THE VILLAGE TIMES TERM III, 2014

NOTE FROM OUR VILLAGE DIRECTOR: JEAN CLAUDE NKULIKIYIMFURA

This year will forever be remembered as the most tragic for the Village because of the loss of our dear founder and mother, Anne Heyman. In the midst of despair and deep sense of hopelessness, the ASYV community came together in the realization that Anne is bigger than her human form. Anne’s ideas and her ideals live on through those who she was able to touch in her life. At Agahozo-Shalom especially, we continue to live with the values that Anne believed in, and reach our goals in accordance with her great vision. Soon after Anne’s passing, the children of Agahozo-Shalom embraced the slogan: “we will strive to be the people you have always wanted us to be.” Anne reminded us to give love to those who need it the most, for it is love that connects us to one another. I strongly believe that Anne has been with us this whole year, and she will continue to guide us as we continue our forward momentum. !Over this past year, ASYV has experienced some noteworthy successes. We are proud of ASYV’s inaugural Stand Up & Be Counted Event held in Rwanda. We raised nearly $100,000 from the local and international community, and welcomed distinguished guests, such as Her Excellency Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda. In her remarks, Mrs. Kagame recognized the amazing work of Anne Heyman, the board and everyone who supports ASYV. Mrs. Kagame said that, “supporting Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is a symbol that we can and should support our very own, and thus guard this jewel we call Rwanda.” She added, “…there is no doubt that this community of change-makers will deliver no less than the incredible.” !At school, our students are performing well and we continue to see improvement in their extracurricular activities. Our Senior 6 (fourth year) students are preparing to take the National Exam at the end of October, and we expect another terrific performance. While we will be sad to say goodbye to another graduating class, we have everything in place to welcome a new grade of kids to the Village in December. !We have many goals set for the New Year, such as working closely with the Ministry of Education to bring a TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) program to the Village. The 8.5 MW Solar Field that Anne worked so hard to establish on Agahozo-Shalom’s property is fully operational. It will provide nearly 8% more electricity to the national grid and will increase the visibility of the Village within Rwanda, as well as to the international community. !!!!!

NOTE FROM OUR VILLAGE DIRECTOR: JEAN CLAUDE NKULIKIYIMFURA

Internally, I believe the commitment of the ASYV staff has never been higher. As a result of their dedication, the outcome of our programs is more successful than ever. This year the Village released a CD with original songs, written and performed by ASYV students and staff. This is a wonderful example of the sort of talent we are fostering within Agahozo-Shalom. We are working to get this CD released on iTunes in the near future. Furthermore, our Village debate team is competing at the regional and national levels. They are among the best debaters in the country, and I am so proud of their accomplishments! !Another amazing highlight is the creation of “Hope For the Future,” which is an ASYV student-led initiative to support four vulnerable kids in the local community of Rubona. ASYV students are coming together to fundraise for the tuition of these children, as well as donate many of their necessary school materials. This is a supreme example of our kids paying it forward and I could not be more proud. !To our graduating seniors in the Indatwa grade, I wish to tell them that they will be remembered for their resilience and commitment to success. They are a group of very talented young adults and it has been a pleasure watching them grow over the past few years. I know they are capable of achieving their goals as long as they keep the philosophy of the Village alive in their hearts. !It is hard to believe that it is the time of the year again for reflection. As I look back on the year, I see a lot of improvement in the coherence of the Village, but of course there are always opportunities to raise the bar. Our goal is to do everything possible for our youth to maximize their potential and to become agents of change in their respective communities, in our nation and all over the world. I am proud that Anne was able to see some of these achievements come to fruition. At ASYV, we are committed to redoubling our efforts so that all of our children become the responsible citizens that Anne always wanted to see. We strongly believe that Agahozo-Shalom will contribute greatly to ending the cycle of the orphan situation in Rwanda. Every day is one step closer towards realizing this goal. In spite of all challenges, we will succeed, and Anne’s dream and legacy will live on!

