By linking our “learning to live together” philosophy to the defining global issues facing humanity, AFS fosters intercultural understanding as a powerful and productive tool for building a more just and peaceful world. The AFS global community embraces differences and believes our world is stronger and more interesting because of them.

AFS Mission 

AFS Aotearoa New Zealand is a volunteer driven, non-government, not-for-profit organisation that provides lifelong intercultural learning opportunities in local and global communities, helping people develop the necessary values, skills and knowledge to foster the aroha, manaakitanga and respect needed for a more just and peaceful world.

He ropu tūao a AFS Aotearoa, ā, ehara i te rōpū kāwanatanga, i te rōpū mahi moni 

Ko tana mahi he hoatu wāhi kia taea ai te ako mō ake tonu atu i te āhua o te noho o te iwi i konei, i tāwhai me te hoatu āwhina ki te whakapakari i ngā uara, ngā pūkenga me te mōhiotanga e tika ana ki roto i te iwi mō te hāpai i te aroha, te manaakitanga, te whakaute e matea ana kia tōtika atu ai te ao whānui, ā, kia kaha atu ai te kitea o te rangimārie.

AFS Values 

AFS enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. It acknowledges that peace is a dynamic concept threatened by injustice, inequity, and intolerance.

AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance.

Global competence is the “power skill” young people require to make their impact on an increasingly diverse world. Active global citizens must be prepared to communicate, collaborate and lead across differences to tackle the world’s greatest challenges.