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

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.]

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.]

January - April 2007
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Purchase of the 58.7 Ha piece of land where ASYV is about to be built
• Completion of the Inception phase in building process
• Opening of JDC-ASYV bank accounts in Rwanda (Dollar & local currency)
• Project’s Website and informational package in development
• ASYV short movie completed
• Important Educational documents gathered from Rwandan Ministry of Education
• Training Program and related budget established for Ethiopian Israelis
• Development of Training Program and related budget for ASYV staff in Mediated Learning Experience
• Fundraising Master Plan in Development
• Major funding commitment from Corporation
• Project and Founder honored by association of philanthropists

[To read more of this article, download the PDF.]