Jean Claude Nkulikiyimfura Village Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS Note from the Village Director

We Did it Together! Eugene Habimana: Senior Class (Indatwa) Grade Coordinator

Village Voices: Educator Not Your Traditional Rwandan Classroom

Literature Teacher: Julius Kaboyo Just a Moment…

Senior Students Prepare for Rwanda’s National Exam Village Voices: Fellow

Reflections from a Village Fellow Programs Coordinator and Sports Development: Leigh Woods

Village Voices: First Year Students “We Can Make A Change”

First Year Students’ Original Poem Village Voices: Informal Educator

They Grow Up So Fast Family Mother: Catherine Umuziranenge

Preparing for Life After ASYV A Look Inside Student Resource Center

Words of Wisdom from the Class of 2014 Senior Students Reflect on their Time at ASYV

Village Voices: Administrator The Legacy of Indatwa Grade

School Principal: Bonaventure Mujyeneza Class Photos

The End

WE DID IT TOGETHER! EUGENE HABIMANA: SENIOR CLASS (INDATWA) GRADE COORDINATOR

My name is Eugene Habimana, and I am the grade coordinator for the Indatwa Grade senior students. I have worked for the ASYV for almost four years, and have had the pleasure of watching this grade grow since their first year in the Village. I came to the ASYV after I graduated from university and worked as a big brother (counselor) to first and second year students before becoming a grade coordinator. !When the kids first arrived in the Village, they were so small and scrawny. Looking back on their initial appearance, it is amazing to see what strong people they have turned out to be. Over time, I have seen their behavior mature. They maneuver challenges with much more grace and composure than they did when they first arrived. During their first years in the Village, many of the students needed coaxing to complete the tasks required of them. Now they have become responsible, they show up for class on time and do their homework; they participate in extracurricular activities, and are active in their roles as leaders on campus. I can see that they have taken to heart the philosophies of the Village. I see this the most with the Village lesson of Tikkun Olam (healing by helping others). Many of the Indatwa students are looking forward to going back to their communities after graduation with business models and plans to develop their country. !There is one student in particular who stands out in my mind as having truly evolved during his time at ASYV. When he first arrived, he was very troubled, and he had terrible behavior. He was angry and rude, and it was difficult to make him participate in any activities. He had a hard time making friends, and even the boys in his family found him disrespectful. I cannot tell you how different this boy is today. He has transformed. He will be remembered always as being one of the greatest innovators at ASYV. He created a news program that actually inspired other kids to create competing news shows. Seeing his creation catch on in the Village motivated him to become the leader that he is today. His transformation is truly incredible, and I am excited to see how he proceeds from here. I have become so close with this grade; it will be difficult to see them leave. I want them to continue their pursue their dreams, whether that means studying at university, or becoming entrepreneurs. I want to see them all continue on their way to becoming educated and important people within their communities. This is my greatest wish for them. !As a grade, we worked very hard to create a sense of unity among all 128 of us. This was quite a challenge as we have so many different personalities, but somehow, over time, we were able to do it. The kids tell me about their plans after graduation, and often they include a fellow Indatwa classmates. I am happy to see them leaning from one another as family- this was always my goal as coordinator, to create a semblance of family. !To my Indatwa students I want to tell them to never give up. They have displayed such courage thus far, they should continue to tap into this reserve and push themselves forward. Their futures will be bright so long as they keep up the hard work, communication, and teamwork that they have masterfully exhibited throughout their time at ASYV. !!

