ASYV Founder Visits Site July 2008
July 10, 2008
I have been sitting here staring at the blank screen of my computer for about 5 minutes, not knowing where to begin to tell you about today. I know that the “Liquidnet Family” is keeping a blog of their experiences, and I feel sure that one of them will be able to put things into words far better than I can. I am tempted to leave it to them, but that would be cheating.
I awoke to yet another sunny, crisp spectacularly clear and beautiful day snuggled among the hills of Kigali which is the beautiful view I have from my window. Everyone was very excited as we piled onto the bus. In addition to the Liquidnet Family and our donors we were joined by another couple from New and the JNF guys from Israel. From ASYV Sifa, Tina, JP, Eugenie and I were on the bus. Alain met us at the site, as did the architects and construction company.
On the way out I spoke to everyone about ASYV and the progress we have made, and where the project stands today – of course mentioning what it will take to get us to “opening day”. Then I asked Sifa to talk a little about what the project means to her and to Rwanda, which she did beautifully, and then we turned the mike over to JP. JP spoke about his life post genocide and his work with the orphan community and the frustrations that were associated with that. He began working with orphans in 1995, just one year after the genocide in which he lost most of his family. He talked about when he was in Israel learning about Yemin Orde and Feuerstein’s methodologies and how he couldn’t stop thinking that if only he had had some of this information back then he may have been able to help some of those children stay in school. And he talked about how even today those that want to help this vulnerable community so much are unable to because they don’t have a system; they haven’t been taught the methodologies necessary to do it in any meaningful way, and that for him this is one of the biggest gifts that ASYV brings to the country.
As JP finished talking we neared the site of the village, and as the red roofs began to appear in the distance silence fell over the bus. We drove quietly passed the school, passed the main entrance, and up to the site of the children’s houses. The vast majority of them are roofed; many have plaster on and I would say that they are about 90 – 95% complete. They looked simple but absolutely breathtaking in the sunshine, carved into the mountainside looking out at the rest of the world. As you know from being there, looking out at the hills on the other side of the lake it appears as if those hills just go on forever.
As we got off the bus people quietly started milling about…it was if they couldn‘t really believe what they were seeing. Many came over and just hugged me. There really are no words to describe what you are feeling when you see the village – I was going to say for the first time but the reality is, every time. Fred, Thomas and Kiki greeted us warmly, and Thomas walked the group through one of the children’s houses, explaining the layout and what it will take to get the project completed. After milling about (and listening to the excited chatter with great joy) we got on the bus and drove up the hill, passed the dining hall under construction, to the school, which is also under construction. Both of those buildings, which were essentially nothing more than foundations a month ago when I was here, are now almost at the half way point. On the way Sifa asked Alain to talk about the land purchase, and I have to tell you that this project could have no better spokesperson. He talked about the process – how we looked for the land, how the criteria had to fit the philosophy of the village, the importance of growing up in beautiful surroundings and the importance of being able to “see far”. He also talked about the purchase of the land, the decision to purchase rather than have the government expropriate for us, and the three week negotiation under the tree – the tree which stands proudly at the top of the Children’s Houses. He talked about how the way in which we have gone about building this village has earned the respect of everyone, from the local people to whom it has brought jobs and increased property values, to the architect and builder and officials in Rwanda. It is too bad it is only a 2 minute ride up to the school – I could have listened to him go on forever.
Fred and Kiki were literally beaming with pride as they walked everyone through the school. We stood in the courtyard, and once again I was amazed at the simplicity and beauty of the building. Standing on the top of the school’s hill is the most spectacular view. On this beautiful day I could have stood up there gazing at the distant hills and nearby lakes forever. After a quick walk down to the dining hall, where we reviewed the plans, we walked down to the main entrance. The dining hall, which is a 2 story building, is essentially built into the hillside. In contrast to the cement block, a beautiful stone exterior wall connects the dining hall to the hill. Thomas was very proud to tell us that women were building this wall. At the front entrance we planted two trees – one planted by the Friends of ASYV (donors) and the other by the Liquidnet Family. As has become our usual practice, we marked the special occasion with “shehechiyanu” – a prayer of thanks for allowing us to get to this time and place.
