‘ENABLING OUR CHILDREN TO BE HARBINGERS OF GLOBAL PEACE’

Hosting students and teachers of different countries on exchange programmes enables our students and teachers to understand cultures different from theirs, develop respect for them and embed internationalism in the school curriculum.Transcending the barriers of discrimination and developing reverence for the human family benefits them in becoming messengers of peace and nurture global citizenship amongst them.

 

Reciprocal Teacher Exchange Programme with Creative Academy, Nepal

October 27, 2024

Six educators of Creative Academy, Nepal visited Choithram Education Unit (ESU) as a part of the Reciprocal Teacher Exchange Programme from October 20 to October 27, 2024 to explore diverse teaching methodologies and foster meaningful cross-cultural interactions. The educators are Mr. Kaushal Oli, Head International Relations and Exchange, Ms. Drishty Shreshta, Primary Level Leader for Grades 2-4, Ms. Kusum Shreshtha, Senior Level Leader, Ms. Nirjala Maharjan, Grade 5 Leader, Ms. Karen Dizon Liclican Rai, Grade 1 Leader and Ms. Bina Somai, Social Science Leader for Grades 6-8.

During their stay, the educators visited all four schools under the Choithram ESU: Choithram School, Choithram School North Campus, Choithram International, and Tirathbai Kalachand School. Each school welcomed the visitors with vibrant ceremonies featuring captivating dance and song performances by students. The delegation also visited Choithram College of Nursing, Choithram College of Paramedical Sciences, and Choithram Hospital and Research Centre.

At Choithram School, the day began with a special assembly themed ‘Festivals of India’, where the delegates witnessed the vibrant culture of India and were warmly welcomed by Vice Principal, Mr. Santosh Mishra. The welcome ceremony featured a delightful song and an energetic South Indian dance performance, Kollatam. Ms. Raminder Mac, Dean Internationalism, shared insights into the exchange programmes and the delegates were presented with gifts as tokens of gratitude.

The educators from Nepal conducted interactive sessions and activities for students, including a light experiment for Grade 1, a lesson on types of seeds for Grade 5, and heritage-related games for Grade 7. Ms. Drishty Shreshta led a professional development session for teachers on the SAMR Model, a framework that integrates technology into teaching practices, while Mr. Kaushal Oli took a session on the use of Generative AI with Gemini in educational practices.

The mentors from Nepal observed various classes to learn about the teaching methodologies employed in the school. Ms. Navneet Bhatia, HOD, Science Department, Junior School shared insights on using storytelling techniques for teaching Science through action research

Outside the classroom, the delegation explored Indore’s cultural landmarks, including Rajwada Palace, Chhatri Bagh, Kanch Mandir, Lal Bagh Palace, Annapurna Mandir, Phoenix Mall, Chhapan Dukan, Nakhrali Dhani and visited teachers’ homes as a part of host family visit. They also participated in the Teachers’ Annual Function of the Choithram ESU showcasing their vibrant Nepal culture.

Students from Santa María del Pilar School, Spain on Reciprocal Student Exchange Programme

September 28, 2024

Seven students from Santa María del Pilar School, Zaragoza, Spain were engaged in a four-week cultural exchange programme at Choithram School from September 4 to September 28, 2024. They were accompanied by two educators, Mr. Alberto Nicolás García, International Exchange Programs Coordinator and Mr. Sergio del Río Lanero, who visited the school for two days. During their visit, the Spanish students were hosted by families of Choithram School students to experience the diverse culture of India. Choithram School students who hosted them will visit Santa María del Pilar School, Zaragoza, Spain from September 29, 2024 to October 25, 2024.

This group of four girls and three boys explored various Indian art forms, including Mandana, clay pottery, Garba, folk music, as well as cricket, football, and traditional games. They visited Mandav, Indore Museum, Lalbagh Palace and Taj Mahal to deepen their historical understanding. They interacted with students from grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 taught them Spanish greetings and numerals while learning Hindi in return.

They worked with grade 11 students on a collaborative project SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities titled ‘Green Roots’. They visited the Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL) along with their host siblings to carry out a project on ‘Urban Mobility’ related to SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The students will compile the information in Indore and similar places when they visit Zaragoza in Spain.