NOT YOUR TRADITIONAL RWANDAN CLASSROOM LITERATURE TEACHER: JULIUS KABOYO

My name is Julius Kaboyo. I teach literature at the Liquidnet Family High School for third-year students. Before coming to the ASYV, I worked at an international school in Musanze, Rwanda in the north of the country. I also spent some time working as a free-lance journalist for the New Times, a daily newspaper distributed throughout Rwanda. I have always loved teaching, and I am glad to have the opportunity to teach literature to the students of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. !My favorite part of teaching is bringing learning back to storytelling. I enjoy telling stories that can relate back to the personal lives of my students. For example, many of my stories track back to the importance of language. I tell stories about great people throughout history, who became successful because of their ability to communicate effectively. I tell them that they can improve their position in life by being well read in many different genres. !As a way of motivating my students, when I assign homework, I complete the assignment as well. When we go over the worksheet, essay, etc., I have my own answers to defend. I try to encourage my students to view me as another student, someone who they can argue ideas with and defend their own opinions against. The environment I wish to create in my classroom is that of freedom. They are free to challenge me, they are free to challenge the authors, and they are free to challenge themselves. This is not your traditional Rwandan classroom. ! My favorite book that we read is called Things Fall Apart by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, which touches on subjects such as colonialism, development, and culture. I am always curious to hear what my students will take away from this book. My favorite discussions as a teacher have stemmed from analyzing the characters in this novel. !I am always so impressed by the motivation and zeal of ASYV students. Compared to the other schools I’ve worked in, these students are much more serious about their studies. They have struggled so much in their lives, and for many of them, it seemed like a dream that they would ever attend high school. !!!!!!

When I observe the first-year students and compare them with the students I teach in Senior 5 (third year), it is a pretty amazing transformation. On a social level, they have stronger self-confidence. They are no longer afraid to express themselves and they understand that it is ok to get a question wrong. What is most important is that they are trying. They are more open about their personal histories and backgrounds. They want to discuss their past as it relates to their future and this means that they are looking forward. !For the Indatwa grade (Senior class), I am not worried about them. The skills that they received from the ASYV in both formal and informal education will serve them well as they set off into the world. I implore them to keep in touch with their advisors from ASYV.We are their family, and we always will be. This grade is so strong and I know that it won’t be long until I am reading about their accomplishments in the newspapers. Nothing gives me more pride than hearing about a graduate of ASYV going out into the world and making it. I am so glad that I came to work at ASYV. These students have changed my life and I can only hope to do the same for them. !

JUST A MOMENT… SENIOR STUDENTS PREPARE FOR RWANDA’S NATIONAL EXAM

The usual buzz and chatter at Agahozo-Shalom falls quiet as midterm examinations get underway. Many of the open spaces within the Village have been taken over by students sprawled out with their textbooks, as they quiz one another, covering a multitude of material offered within the Rwandan curriculum. After a student’s Enrichment Year (first year) in the Village, they are required to pick a ‘combination,’ or a focus group of classes that they pursue for the rest of their high school career. There are a vast variety of combinations ranging from EFK: English, French, and Kinyarwanda, to MPC: Math, Physics, and Computers. The assignment of a combination is based partially on the interest(s) of each student, in addition to their aptitude and performance in certain subjects. !Our Senior 6 (fourth year) students, however, have a much more stressful matter at hand - passing the Rwandan National Examination. At the end of their senior year, all students are required to take the National Exam in each of the six or seven subjects offered within their combination. It is only with the successful completion of this exam that students are able to receive their high school diplomas. !According to the US Embassy in Kigali, “grading is exceptionally tough, fewer than 3% of grades are A’s, and 30% of students fail any given exam.” [1] Over the past two graduating classes, the Liquidnet Family High School (LNFHS) has seen amazing results from our students on the National Exam. As a result of last year’s high marks, ASYV graduates were eligible to receive 35 state-funded scholarships and over 50 Survivor’s Fund Scholarships (distributed to direct-Genocide survivors). In a display of ASYV’s advocacy on behalf of women’s’ education, 16 of ASYV’s top 30 performing students are female, showing a marked improvement from the national average. !Despite the pressure, ASYV’s seniors are rising to the challenge! Senior student Solange Niyonsenga of the John Lennon Family is currently studying for her National Exam that will focus on history, economics, and computers. Before Solange takes the official exam in October, she will complete five mock exams throughout the school year to give her an idea of the sorts of questions that will be asked as well as a feel for the testing environment. “What makes me the most nervous when I think about the National Exam is the color of the paper. On the mock exams, the paper is white, but on the official exam the paper will be thick and beige. When I hold that paper, I will know that I am taking the exam that will impact my future,” said Solange, speaking of what makes her the most anxious when thinking about exam day. Solange dreams of receiving high enough marks on her exam to get a scholarship to university where she can study to become a Human Rights Lawyer. “Specifically I want to be a lawyer who advocates on behalf of the rights of children,” she says. !Another senior student, Eric Kabiyona of the Baden Powell Family studies for his national exam focusing on math, physics, and computers. “The worst thing that can happen during your national exam is that you are surprised by the material,” says Eric. He continued, “The curriculum is so big that there is no way you can understand everything that you have learned perfectly. For this reason we study in groups. I want to share what I know and learn from those who have a better understanding in a subject that was challenging for me.” !LFHS teachers encourage the mentality that reaching out for help is not an indication of weakness, but rather provides a lifeline to academic improvement. Our students pride themselves on asking pointed and thoughtful questions and attempt to steer away from traditional forms of memorization-based education. It is from this methodology that the slogan of the LFHS reads, “Just a moment, let me think.” The idea is to push students to analyze the information being taught to them and to become critical thinkers both inside and outside of the classroom. It is from this foundation that we believe our students have been so successful in past years on the National Exam and why this year’s seniors will prove no different. !We wish our Senior 6 students luck on their exams which will begin on October 28th, 2014! !![1] http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/rwanda_system_of_education.html

