2015 participants
#MyAFSstory | 14
Into the
second
century AFS, originally the American Field Service, commemorates its 100 years of fostering intercultural learning, while launching more initiatives in continued service. By Princess Tolentino
I
t was a century ago when a few good men braved the dangers of war in the hopes of a better world. Now, with a workforce equally as compassionate and idealistic— and just bit larger than in its humble beginnings—AFS carries the same goal in mind, having made a difference in thousands of lives since. The AFS Centennial Celebrations were held in Paris, France from November 9 – 12 last year, and continues through the end of 2015. Over 1200 AFSers representing 57 partner countries—including AFS Philippines’ Rahiema Guerra (AFS Chair and AAI President), Hector Dimacali
Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Costa Rica Dr. Oscar Arias during his kenote address entitled ‘In The City Of Light, A Flame Of Peace’ for the ‘Learning to Live Together—from Ideas to Action: AFS Global Education Symposium’ held in the UNESCO headquarters, Paris, November 8, 2014
(Vice Chair), Armieyah Ayob (National Director), and Froskhan Abdurahim (Sending Programs Manager)—flocked to the birthplace of the American Field Service to attend events like the 2014 World Congress, AFS Returnee
AFS Philippines participates in the annual AFS
Sponsored Programs Workshop in USA By Froskhan Abdurahim
A
LEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA— Represented by its Partner Chair and AFS Asia and the Pacific Initiative (AAI) President, Rahiema Guerra, with Program Managers for Sending and Hosting, Froskhan Abdurahim and Nur Maba, AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines attended the annual gathering of partners, staff, volunteers, and consortium for the
AFS Sponsored Programs Workshop at Hilton Old Town Alexandria, King Street on March 4 – 8, 2015. In the workshop, there were Culture & Program Specific Rotating Sessions, each one hour long that offered attendees the opportunity to take a closer look at specific countries and programs. The sessions offered...
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Day, two youth symposiums, partner countries gathered for and the Centennial Gala—all in the AFS 2014 World Congress, commemoration of its 100th November 3 – 6. anniversary. Along with recognizing the Change is what we do impact AFS has had on Kick starting the celebrations countless lives in the past... in Paris, the leaders of 60 continued on page 8
Contribution:
The Benefits of
International Education By Katie Ware (Vermont, USA)
M
y wanderlust came into reality this year. I left my home in the US and I embarked on the most astounding journey. It’s changing me in all the good ways. My whole time here has been a rush of growth and learning and happiness that is so powerful. When people ask me how it’s been, I can’t bring the experience into words. There’s too much of it that it’s too intense to accurately describe. What I do know, however, is that this year made me a much better person. I’m learning so much about myself, about the Philippines, about the concept of family, and of...
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ISKOLAR 1
Message from the
National Director
I
n 2014, the AFS network celebrated a century of providing life changing experiences, intercultural learning, and volunteerism, which have, and continues to transform many to become responsible global citizens and unite in creating a more just and peaceful world. We made it known worldwide that change is what we do, and we call it the #AFSEffect. In the same year, AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines (AFS-IPP) embraced changes, innovations and transitions, and consequently rejoiced being the second fastest growing organization in the network— indeed, a fruition of the remarkable passion and commitment of our alumni, volunteers, and staff! One might ask, what’s next for AFS Philippines? For 2015, we welcome the building of an “ASEAN Community”, which further espouses (1) people-to-people exchanges as a regional necessity, (2) the country’s move to K12 Educational System, (3) the launching of ITERO (Academic, Internship, Language and Volunteer Abroad Programs) allowing us to go beyond our traditional program recipients—from high school students, to young adults and professionals seeking intercultural learning experiences, and (4) other anticipated collaborations with public and private agencies. All of these are deemed opportunities that will certainly reinforce our aim of expanding our reach, nationwide and network-wide. Hence, we have themed this year, #Build2015. With the intention of becoming more strategic—providing framework to our overall organizational structure, operational decisions and actions—AFS IPP is guided with key priorities, which are as follows: •
To invest heavily on educator & school and corporate & government relations, targeting 100 Partner Schools to send and host AFS participants, 50 schools with established AFS School Clubs, 3 Corporations and Government Institutions to fund scholarships grants and 15 teachers and educators becoming volunteers of AFS after their program participation.
•
To intensify Volunteer & Chapter Development activities relevant to operations through recognizing 50 Chapters, developing Chapter Health Snapshots, and providing more capacity building workshops to all chapters and volunteers.
•
To implement programs guided with the concept of Program Development (systematic process in implementing and evaluating programs, creation of new programs), Process Redesign (initiating actionable tactics that are consequential to return of investment, cost reduction and quality results for PSE and CSE) and Financial Sustainability/Viability (diversifying source of funds) in order to ensure quality growth at all levels.
We believe that the fulfillment of #Build2015 is in our reach with the support of 30 chapters, more than 5,000 registered volunteers, and a growing number of partner schools and community project organizations nationwide. More is also expected network-wide as the festivity of the Centennial Celebration is continued throughout this year highlighting inspiring AFSEffects stories and milestones. Keep posted for exciting announcements! Indeed, now more than ever, we are able to look forward to a more positive future!
Armieyah D. Ayob National Director
AFS Intercultural Programs Philipines 2 ISKOLAR MAY 2015
AFS Intercultural Programs and UNESCO establish official partnership By Princess Tolentino
T
he AFS Network was greeted with good news when AFS International Programs President and CEO Vincenzo Morlini officially announced consultative partnership with The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on April 20, 2015.
