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.]