Then it was back on the bus and a drive down to Lake Muhazi, where we at lunch on the banks of the lake, some competing with exotic birds for their food. The place had a very “safari” feel and it was great to relax and just enjoy. You really felt like you were somewhere peaceful and quiet in the middle of Africa. Then I went to the ladies room, and on the way passed a blaring television (on an outdoor straw covered patio) which was blaring an ad for the new game “guitar hero” – one of my kids’ favorites! I couldn’t help but chuckle. We can kid ourselves as much as we want but our worlds are really so connected, and it is just going to get more and more so.
After driving back to Kigali everyone had a little time to rest, blog, go shopping, and at 8:00pm we went to Legend, a Rwandan restaurant where traditional dance is part of the evening’s entertainment. The food was really excellent, and the dancers were incredible. At one point they pulled the audience – our table(s) were the only one in the room, others had come in to watch – so they pulled everyone from our table up to dance. Everyone was a really good sport about it and had a tremendous amount of fun. At 11:00 I broke up the party, but the dancers insisted on doing a little something special for us, so by the time we got home it was quite late. All in all, a really excellent day!
No commentsLiquidnet Visits ASYV
Several members of ASYV’s corporate partner, Liquidnet Holdings, Inc., recently traveled to Rwanda on an ASYV mission. The members are part of The Liquidnet Family, whose time and efforts are geared towards supporting Liqudnet’s Global Social Engagement projects, which ASYV is one.
To see a video of their trip and pictures, click on the following link http://liquidnetfamilyrwanderers.tumblr.com/
No commentsSowing Seeds for Future Generations: “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy” (Psalm 126)
Anne Heyman, ASYV Founder, visited the site in May to see the construction that is currently forging ahead. While there, she planted a tree – a symbol of the students who will also put down strong roots at ASYV. Through its nurturing environment, individualized therapies and other innovative methodologies, ASYV will sow the seeds that will ultimately maximize each student’s potential, cultivating the youth to grow into contributing members of society
No commentsThoughts from ASYV Founder on Recent Trip to Rwanda
May 26, 2008
As I think of you all, literally a world away, I wonder if you have any inkling as to the impact of your contributions to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. I wish you could have been with me today, not only to see what I have seen, but to meet the people I have met so you could truly understand the scope of the impact we are having here in Rwanda.
On our way to the village, we stopped to meet with a couple individuals to update them on the current status of the project. The most exciting part about both these meeting was that comments were made in how ASYV would be a place to learn, a laboratory if you will, and that it is hoped there will be 10 more like this village in a few years. This has always been our vision: to create excellence in education, both formal and informal, to bring new knowledge in the areas of agriculture, forestation and IT, and to make ASYV a place where others can come and learn about any and all of these areas. While transforming the lives of so many children at ASYV, we have the ability to impact the lives of so many, many more.
The highlight of my day…and undoubtedly the highlight of this trip…was our visit to the ASYV site. When we arrived at the site which, on this beautiful sunny warm Rwandan day was so extraordinarily beautiful – to say you could see far doesn’t begin to convey the feeling of being able to see lakes, hills and mountains unfolding without end. Standing on the top of our village hill, you truly feel that the world is at your feet.
As you drive into the village grounds – through our gate house (no gate yet, but the buildings are there) you arrive at a central area where they have started construction on the dining hall. At some point this central area will also have a library and a spiritual center, all carved into the hillside with beautiful gardens terraced around them. Our architect and contractor were on site already, waiting to give us the tour. Justifiably proud, they walked us through one of the 32 children’s houses which now ring the hill on the left side of the property. The roofs have started to go onto these houses, and all the materials for completing their construction are on site, with the exception of some interior doors which should be there soon. On the center level of the property is the site of the two-story dining hall being built into the hillside, and then on the hill on the right side of the property is the site of the school. I grew up in South Africa and attended a high school which was across the street and overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I didn’t think there was any view that could possibly be better. Today I discovered you can see three, not two lakes from our site; words simply cannot do justice to what I felt as I looked out on this incredible view, encompassing the miracle that is our village growing before our very eyes below us.