They also visited other sister schools of Choithram School and colleges to broaden their interactions. The students participated in the Ganesh Pooja arti and received blessings from the deity. They also engaged with the student council, house council, and the School Innovation Council of the school.

 

Students and Teachers From Nguyen Hue High School, Hanoi, Vietnam Visit Choithram School

December 29, 2023

Nguyen Hue High School, Hanoi, Vietnam and Choithram School Manik Bagh, Indore, India concluded a successful reciprocal teacher and student exchange programme, fostering a deeper appreciation of each other’s culture and inspiring future collaborations.

A group of 15 students and 2 teachers from Choithram School visited Nguyen Hue High School from November 27 to December 3, 2023. As part of this reciprocal programme, 14 students, the Principal, and 3 teachers from Nguyen Hue High School visited Choithram School from December 23 to 28, 2023.

During their visit to Choithram School, the Nguyen Hue High School delegation had the opportunity to engage in various intercultural activities, immersing themselves in the rich traditions of Indian culture. Presentations on Indian festivals, Indian traditions and Indian clothing by grade 11 students, as well as performances by grade 5, 7 and 8 students, further enriched the cultural exchange.

The Language Sharing class provided a platform for students from both schools to exchange words, greetings, and sentences in their respective languages. The Nguyen Hue High School students also showcased their vibrant culture through an engaging PowerPoint presentation.

Beyond classroom learning, the Nguyen Hue High School delegation participated in an array of activities, including learning the Gond art of Madhya Pradesh and trying their hand at clay modeling. They also learned a Hindi prayer and Bollywood dance and taught a Vietnamese folk song and traditional dance to grade 6 and 7 students of Choithram School. They were delighted to get mehndi applied on their hands by the Choithram School students. They enthusiastically participated in sports activities such as blowing the glass, basketball, and tug of war. They worked together with the students of the Choithram Group to create a heartfelt rangoli, symbolizing the love and appreciation for both cultures.

A collaborative project related to SDG Goal 13 – Good Health and Well-Being highlighted the delegation’s collaboration with grade 11 students from Choithram School. Together, they addressed mental health issues faced by adolescents and created informative mind maps showcasing causes, effects, and possible solutions.

The delegation enriched the welcome ceremony with traditional Vietnamese dances and the singing of their national anthem and traditional song by the Principal. Furthermore, they performed the Hindi prayer they had learnt during the farewell ceremony.

During their stay, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore the fascinating sights of Maheshwar, Rajwada, Chhatris, Kanch Mandir, Cloth Market, Sarafa, and C-21 Mall as well as visit host families.

In a heartwarming send-off, the delegation expressed their gratitude to Choithram School and its students for their warm hospitality, which provided them with a life-enriching experience and an immersive cultural exchange.

Students and Teachers of Arjun English Boarding High School, Gulmi, Nepal Visit Choithram School on Exchange Programme

January 24, 2020

As a part of reciprocal student and teacher exchange programme to foster intercultural learning, eight students of class 7 to 12 of Arjun English Boarding High School, Gulmi, Nepal along with their teachers Mr. Sudeep K. C. and Ms. Srijana Subedi visited Choithram School from January 15 to January 23, 2020. A wide spectrum of activities was planned for the students from classroom learning to outings in Indore. During their stay they attended art, clay modelling, music, dance, French and sports classes in the school and learnt about the Indian culture.

They interacted with the business team of ‘Good Earth’ run under the aegis of School Enterprise Challenge and learnt about our school business. They also apprised about their school business ‘Students’ Café’ run under the aegis of School Enterprise Challenge. They appreciated the philanthropic endeavour of the school while witnessing the Fundraising event of the School Enterprise Challenge during the short break. Two of their students participated in the LUMOS event held under the aegis of Choithram Educational Club and expressed their views on topics passionate to them.

They attended ATL classes and learnt how to design robots. They were apprised by the Eco Club students about the production of compost in the school and planted saplings with them. Health and Wellness Club students briefed them about Food Adulteration Tests for various food items. They participated in an activity related to UN Sustainable Development Goal 13 on Climate Action with students of class 9 and made mind maps providing ‘Solutions to make our planet healthy’.

