By Barrett Ellyn Frankel | ASYV Development and Communications Manager
Students come to Agahozo-Shalom from all corners of Rwanda. In their first year, the emphasis in the Village is on Tikkun Ha’lev, healing of the heart, which is seen as a necessary step in the mission of Agahozo-Shalom. One must heal him or herself before he or she can fulfill the obligation of helping others.
In their first year, students not only become physically healthier, through medical care and good nutrition, but they also meet with social workers, learn to live the Core Values of the Village, take their first creative (and therapeutic) courses in art, music, sport, carpentry and cooking and spend time really getting to know themselves and each other.
During these first months at Agahozo-Shalom, students visibly blossom.
Many students arrive on their first day in the Village alone, with fierce defence mechanisms to match their feeling of isolation. Many move into the Village with just the clothes on their back, some carry small paper bags with some belongings, and all carry a sense of distrust and wearied sadness. Over the course of a day, a week, a month, ASYV youth shed their hardened exteriors and laugh openly with their Village family. They learn to dream and envision a future filled with hope, and commit themselves to working hard in order to achieve their goals.
On December 28th, 2013 ASYV welcomed our newest Enrichment Year students to the Village! Travelling from Rwanda’s 30 districts, 128 children and their families poured into Agahozo-Shalom. They were greeted by the smooth sounds of ASYV’s own Indatwa Jazz Band. Nerves were eased as a satisfying lunch of samosas, sweet breads and tea were passed out to hungry and exhausted travelers. Village Director, Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, gave a warm speech welcoming new students and encouraged them to take advantage of all the opportunities Agahozo-Shalom has to offer. After lunch, families were escorted to the stadium for the celebratory tradition of receiving their family assignments. Agahozo-Shalom is structured in the image of a family home with a Rwandan Mama and older sibling. In this way, students are integrated into the supportive fabric of the Village from their first day. For our enrichment students, this proved to be a very exciting moment. Smiling mamas, big sisters, and brothers waited anxiously to receive their new sons, daughters, or siblings. As names were called, families began to take form and new students officially joined the family structure of the Village. It is important for the new students to understand the significance of their families and to consider their fellow students and caretakers as their advocates. Families serve to provide whatever support they may need in the coming years. Mama Marie Claire, a five-year veteran of Agahozo-Shalom, stated to her girls on their first night, “we are all one now.” She reiterated the importance of self-confidence, motivation, and self-respect. Mama Marie Claire knows that each student will evolve into a poised ASYV pupil. Each year she welcomes this transformation and feels honored to witness such displays of strength.
To see a video from arrival day, click here
To see a photo slideshow from the first day, click here
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