Do you have any idea how big a foundation footprint for a 500 student school is? It really has to be seen to be believed. The walls are beginning to go up on one side of the school; I have no doubt that when I return in July it will be done. The pace at which our builders are working is amazing, and I give them so much credit.
We concluded our visit to the village by holding a very emotional tree planting ceremony. Alain, our Country Director, was master of ceremonies. He started by giving a lovely speech and then I planted a tree on the road from the gatehouse after you have entered the village. Will Recant, Assistant Executive Vice President – JDC, then planted a tree on behalf of the JDC, our architect, builder, the Mayor of Rwamagana, a representative from the Governor’s office. Next a visitor planted a tree on behalf of all who have made donations to the project. Then another JDC member planted a tree on behalf of all those who work on the project and a representative of the ministry of education planted a tree, lastly some of the local children planted a tree…each time with Alain saying something moving and profound. The end result is 18 trees lining the entrance to the village….little baby ones at the moment but what a wonderful way to mark the growth of this project. I can’t wait to come back in July and see how “my” tree is doing; and to show it to my family on their next trip
When we returned to the bus that was to take us back to Kigali I asked our first time visitors from the government and ministry of education what they thought of the project. Their simple response was “its amazing…I don’t know what to say….”. I am pleased to report that Alain says this is a common reaction from first time visitors to the ASYV site, particularly Rwandans. They have never seen anything like it before. This makes me so happy; and it should make those of you who know you have played a part in bringing about this smile too. Know that your efforts are truly appreciated by the people of Rwanda. It sounds so trite, but nevertheless it is true: you are helping to make this world we live in a better place.
No commentsASYV April 2008 Update
Dear ASYV Partners, Friends, and Supporters,
As I read through the April 2008 Update of the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), I am amazed by the astounding progress we have made so far and excited by how much is yet to unfold. For a continuous update on the development of the project, as well as more photographs, please visit our website www.agahozo-shalom.org.
April is Genocide Memorial Month in Rwanda, and I cannot think of a more fitting way to mark the moment than by pledging our determination to say ‘never again’ by creating ASYV – a place where Rwanda’s next generation will garner the tools they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their country. Thank you for partnering with us in this vital endeavor.
With best regards,
October 2007 - April 2008
Major Accomplishments
• Visit to Israel by two ASYV Management Team members to finalize the adaptation of the Israeli model to Rwanda
• First draft of informal and formal curricula developed
• Job descriptions developed for teachers and staff at the Village
• Phase 1 of the building process solidified
• Hiring of Project Manager to oversee construction
• Study on alternative uses of energy commissioned
• Final contract signed between JDC and ICELP
• Interviews for -and hiring of- the two year Interim Village Director
• Furnishing/supplies needed for phase 1 compiled by Village Needs Committee
• Training in the U.S for Head of High School and Head of Informal Education
• Close to $6 million raised; a further $5.5 needed
• Event for first group of bnei mitzvah who donated their gifts to ASYV
• ASYV local office opened in Kigali, Rwanda
• JDC Board Members visit to Rwanda
[To read more of this article, download the PDF.]
No commentsInspiring Teens
The ASYV project, while ‘restoring the rhythm of life’ for Rwandan orphans, also includes an effort to educate and engage the next generation of Americans in global social responsibility. We are very proud of the b’nei mitzvah who are showing their support for ASYV and their belief in tikkun olam –helping others less fortunate than themselves, by making ASYV their personal mitzvah project and asking friends and family to donate to ASYV in lieu of their bar mitzvah gifts. These youngsters are making a tangible effort to fundraise and raise awareness on behalf of other youth who are so in need. These inspiring young philanthropists are also taking action by organizing projects in support of the Village that include: Collecting bottle caps and cans; screening the movie Hotel Rwanda and inviting friends and family to join in on a conversation afterward; speaking at a synagogue and a school, encouraging others to support the project too.
