YPS organised AFS Intercultural Learning Workshop
Jasbir Kapoor/ royalpatiala.in/ Patiala
Yadavindra Public School, Patiala organised an Inter Cultural Training workshop under the aegis of AFS, India, which is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation that provides intercultural learning opportunities. The workshop was conducted by the AFS Intercultural Learning Trainer, Sarita Badhwar. The two-day workshop was attended by the Director YPS, Maj Gen Sanjiv Varma, VSM (Retd), 24 teachers and a selected group of students.
In the session for students, they were encouraged to take part in several role playing activities which could broaden their perspective about themselves and the world around them. They learned to communicate and collaborate across cultures in a mindful way and also how to appreciate and encourage others irrespective of the caste and cultures, for a better and harmonious world. Dr. Sonam Dullet, Psychologist and Professional Student Counsellor from Thapar University of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, was the Keynote speaker of the workshop. She sensitised the students about the quality educational, community services and important UNESCO’s Sustainable Development goals.
The teachers had an enlightening session where they learned about new educational approach to equip the students for intercultural competences by introducing it in curriculum and daily practice, adapting different communication styles to understand diverse cultures and facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The interactive session was braced by debating and role playing activities along with cognitive and learning styles based on Kolb’s learning cycle. The idea was to upgrade their skills that will enable them to edify their students about how to be globally competent while being in different cultural environments and create a surrounding which is loaded with diversity, empathy and compassion. The session also included importance of various communication styles required to be a global change maker and leaders of tomorrow. All were encouraged to volunteer in different AFS Programs.
One needs to acquire knowledge, right attitude and behaviour to thrive in today’s inter connected world. For the global competence, one needs to be sensitive towards different cultures and also willing to adapt them whole heartedly. Who else can shoulder this responsibility better than the young generation? As, YPS is an active member of AFS, both Domestic as well as International long and short term exchange programmes are organised periodically for the students to expand their horizon and to understand and adapt diverse cultures.