They brought the vibrant flavours of their culture alive in the morning assembly by presenting a traditional dance of Nepal and singing the national anthem of Nepal. Intercultural learning was experienced in true spirit when students of both the schools performed the Assamese dance dring the farewell ceremony accorded to them. During the farewell ceremony they also sang the Assamese folk song learnt in Choithram School as well as presented a folk dance and folk song of Nepal. They enjoyed local sightseeing to Rajwada, Chhatris, Kanch Mandir, Lalbagh, Cloth Market, Sarafa, zoo, C-21 Mall and Mandav.

As a part of this reciprocal exchange programme, a group of 08 students from Choithram School accompanied by two teachers will be visiting Arjun English Boarding High School, Gulmi, Nepal from February 2, 2020 to February 9, 2020.

Students of Spain School In Choithram School on Four Weeks Exchange Programme

September 30, 2019

To enhance the understanding and acceptance of a different culture, a group of eight students (six girls and two boys) from Santa María del Pilar School, (Marianistas), Zaragoza, Spain are on a four week visit to Choithram School, ManikBagh from September 3, 2019 to September 30, 2019.The Spanish students are being hosted by the students of Choithram School.Their Principal, Mr. Lander GaztelumendiIriarte and Coordinator of Academic Exchange Programmes, Mr. Alberto NicolásGarcía accompanied their students for three days.The exchange programme will enable students of both schools to learn the culture of each other´s country as well as experience family and school life that is in many ways different to their own culture and routine

A wide spectrum of activities was planned for the students from classroom learning to outings in Indore. During their music classes they learnt to sing the Hindi song ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’, Gujarati folk song ‘Kesariya Dhola’. Intercultural learning was experienced in true spirit when Choithram School students taught the Spanish students the Indian national anthem and in turn learnt the Spanish song Titled ‘La Macarena’ from them. Students from Spain taught Spanish numerals and greetings to students of classes 6, 7 and 8 of Choithram School.

The Spanish students displayed keen interest while learning bhangra in dance class, tying knots in Scouts and Guides class, playing kho-kho, cricket and hockey in physical education classes as well as writing different fonts in calligraphy. Beginning the day with yoga kept them relaxed throughout the day. Learning the Indian art of making clay pots, mandana, rangoli, warli art and Bengali art fascinated them. They learnt to speak numbers from 1 to 10 and greetings in Hindi language as well as write the alphabet and words in Devanagari script.

They participated in various activities related to UN Sustainable Development Goals on Quality Education and Climate Action with students of class 11 in their English classes. They prepared mind maps on ‘How can we help our community in being educated?’ and ‘How to foster quality education in schools’ pertaining to UNSDG 4 Quality Education. While working on UNSDG 13 Climate Action they prepared mind maps on ‘The causes responsible for the ill health of our planet’, wrote poems on ‘Solutions to make our planet healthy’ and participated in panel discussion on ‘Climate change – What can we do about it?’.

During their stay, they witnessed Teachers’ Day celebration, Inter School Folk Dance Event, English and Hindi Literary Fest as well as Choithram Model United Nations 2019.
They enjoyed local sightseeing at Rajwada, Chhatris, Kanch Mandir, Lalbagh, TI Mall, C-21 Mall, Central Mall, Sarafa, 56 shops as well as Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal and Mandav. They also visited Kasturbagram along with students of Community Service Club to know more about the ‘Father of our nation’.
A warm farewell comprising of cultural programmes was accorded to them on September 28, 2019 which was attended by the host families.

Principal from Spain Visits Choithram School to Initiate Student Exchange Programme

January 10, 2019

To explore different methodologies in the process of teaching and learning and to foster understanding of a different culture, Mr. Lander Gaztelumendi SM of Santa María Del Pilar High School, Marianistas, Spain visited Choithram School, Indore from January 7 to 10, 2019. He was the Chief Guest at Inter School Folk Dance Event wherein schools of the city staged spectacular dances helping him to learn about our land of diverse cultures. He was impressed with the morning assembly presentations showcasing the vibrant culture of Spain wherein class 6 students presented Independence Day of Spain, Spanish dance, song and instrumental piece of music followed by an exhibition showcasing their scrap books and sharing of Spanish numerals and greetings.