The #AFSeffect through hosted participants 2014 - 2015 By Deorenzie Frances Carreon
H
osted Participants for 2014 – 2015 from North America, Europe, East and Southeast Asia were gathered for their Midstay Camp, February this year. Because of Philippines’ archipelagic structure, the 41 participants were camped in three different cities nearest to their respective Host Communities. From February 12 – 14, 15 participants were gathered in Davao City, 12 in Cagayan de Oro City, and 14 in Cebu City. The Midstay Camp aims to gain perspective on the experiences of each participant at that point in their program. By knowing what the participants have gone through so far and how they felt and learned in those experiences, the National office can address the different concerns participants may have. “We aim to improve their experiences while they are on their respective programs. This involves not only addressing the concerns they might have,
but also looking into their current relationship with their host families, school, and community,” shares Hosting Programs Manager Nur Maba. “It is our goal to make sure these participants get the most out of their time in the program.”
though we have dark moments, the experience is providing light for us to grow as people of different culture.”
The educational system, the type of parenting, the food, and the concept of independence for youth in the Philippines are some of the things that When asked about his AFS ex- the participants find to be perience so far, Masanobu Tera- distinctive, in comparison to da, Year Program participant their home countries. from Japan expressed a sense of community in his fellow par- After everything, the participants. “It is nice because I ticipants were reminded by saw the other side, not only my AFS IPP staff Renelyn Lasside…that not only [I am] hav- timosa that there is a key to ing bad and good times, but making the best AFS experialso the others.” ence: them. “You are the ones making your experience. Your For participants Vera de host family, host community, Perregaux (Switzerland) and and the AFS Philippines team Sarah Newberg (USA, YES will always be there to help, Abroad), their AFS Experience but what we can do for you has been “Madly Beautiful”. will not amount to what you Kennedy Quigg (USA, YES can do for yourself.” Abroad), Juliette de Torres (France) and Agnetha Schur- The 2014 – 2015 participants gast (Germany) collectively have returned to their homes described their AFS experience last May 18 following their as a “flashlight, because even end-of-stay orientation.
The decision, first requested on November 26, 2014, was based on the “clear relevance of AFS’ work to the current programs and activities of UNESCO particularly in the fields of education, youth and intercultural dialogue,” and further strengthened by common interests and previous collaborations, especially during the two Youth Symposiums held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, November of last year, as part of AFS’ Centennial Celebrations. “The partnership, which we see as the perfect anniversary gift for our 100th birthday, is an important acknowledgement of our work in intercultural education,” wrote Eva Vitkova to the 50+ AFS Partner Countries, on behalf of AFS International. “We are glad to share that multiple examples of national and regional collaborations with UNESCO are already on the way! To name a few, UNESCO representatives recently attended the AFS-AAISIETAR Regional Conference in Bali in April 2015.” Suffice to say, the AFS network is thrilled with this collaboration, and a number of steps toward progressions in the thematic area of education, cultural heritage, intercultural learning, and youth empowerment are already on the works.
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ISKOLAR 3
The Benefits of... from page 1
friends. I’m learning so much about people. It’s making me see things in a broader way. My world is growing, and I’m understanding how to understand people.
I’ve gotten to learn so much about the culture, traditions, and history of the Philippines. I’ve also gotten to see parts of my own US culture, that I never would have taken notice of if I hadn’t learned that there was something different. There are so many differences that I’ve seen, but everything feels the same in the ways that matter. There have been challenges, miscommunications, misunderstandings, but each one has a taught me something new about the culture or about how to communicate. Each issue leaves me with
a sense of triumph, and a better compassion, and courage. More understanding of the world. abstractly, but most importantly, I’ve gotten a deep and wide International education isn’t knowledge of the people and something that can happen culture of the Philippines. I’ve in a classroom, through a TV grown to understand the culture screen, or from someone else’s of my home in the US so much experiences. It’s not about better. And all in all, my world is learning facts about a country or so much bigger now. researching. It’s also not the same thing as being a tourist; going *** abroad, looking at pretty things, Established to provide high and buying some souvenirs. It’s school students from the U.S. about talking with people who the chance to study in select are different from you, who grew countries for one academic year, up differently from you, who living with host families and have a different culture from you. attending local high schools, the It’s about learning their culture as Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange much as you can, understanding and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) them. It’s about making friends, program is a reverse program of sharing stories, and broadening YES that sends Filipino students your perception of the world. to the USA annually since 2004 The benefits that I’m going to in response to the 9/11 incident. be taking away with me when Both programs are funded by I go home are numerous. I’ve the US Department of State gained communication skills, and sponsored by the Bureau
of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA). Students are sent to select countries with significant Muslim population to immerse with families, schools, and host communities. After six years since its implementation, AFS PHI has finally become the 13th country of destination. Marking the first YES Abroad students to the PHI in 2014 are Katie Ware (Vermont to Bacolod City), Kennedy Quigg (New York to Dumaguete City), and Sarah Newberg (Maryland to Metro Manila). The 2014 – 2015 batch have been well immersed in their local chapters, proven by their rich anecdotes and new-found understanding of the Filipino culture, as seen in their output during the End-of-Stay orientation.
