stand up & be counted 2016 program
DESCRIPTION
Program for the 8th Annual Stand Up & Be Counted, with the Agahozo-Shalom Youth VillageTRANSCRIPT
8 t h Annual
May 18, 2016
STAND UPBE COUNTED&
CHAIRSJanet Montag,
Sandy Hoffen & Holly Merrin
Evening Program
TIKKUN OLAM AT AGAHOZO-SHALOM
BREAK TO ENJOY FIRST COURSE
WELCOMELaurie Toll Franz, Board Chair
Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, Executive Director
William J. Dale, Head of External Relations
VIDEO PRESENTATION
MY AGAHOZO-SHALOM JOURNEY Liliane Pari Umuhoza, Class of 2012
AUCTION Hugh Hildesley, Auctioneer
DINNER
WELCOME BACK Janet Montag, Sandy Hoffen and Holly Merrin, Event Co-Chairs
PRESENTATION OF 2016 ANNE HEYMAN SPIRIT AWARDAllan Harris, Presenter
Franco Harris, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
CLOSING REMARKSJason Merrin, Director
SURPRISE PERFORMANCE
“Every one of these kids is going to touch
the lives of hundreds of other people.
This Village is literally changing lives…”
ANNE HEYMAN, Ahagozo-Shalom Youth Village Founder
“Every one of these kids is going to touch
the lives of hundreds of other people.
This Village is literally changing lives…”
Dear Friends and “Family” of Agahozo-Shalom, On behalf of the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Board of Directors, I want to express how excited we are
to have you with us for our 8th Annual Stand Up & Be Counted gala. When I joined the Board six years ago,
Stand Up was a much different event. Over the past eight years, Stand Up has raised almost $6 million from
over 1,200 individuals, a true testament to the value of our mission. We have grown and we are successful all
because of you!
This year, we are excited to host 17 alumni from our illustrious program. These students are attending colleges
here in the United States, as well as Canada and Central America. We have something new in store for you,
but I don’t want to give it away; let me just say, I hope you are ready to clap, and maybe even sing along. Our
students have accomplished so much in our short history. Our alumni have seized upon every opportunity and
they have worked hard to become leaders and responsible citizens in their communities.
We are very excited to be honoring Franco Harris this evening, NFL Hall of Famer and 4-time Super Bowl
Champion. Some of you might be asking, “how does the NFL relate to Rwanda?” Franco reached the apex of
his field, an achievement which required focus, determination, and sacrifice. He then used the skills he de-
veloped on the field and in the college classroom to start two successful businesses that have been featured
by the Wall Street Journal and Forbes. When Franco learned about Agahozo-Shalom and our kids, he was
inspired to make a generous donation of product from his company, Silversport. Franco’s success as an entre-
preneur and his lifelong commitment to philanthropy make him the perfect role model for our kids.
I would like to thank our Co-Chairs and Benefit Committee, who have done so much to make this event a
success. Our dream team who helps us make this happen; we are so grateful for the time they have invested
in us. And finally, it is because of all of you, our family of supporters, that we are able to give healing, love, and
education to our special kids, who make us proud each and every day. Our success is your success.
With the deepest gratitude from everyone in our Agahozo-Shalom family, Thank You, Shalom, Murakoze Cyane!
Sincerely,
Laurie Toll Franz
Board Chair
Dear Friends,I am so excited to return to New York City for Stand Up & Be Counted. For the past five years as Village
Director, and now as Executive Director, I have witnessed first-hand how our Village - through the
transformative power of Tikkun Halev - has restored the rhythm of life for so many deserving and grateful
children. A notable example of this power is Emmanuel Nkundunkundiye, Class of 2012. It was only a few years
ago that Emmanuel read his first book at Agahozo-Shalom, and now he attends the University of Pennsylvania
on Scholarship. One could also look to Liliane Pari Umuhoza, Class of 2012. Last month, Liliane placed 2nd
out of 500 in the 2016 Bailey Oratorical Competition,
with a vivid essay recounting her experience during
the Genocide: even though it has been more than two
decades since the tragedy, it still affects the lives of so
many today.
Liliane and Emmanuel are just two of almost 1,000
success stories from the Village, and are shining stars
within the constellation of what makes us so great. In
the past year alone, our students have done so much
to help themselves and the people around them,
such as:
Forming a village debate team to improve their English skills, whom went on to win first place in the 2015 East-
Africa Debate Tournament, beating a total of 62 schools from Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda.
Forging the Female Solidarity Legacy and Girl Up, two gender empowerment groups that work tirelessly to
promote confidence and self-realization among young women at the Village and in surrounding communities.
Creating Hope for the Future, that supports vulnerable non-ASYV students in the area, such as paying for
school fees and supplying materials.
If you haven’t already, please take a moment to introduce yourself to one of our 17 alumni in attendance today.
