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).

Rowley’s Run for Rwanda was an amazing success. Not only did Rowley finish the Gobi March in 20th place — out of 171 competitors — he raised a staggering $35,000 for the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. Donations are still coming in.

Rowley’s overall running time was 38 hours, 13 minutes and 43 seconds.

His daily breakdown was as follows:

• Stage 1 - 5 hours, 47 seconds (35th place)
• Stage 2 - 4 hours, 43 minutes, 10 seconds (30th place, 32nd place overall)
• Stage 3 - 8 hours, 8 minutes (31st place overall)
• Stage 4 - 6 hours, 4 minutes, 20 seconds (20th place, 29th place overall)
• Stage 5 - 13 hours, 24 minutes (23rd place)
• Stage 6 - 53 minutes (16th place)

You can help build a village!

This unbelievable and rare global movement involves everyday people who are coming together to bring hope to the children in Rwanda. Rally for Rowley is supporting something unbelievable: A man crossing the Gobi Desert in China. For seven days, Rowley will run the equivalent of one marathon per day, on the last day he runs two marathons. He is raising funds for the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village’s (ASYV).

Rowley is from England, works in Hong Kong for a company headquartered New York. His friends all around the world will be supporting him by wearing a different colored sock for each of the seven days of his race, Rowley will be wearing the same colored sock as his supporters each day. It will be our way of “walking along with Rowley” to support Rwanda.

Often, when you see terrible news on TV, you feel helpless because there is not a lot you can do to help. You probably felt this way when the genocide was happening in Rwanda. Now you can make a difference by joining this global effort. You too can be part of this movement!

Make your pledge today by visiting www.firstgiving.com/rowleysgobitrek. All donations will be sent through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. (AJJDC) and distributed directly to the ASYV. The AJJDC is a registered charity and all donations are 100% tax deductible.