A Day of Awareness for a world of understanding By Natasha Omar
F
irst celebrated in 2013, World Hijab Day is an annual event that promotes the much-needed awareness to society, and aims to educate people about the origin of and reasons for the hijab. It takes place on every February 1, and on this day, nonhijabis everywhere are invited to wear a hijab, and experience a day of hijabis. Birth of World Hijab Day Nazma Khan, a Muslim woman from Bangladesh who moved to New York at the age of 11, started World Hijab Day to combat the common misconception of female oppression under a piece of scarf. She experienced a great deal of discrimination while she was growing up. The only way to end this discrimination, she thought, is to ask non-Muslims (and Muslims who do not wear hijabs) to spend a day in the shoes of hijabis. In this way, people will realize that women who wear hijabs are just like anyone else; not forced nor oppressed by religion. It is a choice of a woman to adopt herself in behaving modestly and ensure privacy.
The challenge in tradition Wearing a hijab is a way of the Muslim woman to convey a silent message that she respects her body. By covering her aurat (private parts) including hair, chest and body, she is supporting the understanding that a woman’s body is sacred—the reason why Islam encourages women to cover.
But in this day and age, many of our Muslim sisters are shying away from practicing their faith due to the misapprehension of others. They are hesitant to wear a hijab because their employers do not allow them, because it is not permissible in school, or because their environment does not support that kind of practice. This is what WHD wants to counteract. People should look
4 ISKOLAR MAY 2015
at the character and what is in * * * the person’s mind, not merely As a hijabi-Filipina living in judge their appearances. a dominantly non-Muslim community, I myself get strange World Hijab Day 2015 stares from people. However, In a collaborative effort to create that was never enough to a more harmonious society, stop me from connecting non-Muslims in 140 countries with people and wanting to warmheartedly supported open their minds to diversity. World Hijab Day this year, giving Bid’ah (a way to educate) to This is my first year to join the movement. I encouraged my friends and officemates to wear a hijab the whole day and I explained to them the real meaning of using a hijab to women of my faith.
brothers and sisters around the world. Many people shared their experiences through social media, and as a result, a website was created where people could see where and how to participate in the event. A step like this gives opportunity for every individual to understand and respect differences, and brings the world into different perspective of “Freedom”.
Through her participation, Raphaela Matias, an AFS Staff and a Catholic said, “It feels different. My experience of wearing a hijab for the first time and walking the streets [with it] made me realize how society can be discriminating. The hijab is light and soft, but on the day I wore it, the way society had looked at me was heavy. The hijab is an important and beautiful part of a Muslim woman’s being, and it means more than what it looks like. I learned on that day that it must be worn and seen with respect.”
Seeing the world with AFS,
first stop: Philippines By Christin Arndt
O
influences. The diversity of the landscape impressed me: beautiful sandy beaches beside the blue water, high dangerous volcanos next to the green rice fields. Now, and for the next months, I’ll be living in one of My name is Christin Arndt. I am the biggest cities like I always a 24-year old intern working in dreamed about. the AFS Philippines National Office, all the way from It’s more fun Germany. My friends would Many things here seem so describe me as open-minded, different from in Germany, but and interested in the world, in some cases they are similar. because I like to travel and When I think about time—a discover foreign countries. cliché but it is true—I’m mostly After I got my degree in Public on time, but Filipinos have Administration, I worked for the a different interpretation of German government for a time. time. Here I learned to be more After that, I decided that I’d like flexible. to make a new experience in a different working field: a non- The Filipinos I’ve met are very friendly and outgoing people governmental organization. who like to celebrate, and especially to sing—a little bit like The start of a journey Since the middle of January Hispanic people. They are also this year, I’ve been in the Metro very touchy and passionate, Manila, Philippines under the and that’s a good thing, even Intercultural 18+ program. I though that’s different from my decided to approach AFS character. because it is a worldwide network of many partners, and I read that the people in the I can say that being part of a Philippines are smiling people. team which supports young How true! Here are so many people to make intercultural friendly, warm-welcoming peoexperiences abroad, opening ple. So me as a foreigner, I can their eyes to the world, is just smile back and shine away! unbelievable! I myself did not know that much about The food, I noticed too, is Philippines before I came to this different from what I’m used country. That was one of the to in Germany. When I think reasons why I wanted to come about the many dishes I”ve here—to discover a new culture tried, they always have a lot of through a different facet, to be meat or fish. And, of course: rice at least three times a more than just a tourist. day. I like the fresh fruits here I read during my research that especially mango. It is part of the Philippines was a tropical an intercultural exchange to country with mixed cultural try as much as possible and for ut of the personal comfort zone! This was what I had in mind when I decided to spend one year abroad, away from my familliar environment.
me it means to try a lot. But I also observed few similarities in both cultures. The family is important in both cultures just in different ways. Also spending time together with friends, talking and eating which is the easiest way of having fun. Some dreams of young people are comparable like having a good job, getting a partner and travelling. After these few months, I’m now sure that it was a good decision to go to the Philippines. I’m excited for the next month. I made great experiences that I could never have at home: meeting people; learning a lot about a culture unknown to me, living and working in a totally different environment. The personal experiences you will make abroad will change your life. You will develope intercultural skills, which makes it easier to interact, and get in contact with people of different nationalities. Of course you can travel individually, but to be part at an organization like AFS means to be a member on a worldwide family. Let’s make some experiences and become a citizens of the world!