To show our gratitude for the commitment they have made to transforming the lives others, the teens were recently honored at an event held at the home of Anne Heyman, ASYV founder, were she and ASYV’s Executive Director Sifa Nsengimana gave an update on how these efforts are making a real difference, and presented framed certificates in recognition of their work on behalf of ASYV (see photo below).
Anne Heyman - building a village of hope
November 2, 2007
By Julie Jacobs
lifestyles Magazine
It all began on November 14, 2005, with a Hillel-sponsored lecture at Tufts University, where Paul Rusesabagina spoke about the 1994 genocide in his native country of Rwanda. Rusesabagina’s valiant effort, to protect Tutsi refugees from the Hutu militia by housing them in the hotel he managed, was depicted in the Oscar-nominated film Hotel Rwanda.
[To read more of this article, download the PDF.]
2 commentsASYV October 2007 Update
Dear ASYV Partners, Friends, and Supporters
Greetings! We would like to share some exciting news with you regarding the development of the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, a special project of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). As you will see from the attached Update, we continue to make great progress on all fronts, little of which would be possible without your prayers and support; so please receive our gratitude as well.
If you have thoughts, questions or suggestions which you would like to share, please contact us at info@agahozo-shalom.org.
Until next time,
April - September 2007
Major Accomplishments
• Completion of architectural schematic designs
• Project’s website and informational package developed
• Rally for Rowley fundraising campaign
• Travel to Rwanda of US based architecture advisor for an extended meeting with the architectural firm
• Contract signed with major Rwandan construction company
• Travel to Rwanda of the Ethiopian-Israeli Volunteer Team, ASYV’s US-based Advisory Board members, and representatives from Liquidnet Holdings, Inc.’s Global Social Engagement Division
• Groundbreaking Event and Ceremony at site of ASYV in Rubona, Rwanda
• Audience with H.E. President Paul Kagame
• Hiring of future Head of High School
• Hiring of future Head of Informal Education
• Construction under way
• Development of training program and related budget for ASYV staff and students in the ICELP Educational Methods (www.icelp.org) (in development)
• Fundraising Master Plan (in development)
[To read more of this article, download the PDF.]
No commentsLife at Agahozo Shalom
By Rob Eshman, Editor-in-Chief
October 19, 2007
JewishJournal.com
If I wanted the kind of office where visitors shut the door and cry, I’d have become a rabbi. Or a therapist. Or an agent.
That’s why it caught me off guard when a woman named Anne Heyman sat down across from me and started, well, crying.
Heyman was in town last week to raise money and awareness for the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda. Moved to ease the plight of 1.2 million children left orphaned by the 1994 Rwandan genocide, she came up with the idea of emulating the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel, the model by which Israel absorbed, raised and educated hundreds of post-Holocaust Jewish orphans.
[To read more of this article, download the PDF.]
1 commentH. E. President Paul Kagame Receives ASYV
Sunday, August, 19, 2007
The Sunday Times
Kigali Rwanda
While in Rwanda for the ASYV Ground Breaking, Anne Heyman, ASYV Founder and the Israeli Ambassador to Rwanda, Yaacov Amitai were received by H. E. President Paul Kagame. After hearing of the benefits of the village for his country and the orphaned children of Rwanda, he pledged his personal support of the project. Also accompanying Anne and Ambassador Amitai was Seth Merrin, CEO, Liquidnet Holdings, Inc., an american businessman and Anne’s husband, Sifa Nsengimana, Executive Director, ASYV (not pictured) and Gideon Herscher, JDC (not pictured).