He interacted with School Incharges and Heads of various Departments, members of the student council to know the role of the council in maintaining discipline in school, business team of School Enterprise Challenge run under the banner of ‘Good Earth’ as well as students who had been on exchange and hosted one year exchange students. He witnessed Montessori kids participating in ‘Health Talk Show’, class 8 students presenting various skits on ‘Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ and discussing about social reformers of India and Spain as well as class 9 students presenting declamation speeches of important global personalities and being engaged in a Science experiment. Class 11 students presented street play, panel discussions, video presentations, poems, jingles, posters and scrap books on symptoms and control of AIDS, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and Measles as a part of their project work on UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 ‘Good Health and Well Being’ in front of him.

He witnessed various activities of indoor CCA (art, clay modelling, dance, vocal music, and instrumental music related to culture of Egypt) and participated in activities of Scouts & Guides, Eco Club as well as Health & Wellness Club. He also interacted with students of Community Service Club, Robotronics Club, TED-Ed Club and saw exhibits prepared by students in Atal Tinkering Lab of the school. He visited the amazing architecture of Lalbagh, Annapurna temple, famous food street of Indore – Chappan Dukan, cultural heritage site at Chhatris and Treasure Island Mall. Mr. Lander expressed his gratitude to the school for the hospitality and for providing him a life enriching experience filled with a different culture.

Educators from Tanzania Visit Choithram School on Teacher Exchange Programme

September 25, 2018

To explore different methodologies in the process of teaching and learning and to connect globally with the people in the world, Mr. Erasto Haule, School Manager and Ms. Faraja Thembo, Headmistress of Ilowola Secondary School, Tanzania visited Choithram School from September 16, 2018 to September 23, 2018. They were the guests of honour at the opening ceremony of CHMUN organized by students of Choithram School and also attended various MUN sessions of different committees. They visited classes in the Montessori block, Junior School and Senior School and interacted with the students and teachers to get a glimpse of the teaching pedagogies being followed in Choithram School. They were very happy with the hands-on- activities for students being carried out in the school which they wish to implement in their school. They visited Old Age Home accompanied by students of the Community Club, where the students prepared healthy dishes and served to the inmates. They were overwhelmed by the sense of care, compassion and responsibility shown by the students to the residents of this second inning’s house. They witnessed the exhibits of Eco club of school, the artistic rangoli designs and various activities of dance, music, arts, sports and intercultural learning programme followed in Choithram School. Theme of ‘Health and Hygiene’ emphasizing on the concept of keeping healthy by practicing proper cleanliness through a skit and an action song was presented in the Junior assembly in front of them.

Interacting with the business team of School Enterprise Challenge ‘Good Earth’ they shared ideas and possibility of doing international trade of products made by students between the two schools. They were impressed with the presentations showcasing the vibrant culture of Brazil wherein class 6 students presented Independence Day of Brazil, Brazilian dance, song and instrumental piece of music followed by an exhibition showcasing their scrap books and sharing of numerals and greetings. During their stay they also visited Rajbada, Kanch Mandir, Chhatris, museum, Lal Bagh and Mandav to gain insight about cultural heritage of India. In Erasto’s and Faraja’s words, “Our experience at Choithram School has opened our eyes, minds and mostly our hearts to move on to the next great steps for our school and especially this exchange programme. We look forward to strengthening our partnership in the coming years with student and teacher exchange programme with Choithram School.”

Students and Teachers of St. Anthony Girls’ College, Kandy, Sri Lanka Visit Choithram School on Exchange Programme

August 28, 2018

To enhance the understanding and acceptance of a different culture, a group of 15 girls of St. Anthony Girls’ College, Kandy, Sri Lanka along with their Principal Mrs. Chandana Ranasinghe and two teachers Mrs. Thushari De Silva and Miss Harshini Jayatunga visited Choithram School from August 23, 2018 to August 28, 2018. Both the schools had taken up two collaborative projects namely ‘Lingo Bingo’ and ‘Magical Melodies’ last year and this year they are working on the project incorporating UN Sustainable Development Goal ‘Quality Education’.