REFLECTIONS FROM A VILLAGE FELLOW PROGRAMS COORDINATOR AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT: LEIGH

WOODS

The year that I have spent living and working at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village has been an incredibly insightful and gratifying experience. Despite my busy, and at times exhausting schedule, my favorite part of each day is undoubtedly the one-hour I spend with my boys during Family Time every night. Whether playing educational games, debating, or discussing current world affairs, there is never a dull moment. The healing combination of formal and informal education within a stable, family-orientated environment has contributed immensely toward the development of each and every child here in the Village. In addition, I have witnessed an astronomical rise in many individuals' confidence during my year here. Kids who felt too self-conscious to speak a single word during Family Time, have become frequent performers at Village Time (a Village-wide assembly held every Friday evening), and have brought crowds of over 500 people to their feet with admiration and applause. !Amazing transformations are occurring within all areas of the Village. In formal education, the students' grasp of the English language is rapidly improving. There is no greater testimony of their English language skills than during our weekly family debates, held every Wednesday. In informal education, I have seen kids who had never held a paintbrush before, go on to create their own masterpieces. One boy from my family couldn't play a single chord on the guitar before arriving in the Village. Ten lessons later, all I can say is watch your back Van Halen! !As my time in the Village draws to a heartbreaking close, I have begun to reflect on my experience here. In doing so, I have considered which aspects I will miss the most. After ruminating over the many great characteristics of the Village, I believe that the thing I will miss more than anything is being in the company of such cheerful and optimistic people. For kids and staff alike, the level of enthusiasm for learning is striking, and every opportunity for personal growth is embraced with open arms. To leave an environment that exudes such profound positive energy is going to be tough. !The thought of leaving the Village leads to the question of what comes next. Though I have little idea of what my immediate future has in store, the year I have spent in Rwanda has given me some direction. Prior to my tenure at the ASYV, I had never really considered the prospect of teaching. After spending a year coaching the Village football (soccer) teams, along with sharing my knowledge and passion to the kids in the environment club, I feel that I have unearthed a hidden talent within myself. Through teaching these subjects, I have found educating youth to be incredibly fulfilling. !My advice to future Village Fellows is to bring to the Village a sense of good will and an open mind. They must also be accepting of living in a very unfamiliar environment, one that encompasses many cultural differences. The earlier the Fellows adapt to Rwandan life and embrace these cultural variations, the better. The greatest advice I can give to next year’s Fellows is to frequently ask themselves the question, “ Who am I here for?” Understand that every decision should be made in the best interests of the children. Put all of your effort into every little thing you do in the Village, and the entire experience will be far more rewarding. Be sure not to end your tenure with the feeling that you could have used your time more productively. Get involved with as many activities as possible but do not exhaust yourselves. Above all, immerse yourselves in the philosophy of the Village and embrace all that reside here with an open heart. !