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ISKOLAR 5
Contribution: Kasey Perez, Year Program Participant (Dominican Republic to Dapitan City, 2014 - 2015)
F
rom the start, when I knew that I have the opportunity to live 10 months abroad in a total different country, I was so exited, ‘cause that was one of my dreams, my expectations were to learn English, to eat more things and be more mature and independent; now, that my AFS experience is almost finish, I know that those are just few for all of the things that an exchange student is able to learn.
and downs, sometimes I miss my family and friends, some specials days, like Christmas, I feel homesick, or sometimes I have a culture shock like when there is no toilet paper or like when we went to eat at the cemetery, also, some people won’t be part of your happiness. But, that’s okay. I just have to manage it, understanding that in every Disney Story there is a villain, and that around every light spot there it a dark one, so every positive thing has its negative At the beginning, when I was part, even if it is very small. leaving Dominican Republic, I started asking myself if leaving My days in this country are for ten months is necessary to numbered, so I try to give be more mature, independent or everyday a different meaning eat new things, Or if it worth one year of my university studies? I was asking myself why am I doing this? In that moment I told myself that maybe the answer is no, maybe yes, but I won’t know if I don’t do it. It’s like we have a book, everyday is a different page, and this experience is a big chapter, we call that book of “LIFE” and we’ll choose if this will be our best chapter.
or experience, now I make sure that my days won’t be wasted being mad, nothing is more important than a shinning smile, the Philippines taught me that being mad, even in the worst circumstances, is not an option. I’ve done the goals that I purposed myself before coming here, and more. I was not expecting to be Miss University, or to find friends from all over the world—some of which became more than friends. They are family. I also learned, aside from English, Bisaya. I didn’t expect that after this I was going to appreciate more my family, even myself also.I never chose the
Philippines; the destiny chose me and I’m proud to say that it took the right decision. For me, eat a completely different food, deal with people of different customs, be part of another type of family, speak another language, study with a different type of education system, live in other CULTURE, that’s an opportunity to have a new start, and in that new start you Learn who you really are. Don’t forget that this year is just a practice of what you learned all your life, and then the rest of your life will be the practice of what you learn this year.
When I arrived in the Philippines, I noticed that the people are so kind, they are the most hospitable possible, they made me feel part of them, they made me feel like at home, and it was not because it was the beginning cause now, that I have 8 months, it still like that. But it doesn’t mean that its been a perfect year, it has its ups
AFS Philippines participates in the annual...
from page 1
some country specifics contextual and factual information that highlighted cultural significance and values. The event is home to the international bazaar—an opportunity for the AFS Partner countries represented by their respective delegates to learn about each country. It was also an avenue to learn more about the cultures of students hosted in USA, as well as the countries that host students from the US.
kicked off with an inspirational introduction and holistic overview of AFS’s Inbound and Outbound Sponsored Programs, funding, grants, donors, and improvement, and advancement of relationships between AFS and local communities around the world.
The initial session, “Let’s Get Ready for Capitol Hill”, prepared attendees for Capitol Hill visits, and included information regarding respective appointments. In addition, a session on “Preparing for Visits on Capitol Hill” by guest speaker Mark Overmann (Alliance for International Education) went over some practical tips on meeting congressional Carrying the theme “Be representatives, and answered the Change”, the 2015 AFS questions that workshop attendSponsored Programs Workshop ees may have about the visits. It 6 ISKOLAR MAY 2015
also discussed the role congress The workshop included the plays in supporting the key pro- participation of international grams AFS takes part in. partner staff and board members from Egypt, Ghana, India, The Capitol Hill Visit is an Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, opportunity for the participants, Mozambique, Russia, Saudi and current program participants Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, and to share how AFS Sponsored Turkey. There were also attendees programs have impacted their from the US, which included AFS lives, families, and communities, USA staff and volunteers, US both in the United States and in Department of State, staff and their home country. local coordinators from a number of placement organizations In the “Social Entrepreneurship such as the following: Program Changemaker Session” delivered for Academic Exchange (PAX), by Dominik Scherrer, participants Youth For Understanding (YFU), were provided a chance to learn World Learning, American how to best engage youth Institute for foreign Study (AIFS)in social entrepreneurship Academic Year in America (AYA), initiatives through community CCI Greenheart, Iowa Resource collaboration, and how the for International Service (IRIS), Changemaker methodology American Cultural Exchange can enrich both volunteer and Service (ACES), and STS participant involvement. Foundation.
AFS IPP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rahiema Guerra Partner Chair
Meet the AFS Philippines team
Hector Dimacali Vice Chair
Arturo Valdez Treasurer
Zonnette Villavelez Finance Manager
Armieyah Ayob National Director
Jiselle Alisasis
Grace Tarun
Finance Support internal
Froskhan Abdurahim Sending Programs  Manager
Raphaela Matias
Natasha Omar
ITERO Coordinator, High School Programs Coordinator, Sending Sending
Nur Maba
Hosting Programs Manager
Renelyn Lastimosa Frances Carreon
Mahid Macadato
Finance Clerk
Nur-Ayra Pebanco
Administration & Volunteer & Chapter Development Coordinator Logistics Coordinator
Christin Ardnt
ITERO Coordinator, High School Programs Intern - Volunteer & Coordinator, Hosting Chapter Development Hosting
Princess Tolentino
Communications & Branding Coordinator
Jericho Montellano
Intern - Communications & Branding
Marfe Gaddi
Intern - Hosting MAY 2015
ISKOLAR 7
Into...
