11/1/2009 - International Year of Reconciliation

AFS commits to UN cause

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2009 the International Year of Reconciliation.

Recognising the need for people around the world to unite in the face of great adversity, this initiative seeks to honour and empower the principle that we can only change the world if all peoples come together and learn to respect the diversity of perspectives that make every individual, every culture unique.

The powerful concept of reconciliation need not only apply to the tragedies that have struck children, women and men alike in countries that seem light years away from our shores. Global injustices and the prejudices and ideas that invoke such action, affect us all in one way or another. In fact it would be hard to believe that we would remain unmoved, untouched or unmotivated to do something.

Reconciliation is a process that begins with each individual. It continues to create an enduring human experience more powerful, inspiring and meaningful than we could ever imagine or hope to achieve in isolation.

This year, AFS commits itself to helping young people reach out to families, friends, neighbours, co-workers and colleagues from all walks of life and all streams of thought through intercultural exchange.

Young people of the contemporary world are genuinely concerned about the instability and injustice that plagues the world at large. But they have the energy, vision and potential to seek a more promising and peaceful future.

Where there is desolation, poverty, discrimination and war- they see endless possibilities for change. What they need is the opportunity to find the confidence, leadership skills, knowledge and resources to make their voices heard. An AFS exchange experience gives them the opportunity to live and learn – they forge their own unique subjective path on this incredible journey.

Going on exchange to live in a different world; where the people, culture and way of life seem alien; can sound daunting. It takes heart, commitment and an open mind. But the challenges and barriers that once seemed so absolute are of no comparison to how much more involved, informed and inspired young people become when they return home. They genuinely extend their repertoire of cultural knowledge and become part of a community. With every student that we send on exchange, we further the process of reconciliation one person at a time by establishing dialogue between cultures.

These young ambassadors are also the key to localising the reconciliation process- all that they learn on their exchange journey; they share with their family, friends and the wider community. This chain of knowledge creates a shared experience and spreads the infectious spirit of reconciliation.

Fear not the differences between your world and the world a thousand miles or perhaps a few paces away from you, for these differences are what enable us to learn from each other. As long as we remain wary of the different ways people speak, eat, dress, walk or sit; we deprive ourselves of creating an enduring sense of solidarity by exchanging knowledge. By connecting with each other, we add another brushstroke to the picture of peace we all hold close to our hearts.

Unite to change the way we think about each other, by respecting and recognising how different ways of thinking throughout time have shaped and will continue to create a diverse human experience.

For more information about the International Year of Reconciliation, click here

We relate to each other because we are similar. We learn from each other because we are different