A wide spectrum of activities was planned for the students from classroom learning to outings in Indore. They displayed keen interest while attending art, clay modeling, music, dance, calligraphy, Scouts and Guides, yoga and Hindi classes. The students and teachers visited host families on Sunday, August 26, 2018 to gain insight about the celebration of Raksha Bandhan festival and enjoyed the festivities with the families. In school too, they were happy to get rakhis tied on their wrists by the tiny tots of Montessori. They witnessed an exhibition of T-shirts designed by the Eco Club students as well as saplings grown in coconuts.

They appreciated the philanthropic endeavour of the school while witnessing the Fundraising event of the School Enterprise Challenge in the Montessori block. They visited schools in Harniyakhedi village and Umaria village and witnessed the street play on ‘Quality Education’ performed by class 8 students of Choithram School. They witnessed class 5 students’ work on ‘Voyage to Freedom’ where Choithram School students had explored the various facets of the Sri Lankan struggle for independence. In an interactive session with the teachers of the Junior School, the teachers of St. Anthony Girls’ College, Sri Lanka shared the salient features of their education system and the aspects of Indian education system that impressed them the most.

They enjoyed local sightseeing to Rajwada, Chhatris, Kanch Mandir Lalbagh, Central Museum, TI Mall, Cloth Market, Sarafa and 56 shops.

Intercultural learning was experienced in true spirit by students of both the schools when students of St. Anthony Girls’ College, Sri Lanka presented a traditional dance and song of their country and sang a Gujarati song in the morning assembly. Similarly, students of Choithram School celebrated New Year Day of Sri Lanka, performed traditional dance, presented instrumental piece of music and song of Sri Lanka as well as shared their greetings and numerals.

Students of Choithram School shared their work related to ‘Quality Education’. Class 9 students of Choithram School recited self-composed poems on ‘Books and pens are our most powerful weapons’ and expressed their views on the topic ‘Education is the only solution for ….’. Class 10 students elucidated details about India and Sri Lanka pertaining to primary education, secondary education, college education, education challenges and efforts made by the government to increase the literacy rate through power point presentations. They concluded with snippets of quality education being provided in both the schools. The guests also witnessed posters on Quality Education prepared by class 9 students and exhibition of scrap books pertaining to facets of culture prepared by class 8 students as a part of their intercultural learning. The session also witnessed the presentation by the Sri Lankan students on ‘Culture in a Box’ wherein they spoke about 10 important symbols of their culture and showed the symbols created by them.

In the post lunch session, the guests were accorded a warm send-off in which they expressed their gratitude to the school and the students for the hospitality and for providing them a life enriching experience filled with a different culture and a different language in a different country. The exchange taught students of both the school that richness of life lies in the spirit of oneness, loving and knowing people of diverse cultures. As a part of this exchange programme, a group of 15 students of Choithram School accompanied by three teachers will be visiting St. Anthony’s Girls’ College, Kandy, Sri Lanka in the month of April, 2019.

Marta Imeneo From Italy On A One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of AFS Intercultural Programs

July 2017 to April 2018

My stay in India is full of wonderful memories made with people who initially were complete strangers and who now are family and best friends. When we leave our countries we ask ourselves how we are supposed to consider this relatively short year a life in its own right. How can we just land in a place surrounded by strangers, new school, new family and new culture and just be expected to start all over again? In the first months of the experience this question is always there, when you think about “your” life that continues to go on back in your country while you are here starting everything from scrap and have just one year. Well, arriving at this point, I realise just how much I have achieved here; things I never could imagine. I now care about so many people and in such a deep way that leaving them will be impossible. I now know so profoundly a completely different culture that I want it to be part of my daily life back in Italy. I now know what friendship is and what I am supposed to look for in a person before I call them my friend. I now have another family on the other side of the planet, which I will continue being part of for the rest of my life. I will never be able to thank India, the Mishra family, Hannah and Choithram School for all they have given me this year and thanks to whom I depart once more as a better, more complete and confident woman.