from page 1
century, it was where the “AFS Effect: Daring to Create Change” campaign (also the theme of the congress) was launched. Pointing back to AFS’s roots, it magnifies the fact that the organization has always been comprised of people who dare to make a difference. The campaign encourages members of the AFS community to, among many things, look at their lives differently—like for example, how AFSers are able to promote cultural understanding with their gained intercultural knowledge and experiences. With several communication methods like the widespread use of the #AFSeffect hashtag, AFSers everywhere are invited to contribute to the campaign by sharing what the AFS Effect means to them through words, and actions such as events and initiatives. And for AFS International Senior Consultant for Branding & Marketing, Magnus-Andreas S. Aase, “The #AFSeffect is having thousands of friends around the world that I haven’t yet met—being part of a global community that wants to learn how to live together by better understanding—and respecting—cultures different from their own.” The theme also calls on delegates present in congress to identify develop opportunities for organization’s growth.
the the and the
AFS Philippines was one of the organizations that received the ICL Award (for the project “ICL in our Own Backyard: Mural Painting Contest”) during the World Congress. Recipients of the award also include AFS Australia, AFS Serbia, and AFS Turkey, while volunteers Rodrigo Antonio FerradaGonzalez (CHI), Ulises Boom (DOM), Monique Buffin (FRA), and Sharon Held (USA) each received Galatti Awards for their outstanding service.
Talk about the future Staying true to the #AFSeffect, the Centennial Celebrations in Paris hosted two youth Symposiums centered on positive change and the implications of a world growing more and more globally interdependent.
reach and cultivate partners, advocates, influencers, thought leaders and potential global citizens—young and old—especially those living or working in areas of great turmoil,” explains Melissa Liles, Chief Education Officer of AFS Intercultural Programs.
On November 8, 2014, the ‘100 Years Young! AFS Youth Symposium’ allowed thought leaders to discuss and debate about the challenges of global citizenship education and the future of intercultural learning, in hopes of advancing appropriate projects and collaborations.
Held at the UNESCO Headquarters, the culminating event ‘Learning to Live Together—from Ideas to Action: AFS Global Education Symposium’ then concluded the AFS Youth Workshop & Symposium where globally esteemed luminaries in peace building and education, like Dr. Oscar Arias (Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former President of Costa Rica), Vigdís Finnbogadóttir (former President of Iceland and the world’s first woman
“The mission for the AFS Global Symposium and the momentum for AFS going forward is to drive the global citizenship education movement to
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democratically elected as a constitutional head of state), Andreas Schleicher (head of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), Éric Falt, Assistant Director-General at UNESCO), and J. Brian Atwood (Chair of Global Policy Studies at the University of Minnesota, former Administrator of USAID, and member of the AFS Board of Trustees) spoke to the audience. In his inspirational keynote address entitled ‘In The City Of Light, A Flame Of Peace’, Dr. Arias re-established education as the only solution to the world’s problems, and ignited AFS’s role as facilitators of such solution as it shifts to be recognized as an educational organization.
Return and reconnect: a reunion like no other The highlights of the ‘AFS Returnee Day’ include both formal and informal activities like discussions, presentations, breakout sessions, cultural concerts (featuring the performance of AFS Staff!), and the display of the AFS Ambulance 255. AFS Returnees were not the only ones present in the Historic Celebration. AFS spouses, Partners, Volunteers, Host Families, Sending Families, Staff, supporters, and friends of all ages joined in on the fun—resulting to more than 700 AFSers representing the entire AFS Global Community crowding the the Palais des Congrès, Paris on November 7, 2014. The AFS Ambulance 255 is an original 1916 Model T Ford with a newly constructed body, and is currently touring France in honor of the empire the WWI AFS Volunteer Ambulance Drivers started.
“Education is the only answer to the crime of war. Education is the only light in the darkness. May the light of the American Field Service shine ever brighter, driving out the gloom of night, bringing forth the new day our children deserve.”
AFS Centennial Gala Dinner The Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile saw a dazzling parade of dressed up AFSers for the Centennial Gala Dinner, November 8, 2014 following the two youth symposiums. To cap the Centennial Celebrations, representatives of 57 AFS Partner countries wore their respective national attires, and just like a birthday party, the AFS community celebrated 100 years with toasts, cakes, and dancing.
Ward Chamberlin, David Ford, and forum on October 18, 2014, Art Howe, Dick Morrill and where prominent AFSers were Robert Sawhill, completed the featured speakers. night as well. Also celebrating their 60th year Drinks all around (the world)! in the network, AFS Argentina The events in Paris were only and Uruguay held a 3-day the beginning of a grander Youth Volunteer forum on April celebration of AFSers 16 – 18, 2015, building on two worldwide. The Centennial Year symposiums held in Paris. Celebrations continue until the end of the year with AFS AFS Czech Republic also Partners making more noise in joined in on the celebrations in their respective countries. the form of a full AFS Global Changemakers Scholarship. To Making national television in start the scholarship campaign, Italy on January 30, 2015, AFS they gathered around 100 Italy produced a 30-minute interested students and their documentary on AFS’s timeline. parents to a screening of Apart from that, on May 1 – 3, the internationally acclaimed 2015, a conference themed Chilean film, No (2012). “Learning to Live Together: Humanitarianism, Reconciliation In the same spirit, AFS Canada and Education for Plural offered a reduction in the Societies” was held in Trento, program fees in their core Italy. The touring AFS Ambulance programs in 2016. was also exhibited in this event, becoming a main attraction to AFS Russia created a fun locals and tourists. Featuring 16 archived-based history quiz internationally known speakers, for AFS Participants and the conference was attended by Volunteers. over 500 AFS volunteers from Italy and other parts of Europe. The Asian touch Greatly influenced by the On December 4, 2014, AFS symposiums held in the USA had their Centennial UNESCO Headquarters last Celebration in New York, which November, the AFS Asia and also served as a fundraising the Pacific Initiative (AAI), with event for their ongoing AFS International and Society program and Second Century for Intercultural Education, Campaign. The event was even Training and Research graced by the presence of two (SIETAR) Indonesia organized AFS WWII Ambulance drivers. an international conference hosted by AFS Indonesia in AFS Dominican Republic, Bali, Indonesia, between April too, held a nation-wide 15 and 17 this year. Among the Celebration on September 20, attendees were Mrs. Guerra, Ms.