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS’ ORIGINAL POEM:

”WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE”Dear Friends, You can make a change. Everyone can make a change. Even if people know you for your mistakes, You can still make a change. The richest can make a change. The poorest can make a change.   There is no rich person who doesn’t need a change. There is no poor person who doesn’t need a change. Change doesn’t mean to change in a negative way. It means to change in a positive way. It means becoming a role model. We don’t need to change for the negative. We need to see everyone in a positive light. No one can make a change for you. It is you who will do it first, then Others will follow as you know.   If you focus only on the results, you will never change, But if you focus on the change, You will get the results. That is how you can make a change. There are many people Who can encourage you to remain in your mistakes. I can’t do that. I encourage you to make a change. When you make a change, People will think about you differently. They will see that they can call you an important person. !Everyone needs to believe That they are an important person. If you can do good things, It can repair bad things you did before. Change brings success.   Success doesn’t just come and find you. You are the one who should go and get it. That means you can make a change, And reach out for success. Be what you want, not what others want to see. !Have more than you show. Speak less than you know. I can make a change, you can make a change. We can make a change. Together we can make a change!

Poem Written and Performed by: Patience Cyuzuzu and Jessica Hakizimana Rwibutso

THEY GROW UP SO FAST! JOHN LENNON FAMILY MOTHER: CATHERINE UMUZIRANENGE

Full Name: Catherine Umuziranenge John Lennon Family !My name is Catherine Umuziranenge, I am the family mother to the John Lennon Family at Agahozo-Shalom. I have watched my sixteen beautiful girls transform into 16 young women over the past four years, and in a few months they will be graduating from ASYV. I came to ASYV in 2010 and have watched the Village go through so many changes. Looking back, I don’t know where the time went. !As a family mother, I feel both happy and sad to see my girls graduating. As any parent should be, and especially as a mother, I am happy to see my girls grown up and becoming self-reliant women – this is the most a parent could want for their children. But, when I think about them departing from me physically, it brings some sadness. I will miss having them with me, but I know that we will always be together in spirit. ASYV will continue to be their home, and of course they are welcome to visit me whenever they want. I have formed very strong bonds with my girls. I am so proud of them. !I wish them well as they go out into the world. I wish them lives filled with wonderful moments, and encourage them to become good citizens of tomorrow. In Rwanda, we need people who are living by the core values set by ASYV. I hope that they take these philosophies of support and respect and put them into action in their own communities. As family mammas, it is our primary responsibility to advocate on behalf of our children. We are able to do this well because we know our kids inside and out. We know their backgrounds, the difficulties they face, their strengths and their weaknesses. We want to advocate for them, and for the bright future ahead of them. We want to look for ways to make these kids happy. They come from a tough life, so we are here to put them in a better place, and to give them another chance at life. We do whatever needs doing to ensure that they are walking on the right path. !It is wonderful that these students are living within a learning community like ASYV. Even for me, if I need advice, I can seek it from another family mother. We share ideas, stories, and successes, and this is motivating for all of the moms. I am not just saying goodbye to the girls in my family, but to all of the Indatwa (12th grade) graduates. I wish them well in the next chapter of their lives and greatly look forward to hearing how their lives unfold. All these kids, they grow up so fast!

PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER ASYV: A LOOK INSIDE THE STUDENT RESOURCE CENTER

At Agahozo-Shalom, our goal is that our students leave the Village with a plan for the future. To encourage them to look ahead, we suggest that they pay a visit to the Student Resource Center (SRC). The SRC is a haven for third and fourth year students, where they can begin the process of preparing for life beyond the ASYV. The main objectives of the SRC are to ensure that every student has a resume, that they know how to write cover letters, they have an understanding of interview protocol, and, when appropriate, for students to have assistance with their university or scholarship applications. The SRC also offers classes in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) training as well as SAT/ACT prep courses. !Recently, the SRC introduced an entrepreneurship class that explains business models and entrepreneurial ventures to our older students. In partnership with Babson College of Wellesley, Massachusetts, 15 ASYV students were selected to build their own entrepreneurial business model. They spend the year going through a designed syllabus for what makes a successful entrepreneur. After drafting their business plans, they send them to Babson, who then introduces the projects to investors. Investors can grant anywhere from $300- $1000 for the implementation of the students’ initiative. This entrepreneurial program is made possible by our ever-expanding partnership with Babson College, and we are grateful for their interest in our students. !Blaise Rwamukwaya, Senior 5 (third year) saw that people in his home community of Kicukiro in Kigali were not able to find well-paying jobs because of their low level of English. Blaise wants to set up a tutoring program that has the opportunity to raise the average level of income in Kicukiro. Senior 6 (fourth year) student, Rose Nyiramayira, saw that her community was suffering because only one store in her town sells rice. The hours of the store are unreliable and many people who travel long distances to buy rice are turned home empty-handed. Rose wants to open a second store to sell rice so that people will have a second option, while at the same time, creating competition within the rice market in her community. !The SRC is managed by Moses Illunga, and he is assisted by Career Development Fellow, AliWolfson. Moses has worked at the ASYV for three years and has watched the Student Resource Center grow into what it is today. “It is the goal of the SRC to provide a package to our students from career counseling to mock interviews. We want our students to feel confident in the direction that their life is heading and to make them think critically about the future. They need to be eloquent advocates for themselves and we’re here to make sure that they know how to present themselves to the world,” says Moses on his goals for the Student Resource Center. !As Ali’s yearlong Fellowship nears to an end, she must say goodbye to the students she has worked with for the past year. “I want to tell my students to finish their CVs. Even a draft will be incredibly helpful down the line. Use the people in your network as your support system and don’t lose touch. Ask for help if you need it. Use every skill you learned. Everyone is here to support you,” she said as her parting words of wisdom. “I want to shatter the idea that the SRC is only for the top performing students. We are here for everyone.” !!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE CLASS OF 2014: SENIOR STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME AT ASYV

Amary Umutoni King David Family Born: November 30, 1993 !“The most important lesson I learned at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is love. I thought that only my biological mother and brothers loved me, but I was wrong. At ASYV, I found love, support, and happiness. I learned how to love everyone whether I knew the person or not, as Anne did for us. How can I forget this? I’ll cherish every moment I had at ASYV. Everything that passed my eyes left something in my mind. “ !

Florentine Mukamgoga King Solomon Family Born: March 10, 1994 !“Since I’m leaving ASYV soon, I am doing my best to take advantage of all the opportunities that are being provided to me here. I am working hard in school, studying as much as I can, and trying to help my fellow students. I plan to teach the core values that I learned here to others outside of ASYV, and make sure that I live by what I was taught. I hope to start a business one day since I studied entrepreneurship. I am not afraid of what will happen once I graduate since I know I have become a capable and responsible person.” !