Written by Marta Imeneo

Hannah Ochterbeck From the US On BP Scholarship Program Under the Aegis of AFS Intercultural Programs

July 2017 to April 2018

It’s so important to remember how impactful we are all capable of being. I have been reminded of this every step of my exchange, as person after person came along to make a lasting impression upon me. My host family and my school family are two of the spheres in which I daily came in contact with individuals who brought something new into my life. Whether that was knowledge, or laughter, or a new sense of humour, or a word of encouragement, every voice at every moment became a powerful reminder of how precious and special every human being is. I want to thank my school family for their infinite patience and graciousness, and my host family for giving me beautiful insight into your gorgeous culture. For those who helped me in chemistry class: you’re all wonderful tour guides through the safari of extremely complicated practicals. For my dance, art, and music teachers: you were the favourite part of my day. And to my coordinator and counselor: you were my words of wisdom in difficulty. This experience wouldn’t have been the same without you all and I’ll miss you dreadfully.

Written by Hannah Ochterbeck

UK Educators Visit Choithram School for 8 Days

February 19, 2018

Ms. Gillian Fraser, Global Citizenship Co-ordinator and Ms. Ellen Siv, Foundation stage teacher of Stoke Row C. E. Primary School, UK visited Choithram School, Manik Bagh for 8 days from February 11 to February 17, 2018. The visit was undertaken as a part of British Council Connecting Classrooms Grant for a collaborative project on UN Sustainable Development Goal ‘Zero Hunger’ by both the schools. Both the schools have collaborated on various projects in the last four years with ‘Water: Rights and Responsibilities’, ‘Eat Right’, ‘Cyber Bullying: Play Your Part and Share a Heart’, ‘Global Warming, a Global Warning’ to name a few.

Ms. Fraser and Ms. Siv witnessed a rally by class 5 students and a skit presentation by class 1 & 2 students on the theme ‘Waste no food’. Class 6 students presented causes of hunger in India and UK followed by solutions in both the countries. They elucidated details about Food Bank in India, UK and Indore. Class 7 students debated on the topic, ‘Climate change is only responsible for global hunger’ and vociferously asserted their views on the topic ‘World hunger is a growing problem today’ during the panel discussion. Through a TV Show, class 7 students portrayed various ways in which hunger can be eliminated and the organizations that are working in this direction. The skit by class 7 students made the students realize that our country is home to the largest number of hungry people and the food that is wasted in the country can be used to feed almost 300 million people every year. An exhibition of posters and jingles prepared by class 7 students on the theme ‘Solutions for Combating Hunger’ as well as letters to the editor of a local newspaper citing action to be taken by the government to overcome the problem of hunger were also displayed.

They visited Jimmy McGilligan Centre For Sustainable Development, an Indore based non-governmental organization working for sustainable community along with students of Eco Club of the school. They visited ‘Aastha’, Old Age Home with Health and Wellness Club students of the school where students of Choithram School prepared nutritious food for the inmates of the old age home. They witnessed presentation by volunteers of Food Bank and Robin Hood Army as well as visited Food Bank in Palasia to learn more about how left over food reaches the less fortunate people in the society.

The UK teachers were impressed with the presentations of the students and hoped the students would continue working towards the direction of alleviating hunger in their city. They shared their best practices with Montessori and Junior School teachers in sessions conducted by them. They were guests of honour for Inter School Folk Dance Event hosted by Choithram School. They visited Rajwada, Chhatri, Maheshwar and Mandu during their stay.

Katia Kozachok From USA on a One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of Rotary International

August 19, 2016 onwards

I decided to come to India because I’d heard about the breathtaking historical sights, the mouthwatering food and uniformly sincere, empathetic and kind people. I wanted to take time at this juncture in my life to learn more about myself and the world and India seemed like a great place to do so. Everyone from administration to teachers including students supported me. I’m grateful to be able to experience another culture, particularly one where people are so caring. In my time here so far, I’ve learned so much and definitely expanded my horizons. Choithram and India, thank you for being my home away from home.

Written by Katia Kozachok

James. M. Ekman From USA on a One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of Rotary International

August 19, 2016 onwards

I enjoyed every day, every moment in India, especially at Choithram School where I met students from different cultures and learnt about many festivals. I had a wonderful time at this school where I made many friends. With my host family, I visited many historical sites and got to know the rich culture of India. The people are friendly, caring and respect other cultures as well. I liked the bonding between family members and thank exchange programme for providing me this opportunity to learn about India.