Light is what AFS brings into the world every year through its educational programs, and light is what I see before me here today, in the faces of people who have devoted their lives to this groundbreaking organization and today celebrate a century of success.
The youth-led interactive workshop was initially developed through online forums and a series of webinars in order to facilitate in-depth discussion within and beyond the 120 students and educators (ages 30 and under) representing 29 countries, proving to be a true milestone in AFS history. Entertainment and inspiration in the form of performances by Over 1000 people participated the Battery Dance Company in the event, including AFS and excerpts from the Philippines alumnae Aludia documentary ‘The Drivers’ by Nola and Camilla Labog. Tracy Christian, which gave tribute to WWII AFS Drivers
2014 attended by 500 AFSers Ayob, and Mr. Dimacali. including representatives of the Puerto Rican Office of Foreign With speakers like representaAffairs. tive of the Advisory Council to the Director General of Higher In Berlin, AFS Germany Education – Indonesia Dr. Irid organized a fundraising dinner Agoes, Professor Emeritus of the MAY 2015
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University of Virginia Michael H. Prosser, and Chief Education Officer, AFS International Melissa Liles, the ‘Learning to Live Together—Intercultural Education: From Ideas to Action international conference’ was the first regional conference on Global Education and will continue with the second gathering planned to be held in Australia in April 2016.
hosted around the AAI region, and will continue on throughout 2015. AFS Philippines has so far sent 37 volunteers—10 to India, 19 to China, four to Indonesia, and another four to Malaysia— under the program.
AFS Philippines also created a photograph installment during the AAI Regional Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, March 2014, showing rich AFS History. Not to get left behind in the worldwide centennial celebrations, AFS Philippines will have a grand AFS alumni gathering to be held September this year. 100 Volunteers Abroad for 100 Years of AFS It’s not everyday an organization that started with the initiative of 15 ambulance drivers turns 100. That’s why celebrations throughout the AFS Network weren’t limited to events and gatherings. Standing as a token of recognition as well to the heart and driving force of AFS operations, ‘100 Volunteers Abroad for 100 years of AFS’ was conceived in celebration and appreciation of committed local AFS volunteers within the AAI region. The volunteers are sent to the AAI partner countries (Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand) where they spend two weeks living with host families and attend or visit schools and universities to broaden their knowledge in intercultural learning, with key expenses paid by the sending AFS Partner Country. Since the program’s launch in 2013, over 80 local AFS volunteers have been sent and
Peace builders born from war Developing graduate scholarships for French and American Universities in between the two world wars (1920s and 1930s) marked American Field Service’s first step taken toward interstate student exchanges, but that wasn’t the beginning of AFS. The year was 1915. Volunteer ambulance drivers in Paris under the leadership of A. Piatt Andrew established the American Field Service after the outbreak of the First World War. Before then, the ambulances only retrieved wounded soldiers in railheads, which proved to be insufficient to the American volunteers who would soon start AFS Intercultural Programs. After pleading to officials of the French army, the foreign volunteer ambulance drivers formerly prohibited into battle zones were donning the success of a trial run, transporting wounded soldiers and supplies in the frontlines of the war. The service continued on, having
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driven over 700,000 wounded soldiers from battlefields to the hospital, and having numbered more than 2500 volunteers. AFS was already facilitating exchanges between the US and France when the Second World War broke out, and the American Field Service—this time fully composed of civilians—found itself in service once again. His firsthand experience of the devastations of war jolted Stephen Galatti to challenge his comrades to develop the organization into the path of peace building. Shaping world leaders that would mirror the bravery and the proactive initiatives of the American Field Service ambulance drivers—that was the vision of Galatti. And through establishing a culture of understanding and empathy, the forefathers formed the organization into what it would become. So after 250 AFS Drivers met and discussed the future of the organization, the second batch of student exchanges came into operation under the evolved AFS Intercultural Programs Inc. Fast forward to today, AFS is now a world leader in providing intercultural opportunities with over 55 AFS organizations worldwide, sending over 13,000 students and teachers to over 80 different countries every year. Since 2014, AFS has launched ITERO Programs, which now cater to young adults and professionals over 18 years old. ITERO offers Academic (University) Programs, Internship Programs, Volunteer Abroad Programs, and Language Programs—a breakthrough for AFS programs which largely accommodated high school students in the past.
