By Barrett Frankel | Development & Communications Manager
As Thanksgiving approaches, we once again take a moment to reflect upon all that we have accomplished in such a short time. We couldn’t have done it without your help. In the span of seven years, you have helped us create and staff a Village where, on a daily basis, we heal, educate, and transform hundreds of vulnerable Rwandan orphans, and provide innumerable benefits to the surrounding community. Children who once had no hope are seeing far and envisioning their futures, having been given a place to heal and the tools to flourish.
Last year one of our students wrote to our supporters, sharing her story of how ASYV has given her a loving place to grow and prepare for a future. Jackie is now a MasterCards Scholar at McGill University in Canada! Having supporters like you has helped make Jackie’s – and many others’ – dreams a reality. Even though these amazing boys and girls live thousands of miles from you, you are changing their lives in remarkable ways.
This is Jean Claude’s story: My name is Jean Claude Muzerwa. I was born in 1993 into a family with two sisters and five brothers. My 1 surviving brother and I were taken into a family as slaves after our family was killed in the Genocide. In order to earn school fees and necessities like food, I had to do extremely difficult things. At age 10, I chose to leave my horrible situation, become a parent and raise my young brother. With no one to care for us, I cultivated our land in the morning and went to school in the afternoon.
When I came to ASYV, I thought it was a dream. Slowly by slowly I started to reconstruct myself and over time I gained respect, helped others, developed hope, and envisioned my future. I learned to love people.
ASYV is a special place. There is a secret that Agahozo-Shalom has, which is reconstructing your heart and your mindset. Agahozo-Shalom’s programs and trainings have helped develop my whole self. ASYV students have the desire to learn and go outside to the community and help other people. ASYV has taught me how to manage my time, value myself and those around me, and the importance of hard work.
The Village has restored my rhythm of life. Believing in myself, taking risks, having a vision and assuming responsibility has helped me move out of a world filled with darkness, anger, and sadness. I have learned that life is a long journey, and everything is possible. I don’t live in Agahozo, Agahozo lives in me.
Murakoze cyane! Thank you very much for your invaluable support, advocacy, and contributions.
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