Jean Pierre Aminadabu Haile Selassie Family Born: January 1, 1993 !I was raised in an orphanage in Nyarucyamu village. I don’t know where I was born and I don’t know my relatives. Life was not easy for me. I didn’t like to talk and I didn’t like to do what other kids liked to do. I had no friends even if I lived with many other kids. Before coming to ASYV, the most difficult things for me were getting school fees, setting goals, and having a vision. !Going to ASYV was one of the happiest moments in my life. After learning how to live with other kids at ASYV, I started to have a vision. This was the first time that I lived with a mother and siblings. I learned many things from them, which helped me to improve my attitude. !Liquidnet Family High School is quite different from my past school. At Liquidnet, we have libraries, computers, and a homeroom teacher. None of this was in my past school. LFHS helped to open my mind and learn new things. !I believe that we are all born unique, but we work so hard to try to be like someone else. The day I arrived to the Village, I started to work on my passion by being responsible and studying hard. I think what makes me different from others is my understanding of people. When I arrived to the Village, I started to learn about the other students, including their likes and dislikes. I completely changed my attitude and wasn’t shy anymore. !I feel strong and powerful because I acquired so much knowledge and skills at Agahozo-Shalom. What I learned at ASYV will help me to live a new life after graduation. !My goal is to be a computer engineer and earn a Presidential scholarship, so that I can study abroad to gain knowledge that will be helpful for Rwanda. The advice I leave to my young brothers and sisters is to not be afraid to express themselves and to stay determined about things that they are passionate about. !

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE CLASS OF 2014: SENIOR STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME AT ASYV

Gentil Arsene Nzabitwari R. Baden Powel Family Birthday Unknown !“Academically, I made drastic improvements because I am no longer just memorizing ideas, but I actually understand the concept. Because of this, I think about solving bigger community problems, which I had never done before. Personally, I am solving my own problems now. I became a man of responsibilities, instead of being shy and asking everyone else for help.” !!Name: Umutoni Diane Vasco Da Gama Family Born: April 26, 1993 !!!“I am excited to graduate from ASYV! I have been given the tools to succeed here, and I wish to prove to the world and myself that I can make it. I hope to continue my education and go to university.” !!Samuel Habimana Haile Selassie Family Born: February 25, 1994 !“Because of my time at the Science Center, I chose to study computer science. ASYV helped me to work with computers. I can design a webpage, make a PowerPoint presentation, and create an Excel sheet. This is the one area that I think I will continue to study in the future. Of course it will be amazing to graduate from ASYV. I have many goals, and the first one is to continue my studies at a university. I hope to wok in networking and computer assembly.” !

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE CLASS OF 2014: SENIOR STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME AT ASYV

Francoise Uwiringyimana Vasco Da Gama Family Born: August 18, 1993 !Before coming to ASYV, I lived in an orphanage with many other children. Our guardians were the nuns. Studying was difficult in those days because our living conditions were so uncomfortable. Specifically, the things that were difficult were finding or affording school materials. I did not feel as though I had anyone really looking after me and caring for me. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Life without friends is like hell.” I really appreciate this proverb because I know what it feels like to live life without anyone around you who cares. Thanks to the ASYV, I now know what it feels like to have friends, to have family.

I learned many different things from the different programs offered at ASYV. I learned professionalism in my hospitality club, I learned how to express myself in Village Time club, and these are things that will continue to help me after I graduate.

I have changed in many ways throughout my time in ASYV. From my public speaking program, I am able to speak more confidently and to get my point across to different people. Today I try to implement the core values of the Village in my daily life, and this has changed the way I express myself. Before, I was shy and timid and afraid to say anything in front of too many people. Today, I can help others in terms of guiding them, and I want to be a helpful member of my society. I know now how to use my time well. I also learned the proper way to apply for a job with a resume and cover letter. I learned how to make a business plan, which will help me in the future.

When I came in ASYV I had a dream of becoming a journalist. I was offered many opportunities to achieve this goal, such as participating in the Village Time Club, which taught me to speak with people without having fear. In the Language and Development Club, I work to improve my English skills and have learned how to do proper research. In the TV Club, I learned about the news and what strategies to use to properly research news stories. Today I would like to thank ASYV for giving me the opportunity to participate in all of these programs so that I can increase my knowledge and move forward to achieve my goal of becoming a journalist.