*** Irony. Irony is, among many words, an accurate description of the sequence of events leading to the vision of AFS. For many, it’s not difficult to comprehend how an organization that advocates for peace was founded in the midst of war. In a world as vast as this, it is not uncommon to hastily come to conclusions regarding things that are different from what they’re accustomed to. And from those misconceptions of people, beliefs, views, and practices, conflicts arise. Imagine this whole world as a classroom, our personal experiences as teachers. We are all students of the world in this scenario. The more we learn, the more we see the necessity of peace and understanding in a world so diverse. Peace is not merely the absence of war, but also the presence of respect and understanding. And, as an educational organization, it is AFS’s mission to connect people and show everyone, by providing eye-opening experiences, that we as citizens of this world have more similarities than differences. “Light is what the American Field Service has brought into the world. For one hundred years, and now in one hundred countries, your organization has offered a flame of knowledge in the gloom of ignorance; a spark of tolerance in the shadows of hate; the makings of the dawn of peace after a long night of war. Light is what AFS brings into the world every year through its educational programs, and light is what I see before me here today, in the faces of people who have devoted their lives to this groundbreaking organization and today celebrate a century of success.” (Oscar Arias, ‘In The City Of Light, A Flame Of Peace’) Peace through learning has been the goal of AFS for the past 100 years, and with its growth, AFS will continue on with this vision—one student of the world at a time—into its second century.
Education is the only answer to the crime of war. Education is the only light in the darkness. May the light of the American Field Service shine ever brighter, driving out the gloom of night, bringing forth the new day our children deserve.
MAY 2015
ISKOLAR 11
AFSers' Corner
We asked AFSers to share their AFS stories through essays and photos. They’ve seen the world. Now, see theirs.
One journey - thousands of memories By Jorjani Sinsuat
My name is Jorjani S. Sinsuat, an 18-year old college sophomore taking up Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science at San Pedro College, Davao City. I’m a simple person; I love to eat, I enjoy sleeping and I surf the internet A LOT! But there is one unforgettable part in my life that changed me forever and they can be summed up with 11 letters – AFS-IPP KLYES. They may be ordinary letters for some, but for me, these letters would help me shape the person that I am today. When I started out high school, I never thought that I would fly thousands of miles away and spend an entire year in a foreign country but destiny simply played the story for me. After being chosen as a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program Finalist, I never really had a clear vision on what to expect in the States except one thing and that is to make the best memories I could possibly have, and I did. Through the help of the World Link, Inc. I was situated in a home with a very loving couple in Ohio, Harry and Ann – The Launders and a fellow exchange student from Serbia, Matija Veselinovic. For some, they may be strangers but for me, they are family. Words are not enough to express my gratitude towards these people. They helped me a lot during my adjustment period, they were there when I needed someone to talk to and of course, we would always find time to eat meal together. I couldn’t ask for more! I also appreciated their understanding and adjustments during the Ramadhan (Fasting) period! As a kid from the Philippines, I would shiver all the time due to the cold nature of Ohio but it was overpowered by the warmth of the welcoming arms of my host family and my host school. I met a lot of new friends in school where I was able to learn a lot when it comes to American
“Kazoku dakara.”
Denib Josette M. Suguitan Teacher, C.L.E. Department Xavier School AFS PHI - JAPAN 2008 It was the eve of the the New Year 2008. The day before, I spent with friends I met in the local Catholic Church. It was fun. I was tired. My host family fetched me from my friends’ place. “Get some rest, for tonight you’ll experience the New Year the Japanese way.” Like the other family gatherings, I was excited. Truly, an AFS way of doing things, I thought as I dozed off to my siesta.
Harry Launder, Jorjani Sinsuat (Me), Ann Launder and Matija Veselinovic (Double placement brother)
politics and its history. Thank you, Riverdale! And by the way, the school pride during football games is unbelievable! My KL-YES experience also served as an avenue for great leadership experiences of which I was able to apply and share when I came back. A single academic year gave me the chance to build new friendships from all over the world and to understand who I really and what I can contribute as the future of our nation. It was an experience that opened my mind to realities of our world and broke the stereotypes I once had towards certain people and certain nationalities. I was able to prove that the world can coexist and that we can all become friends despite of our differences. And it may seem a small amount of time but with this ONE SINGLE JOURNEY, I will never forget and will always cherish THOUSANDS of MEMORIES while living thousands of miles away.
to another family, so as to allow the host family to respond to the emergency accordingly. She asked me if I wanted to transfer. Deep in my heart, I know I don’t want to. They have been my family for the months. Tears. Tears flowing down my cheeks. I know she felt my hesitation. “It’s okay,” she said. “You don’t have to transfer. Kazoku dakara.” “We’re a family.” I embraced her, the way I would embrace my real mother. It was the most moving moment of my AFS experience.
I was able to face the challenges of life because of my family. The same things goes with the my AFS experience. I had a fruitful AFS experience because I had a family. A movie describes it perfectly: “Family means no I woke up a few hours later because of a loud knocking on my door. It was one gets left behind or forgotten.” my host mother, crying. Crying very hard. She told me (in Japanese) that our grandfather, someone I have lived with for a considerable length of No one gets left behind or forgotten. I was never left behind. We endured time, died in his sleep. I was shocked, like my host mother, like the rest of the sad loss of a family member. I experienced something I did not look the family. But it is what she said after breaking the news that consoled me, forward to. But it enriched me. Knowing the culture of my host family. eventually leaving an imprint in my heart. Knowing every single member of the family after the wake, the cremation, the burial. Knowing how it means to be a family. My host mother told me that existing AFS protocols say that when an emergency happens with the host family, the AFSer should be transferred No one gets left behind or forgotten. Kazoku dakara. 12 ISKOLAR MAY 2015
“It’s hard to come back.”