Written by James. M. Ekman

Delhi Public Students, Srinagar Visit Choithram School on an Inter State Cultural Exchange Programme

February 2, 2016

As a part of the inter-cultural learning 29 students of classes 7 and 8 of Delhi Public School, Srinagar accompanied by two teachers visited Choithram School, Manik Bagh from January 16, 2016 to February 1, 2016. A wide spectrum of activities was planned for the students from classroom learning to outings in and around Indore. Students were allotted different sections to enrich them with various techniques of the teaching learning process. They displayed keen interest while attending art, craft, clay modeling, music, dance, calligraphy, club activities and French classes. They actively participated in the Annual Athletic Meet of the school winning medals for various events. The hallmark of the programme was visit of DPS students and teachers to the homes of Choithram School students and teachers on four evenings and getting to know the host families.

Visit to Jimmy McGilligan Centre For Sustainable Development, Sanawadiya, organic farm and Harniyakhedi village enabled DPS students to connect with nature and become ambassadors for conserving resources. They enjoyed local sightseeing like Rajwada, Chhatri, Nakhrali Dhani, Lalbagh, museum, zoo, malls, 56 shops as well as heritage sites at Mandu and Maheshwar. In tune with the school culture, DPS students also conducted the morning assembly on two days in which they brought alive the vibrant culture of Kashmir. The campfire on the last day taught students of both the school that richness of life lies in the spirit of oneness, loving and knowing people of diverse cultures. As a part of this exchange programme, a group of 29 students of Choithram School will be visiting DPS, Srinagar in the month of May 2016.

UK Educators Visit Choithram School for 10 Days

August 29, 2015

Ms. Charlotte Harris, Head Teacher, Stoke Row C. E. Primary School, Oxfordshire, UK and Ms. Gillian Fraser, Global Citizenship Co-ordinator of the same school visited our school from August 19 to 28, 2015 on a reciprocal teacher visit. The visit was undertaken as a part of British Council Connecting Classrooms Grant received by both the schools for doing a collaborative project on ‘Water: Rights and Responsibilities’ during the previous session. In this session both the schools are working on ‘Eating Right: Healthy and Ethical Eating’.

During the trip, Ms. Harris and Ms. Fraser took sessions on ‘Growth Mindset’ and ‘Independent Learning Training’ with Principals and teachers of various schools as well as on ‘Mixed Age Classrooms’ with teachers of Choithram School. They were guests of honour for Inter School Junior Master Chef Event and Inter School Kathak Dance Event hosted by Choithram School. They witnessed ‘Inter House Healthy Dessert Preparation’ in the Senior School, rally by CBSE-i students on ‘Be Vegetarian’, Road Show on ‘Malnutrition’ by CBSE-i students as well as ‘Vegetable and Fruit Exhibition’ of Montessori students. They were impressed with the confidence of grade 7 students who put forth their views on the topic, ‘Whose responsibility is it to ensure that we eat healthy food – the parents, the school, the government or the multinational food giants?’ They also apprised CBSE-i parents about ‘The Education System in UK’. They appreciated the entrepreneurial creativity of the students who sold handicrafts prepared from recycled material to parents and teachers during the PTM. They visited Rajwada, Chhatri, Regional Park, Nakhrali Dhani, Maheshwar, Mandu and Siddhwarkut during their stay.

Kajsa Anderson From USA on a One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of Rotary International

August 19, 2015 onwards

As a part of Rotary International Long Term Exchange Programme, we have Kajsa Anderson from USA in our school from August 19, 2015. India’s culture and art attracted her to undertake this exchange programme. She takes keen interest in learning Indian Folk Art and also tries her hand to make various art pieces including clay modelling. Apart from art, she also studies Indian History, Mathematics, Hindi and shows enthusiasm in playing table tennis and volley ball. India has surprised her in the best possible way and she hopes the year ahead is full of new adventures, friends and knowledge.