The advice I want to give to Enrichment Year students is to incorporate the Village core values into your life, and maximize the opportunities you are provided. I want to tell them to plan their future now, and not to wait. They should remember where they are coming from so this can motivate them to work hard in school. I want to tell them to be the role models of their families, and to take all activities seriously. You never know what you will learn. !

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM THE CLASS OF 2014: SENIOR STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TIME AT ASYV

THE LEGACY OF INDATWA GRADE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: BONAVENTURE MUJYENEZA

My name is Bonaventure Mujyeneza, I am the school principal here at the Liquidnet Family High School (LFHS). I have worked at LFHS for two and a half years, and plan to stay much longer. I have a long history in education from working in schools as well as within the Rwandan Education Board, where I worked in the department of Teacher’s Development Management. I heard about the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village for the first time in 2008. I knew that a residential school had opened for the vulnerable children of Rwanda, but I was not aware of the Village component, and the philosophies, values, and programs that made up a “youth village.” When I arrived in 2012, I saw that Agahozo-Shalom is a home as well as a school, and I am very happy that I came to work here. !When I first arrived in 2012, our graduating Indatwa students were only in Senior 4 (second year students.) One of my first responsibilities at LFHS was counseling students who were dissatisfied with the combinations that they chose during their first year. This was my first opportunity to mentor these students, and through our conversations, we are able to negotiate their proper course of action. (1) It was a good initial experience for me as I was able to understand how LFHS operates. This school is special in terms of teaching because we function using the ‘learner-centered’ method. The kids here take their education in their own hands. As teachers, we are here to guide and advise them as best we can. We want our students to make discoveries on their own, and to take responsibility for what sort of people they want to be. !

Teachers at LFHS have the opportunity to award greater focus to each individual because of our small class sizes. At previous schools I have worked at in Rwanda, the class sizes can reach up to 50 students per teacher. In LFHS there are never more than 32 students per class. Our teachers offer special workshops in different subjects for students who require extra help. We are working so that no student’s struggle goes unnoticed. !In terms of teaching, the most motivating factor for our students is their background. They come from a state of great vulnerability and are working hard to reverse the injustice of their childhoods. As teachers, we find it easy to support these students who have overcome so much, but still have the motivation to excel. For our teachers’ improvement, we have recently introduced the opportunity to have lessons filmed so that teachers can see what they’re doing, and discuss ways in which they can improve their techniques. !This year’s graduating Indatwa Class has some of the most brilliant students we have taught at ASYV thus far. I believe that we have the possibility of having more than five kids who score 100% on the National Exam. We have some absolute geniuses in this grade! All of the Indatwa students have improved a great deal since we first met in 2012. It is not only about their academic achievements, but also the progress they have made in their own personal lives where we have seen the greatest changes. Their confidence has improved, they are better at asking questions, they are good debaters, leaders in extracurricular activities, and are tremendous in so many aspects of their lives. The advice I want to give them is to stay focused. Do not let up in their pursuit to succeed. The word “Indatwa” in Kinyarwanda means ‘to reveal something precious,’ and this name could not be better suited than for this grade. !The greatest stress our Indatwa students face at this time is returning to their homes and not being able to survive, because they don’t have families or homes to return to. When they came to ASYV in 2010, they were young. Now they are young adults, and they want to be independent. While I understand their fear, I want to reinforce that ASYV is, and always will be their home, and that their Agahozo-Shalom families - from their mamas to their teachers - will always be here to support them. I have absolute confidence that this group of graduates will succeed in whatever they pursue. I look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the years to come.

(1) In Rwanda students are obligated to choose between a variety of ‘combinations’ that will serve as their academic focus. Combinations can range from HEG (history, economics, geography) to MPC (math, physics, computers).

ICYIZERE GRADEFRESHMAN CLASS

ISHEMA GRADESOPHOMORE CLASS

INGENZI GRADEJUNIOR CLASS

INDATWA GRADESENIOR CLASS

If You See Far, You Will Go Far

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Issue Produced by 2014 Village Fellows Sasha Friedman and Yael Zaken