the Philippines, from President, Education minister of Indonesia even the Philippines ambassador for Indonesia. Now, I am so proud to call myself “AFS-er”. I survived 10 months without my family, friends, cats, and I am Tika Roswanti, AFS student from Indonesia. I saw this essay contest a everything, finally I am out from my comfort zone and be able to see the while ago, and here is my AFS story. new world named “Philippines”. Tika Roswanti
When you’re about to start your exchange year, they warn you, “It’s hard AFS changed me, I’m glad to be a part of AFS, I have new friends, I have to come back.” new cultures, new world, fantastic year, new languages, second family, new life, I have precious memories, and everything. And you don’t get it; you don’t get it until you live it. Months passed, I learnt a lot from my exchange year here in the Philippines, even though memories are made with host-family, friends, AFS friends you are now it’s just 10 months, but I realized what other people couldn’t have from my attached to. Slowly but surely, the idea of returning is growing in your head. exchange year, “Experience”. Before you leave you have so much fun to do, say goodbye to everyone, eat everything you loved and craved, pack gifts and foods for people waiting This exchange year means a lot to me, from sadness to happiness, for you, say goodbye to your favorite places, knowing that you might never everything blend together as my precious experiences, and yes We are the see them again, and you realize—it is. mighty AFS-er! Life taught me to be more independent, not to be selfish, and consider everything to make a decision! Now, I’m no longer an Indonesian citizen, Let me tell you. To be an AFS from Indonesia is not that easy. In my year but I’m Tika Roswanti the global citizen, and I’m happy because I have (2013-2014 selections), I have to eliminate 9000 students from every friends in every side of the world. part of Indonesia, because AFS only choose 48 people to be a part of it. First selection, second selection, third selection, National selection, and There are days, there are times, when you feel like you’ve walked so far, International selection. when the voice inside you is complaining that it’s all uphill, that it always will be. And then, after all that, way beyond your blue horizon, you see the At first I was like, “I don’t think I will be able to be a part of it.” But because biggest mountains you’ve ever seen, and you think, “I can’t do that.” the power of prayers and my hard work, I am now proud to say that I am a part of AFS Philippines—I got a scholarship. Well, I hope you always have somebody who tells you that you can. Like I’m telling you now. And remember, 10 months of your exchange student’s life I was so happy, I met a lot of successful people before my departure to will be with you… FOREVER. It is harder to go back.
The Lovely Dutch Girl Joyce P. Imperio
girl, Irisjka Salomè, a foreign exchange student from Netherlands. She looked excited when I handed her a spare violin and a compilation of pieces. Surprisingly, she’s the same girl my friend Mae was telling me. That was our first official meeting.
Music connects people—that’s how Irisjka and I got connected. That same day, I felt the desire to host her. She speaks politely and I can see My name is Joyce P. Imperio, from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. I hosted for in her eyes the longing for something she couldn’t express. I immediately the first time an AFS student, Irisjka Salome from The Netherlands, for only whispered a prayer that God would let me take care of this girl. three months (transfer of host-family) from Feb -May 2015. My experience December 30, 2013 – It was my daughter’s with her is truly remarkable since I birthday. I invited her to our house. She met really took it seriously as I treated her my family and our clan at a get-together meal. not just a host-daughter but as my own Everyone welcomed her and made her feel the youngest child in the family. joy of being part of our family. My mother and my sisters noticed my strange connection with November 8, 2013 - I saw my longtime Irisjka. Her stares and hugs made them think friend Mae on Facebook. She asked if she’s like my biological daughter. I know someone who can lend a violin for the foreign student they’re hosting. I February 20, 2014 - God heard and granted couldn’t find a way to help her because my desire. She moved to our house for transfer I also use my violin. I jokingly told her of host family. My husband and I really felt to let the girl stay with us so she could the responsibility of being parents to this 18use our instruments at home. year old girl, who always shows kindness and respect. She’s sweet and pleasant and often Out of my curiosity, I asked her how wanted to feel loved and cared. She helped me we, too, can host a foreign student in the house in any way she could and tried because I was really interested. “Let not to miss a day or night without practicing the AFS know about your willingness the piano or the violin. A very obedient child. to host”, she said. I told my husband about it, but he was hesitant. Irisjka became a big part of me. I miss her laughter, hugs, music, stories – I miss my During our first violin practice in November, Via, my violin student asked “additional daughter”. Her three-month stay with us was full of music and me if I could allow her friend to sit-in or join our group. I laughed and told happiness. her that it’s okay. She was happy with my reply. If the strings of the violin connected our hearts and music intertwined our November 20, 2013 – Two girls excitedly entered my classroom while we souls - I’m sure that prayers strengthen our connection with each other and were in the middle of a piece. Via introduced to me this tall, white, lovely with HIM, who made all things possible. MAY 2015
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“We all come from different cultures; we all raised differently. We all see things differently, but instead of focusing on our differences, we focus on our common ground”
-Tsidkenu Josheb
Enzell Jerome Romero
14 ISKOLAR MAY 2015
“What’s gonna work? The answer is Teamwork. Active voluteers are the lifeblood of AFS IPP Dapitan Chapter. We work together to build and strenghten the framework of the organization. Unity of the Hosting Coordinators is explicitly displayed in bright, orange colored uniform.”
-Shekainah Shamma Santiago