5/24/2006 - Making History with Your History - AFS Brazil 50th Anniversary
In August, 1956 seven young Brazilians went on an AFS exchange program from Brazil to the United States. They were the first AFS participants from Brazil to participate in our exchanges. Half a century has elapsed since, and AFS Intercultura Brasil is very proud to announce its 50th anniversary celebration with the theme of “Making History with Your History.” Since 1956, AFS Brazil has become a volunteer service organization that is a role model for others and has helped thousands of young people to acquire a new perspective on their world.
To mark our 50th anniversary, AFS Intercultura Brasil has planned several activities.. On January 10th, AFS in Brazil hosted a Gala Dinner with a guest list that incuded 79 exchange students, the Ambassadors from Austria, China and Norway in Brazil, the cultural counselors for the American and German Embassies, the Board of Directors of AFS Intercultura Brasil, AFS volunteers, former AFS students and officials from the ministries of tourism and foreing affairs. An International Photography Exhibition about the History of AFS Intercultural Programs was on display at the Gala Dinner.
The high point of the Gala evening was the casting of our Gold Jubilee Postage Stamp and Seal during a ceremony with executives from the Brazilian Postal Services. Additionally, AFS Brazil announced three projects that will be developed to celebrate the anniversary year. The photograph exhibition “The World Through Young People Eyes” will promote Brazil’s and other countries;cultures through pictures taken by young people showing the diversity of situations, and points of views held by the different people of the world. A 50th Anniversary National Scholarship Contest “Opportunity for All” will aim to increase the diversity of AFS Intercultura Brasil participants by allowing young people who are ready to have international experiences, but do not have the financial means to pay for it, to go on an AFS exchange program. The Youth Volunteers Service Award will be given to reward the initiative of young AFS volunteers who join community service projects.
AFS received the official seal from both Ministries of Education and Foreign Affairs as a recognition for 50 years of developing activities concerning the search for understanding and peace throughout its intercultural exchange programs. This recognition makes AFS the only exchange program with such recognition from the government.
To end a year of festivities, a gleaming celebration will be held at AFS BRA XXXV National Convention in Rio de Janeiro city, on October 13-15th 2006. It will include moments of reunion, exhibitions, awards, tributes and an unforgettable party.
More information is available at the Anniversary website