Niels Frederik Habran From France On A One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of AFS

July 13, 2015

onwardsAs a part of AFS Exchange Programme, we have Niels Frederik Habran from France studying in class XI Humanities Stream from July 13, 2015 for one year. He is being hosted by the family of Manan Patodi of class X C. Niels opted for India as it has a very different culture as compared to Western European culture. His immersion in new culture is reflected in his involvement in all the activities of school. To know and understand Indian culture, he has visited many places with the host family as well as celebrated many festivals with them. He also shows interest in learning Hindi to understand the tradition and culture of India. He has learnt street cricket and but enjoys playing football in the school. He finds Indian food very delicious but spicy.

Denica Simonet From USA on a Four Month Exchange Programme School Under the Aegis of Rotary International

January 2015 to April 2015

As a part of Rotary International’s Long Term Exchange Programme,Denica Simonet from USA was in our school from January 2015 to April 2015. Her insatiable thirst for learning Indian art and culture was reflected in her art work of madhubani painting, saanjha and warli art. She also learnt mehndi and clay art with perfection and precision and enjoyed doing the Indian classical dance form, Kathak mudras, kartak and todas in teental along with stutis for Guru, Ganesha and Natraj. She bagged two gold medals in Annual Athletic Meet of the school.In her brief association, we found her as a vibrant learner, ready to immerse herself in new culture to create an unbreakable bond.

Britta Heinle From Germany On A One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of AFS

July 8, 2014 to May 8, 2015

As a part of AFS One Year Exchange Programme we hadBritta Heinlefrom Germany studying in our school in class X from July 8, 2014 to May 8, 2015. She was hosted by Ms. Reshma Dave, Hindi faculty member of our school in the initial phase and later by our school Principal Mr. Rajesh Awasthi and his family. Being fascinated by India’s rich culture which is very different from Germany, Britta decided to visit India for a year and gain first-hand experience by staying with a host family. She further believed that this exposure would enable her to become independent and confident. She was glad to practice her favourite hobby, swimming in our school and bagged two gold medals in Inter School Swimming Meet organized by Queens’ College under the aegis of Indore Sahodaya Schools Complex.Her love for art was reflected in pencil shading, sketching with fine hand movements, mehndi designs and clay work. She also learnt ‘Kathak’ dance form during her stay in India.

Elise Burbon, AFS Volunteer From Switzerland On a Two Week Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of AFS

November 2 to 15, 2014

Elise Burbon, AFS Volunteer from Switzerland was hosted by School Principal Mr. Rajesh Awasthi’s family from November 2 to 15, 2014. During her stay, Elise visited different schools of the city, met Indore chapter AFS volunteers, students from different countries on an exchange programme to India as well as their host families. She gained insight about the working of the Indore chapter as well as promoted Switzerland as a destination for AFS programmes. Visits to historical places of Indore and the nearby areas like Mandu, Maheshwar, Sanchi enabled her to learn about the Indian culture as well as fortified her ideas to promote exchange programmes to India.

Valeria BiroliFrom Italy On A One Year Exchange ProgrammeUnder the Aegis of AFS

July 9, 2013 to May 8, 2014

As a part of AFS One Year Exchange Programmewe had Valeria Biroli from Italy studying in our school in class XI from July 9, 2013 to May 8, 2014. She was hosted by our school Principal Mr. Rajesh Awasthi and his family. Apart from studying English, Business Studies, Accounts, Economics and PsychologyValeria also learnt Hindi and Art during her stay in our school. Driven by the curiosity to know more about other places and cultures, Valeria embarked on a journey to know the diverse culture of India and experience the learning of staying with a host family. She felt this exposure would enable her to become independent, confident and build her self-esteem.

Brittany Nicole Dawn from USA On A One Year Exchange Programme Under the Aegis of Rotary International

October 4, 2012 to June 2013

As a part of Rotary’s long-term Youth Exchange Programme, we had Brittany Nicole Dawn from Bend, Oregon, USA studying in class XII Commerce Stream in our school from October 4, 2012 to June 2013. Apart from attending her regular classes, Brittany, an art lover exhibited her creativity in Art classes as well as learnt Hindi too during her stay at the school. Serving as an ambassador for her country and community, the Exchange Programme was extremely beneficial for Brittany as she was able to break cultural barriers, make new friends, learn about the Indian traditions, practices, return home with a greater sense of the world and a deeper understanding of herself and her culture.