Feel free to ask Henry about his first year at McGill - the Harvard of Canada - and how an ASYV donor helped
him get a scholarship to attend; or Marie Claire about her studies at Earth University, a preeminent Agricultural
school in North America, and how she wants to influence sustainable farming in Rwanda. You could also ask
Jackie Bagwiza about her Co-authoring a chapter in an upcoming book series called Leadership for a Healthy
World: “Creative Social Change”, chronicling Women and Leadership in Rwanda over 20 years.
We are all so excited to be here for this special day,
so please enjoy the remarkable evening, grab a token
of Rwanda from our one-of-a-kind marketplace,
raise your paddle to “Stand Up” for our students’
successes, and be inspired by the many people who
call us family, like you.
Thank you very much,
Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura
Executive Director
I have witnessed first-hand how our Village - through the transformative power of Tikkun Halev - has restored the rhythm of life for so many deserving and grateful children.
Liliane and Emmanuel are just two of almost 1,000 success stories from the Village, and are shining stars within the constellation of what makes us so great.
Co-authoring a chapter in an upcoming book series called Leadership for a Healthy World: “Creative Social Change”, chronicling Women and Leadership in Rwanda over 20 years.
2016 Anne Heyman Spirit Award Recipient
Franco HarrisEntrepreneur and Philanthropist
The Anne Heyman Spirit Award honors those who embody our Founder’s vision, passion, and commitment
to helping vulnerable populations around the world. We salute these individuals who illustrate to others that
“one person, with a good idea, can really change the world.”
Franco Harris is well known for his outstanding
career in the National Football League, one so
prolific that it earned him a 1990 induction into The
Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his years with the
Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris set the standard for NFL
running backs - big, fast and agile with explosive
cutback ability. He established many team and
league records, played in nine Pro Bowls, led the
Steelers’ to four Super Bowl victories and was named
MVP of Super Bowl IX. His “Immaculate Reception”
in the final seconds of the 1972 AFC playoff game
against the Oakland Raiders is considered to be the
greatest individual play in NFL history.
In addition to a legendary career in sports, Franco
is an entrepreneur and owner of two successful
start ups; Super Bakery, Inc. and SilverSport. In
1990 Franco established Super Bakery with the
goal of making it the leader in bakery nutrition.
Today, Super Bakery is a national company with a
wide range of nutritional products and distribution
channels through Food Service Directors and the
US Armed Forces. In 2010, Franco became the
co-founder and majority owner of the Eco Product
Group. This exciting new venture uses silver
nanotechnology in a line of antimicrobial fitness
products, personal travel items, and workout gear.
The brand SilverSport has been featured on CNBC
and in Wired, Self, Inc., Forbes, Shape, and Cooking
Light Magazines.
In addition to sports and business, Franco’s legacy
includes a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. He
has been recognized as a distinguished alumnus of
Penn State University, a recipient of the Whizzer
White Humanitarian Award, NFL “Man of the Year”,
The American Academy of Achievement “Golden
Plate Award”, and the National Urban League’s
Whitney M. Young Award. In 1997 he was honored
as the National Multiple Sclerosis Volunteer of the
Year, and in the spring of 2001, Franco was honored
by the Penn State School of Hotel, Restaurant,
Recreation Management as Alumnus of the Year. In
2005, Penn State honored him as an Alumni Fellow,
the highest honor conferred by the Penn State
Alumni Association. In 2005, Franco was a recipient
of the First Annual OT 10 Awards for Community
Impact that recognizes athletes who contribute
unyielding support through community service,
charitable donations and entrepreneurial business
endeavors. Franco is also a Member of the Board
of Directors of the Heinz Endowments and Board
Chair of the Pittsburgh Promise youth development
program.
Allan Harris Jazz Musician
Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most
accomplished and exceptional singer of his
generation. Aptly described by the Miami Herald
as an artist blessed with, “the warmth of Tony
Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and
the sly elegance of Nat ‘King’ Cole,”. Harris’ mother,
Johanna Chemina Ingram-Harris, was a concert
pianist, and was a graduate of the first class of New
York’s legendary High School for the Performing
Arts. Growing up, Harris went to Apollo Sunday
afternoon matinees, and he visited his aunt Kate
Ingram’s famous soul food restaurant, Kate’s Home
Cooking; located behind the Apollo Theater. In this
soulful setting, Harris would meet many jazz and
R&B stars who worked at the Apollo and came by
the restaurant to eat and hang out.
Harris is the jazz vocal King of New York, as
evidenced by his potpourri of engagements,
including an impressive run as a featured soloist
and producer of Sotheby’s three-year jazz series.
His commitment to education is as equally
impressive as his recordings and engagements. A
Gibson guitarist, Harris is a long-time supporter of
the St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital’s, Guitars in the
Classroom, and donates a performance every year
to Challenge Aspen/America.
Liliane Pari Umuhoza Class of 2012
Liliane Pari Umuhoza is currently studying Peace
and Conflict Studies and Communication at Juniata
College. A genocide survivor, Liliane was just two
years old during the 1994 genocide. She believes
that experiencing such a tragedy, and facing its
consequences while growing up, has been a driving
force behind her desire to acknowledge injustice
wherever she sees it. Her studies and experiences
have also instilled in her with a strong commitment
to feminism, as she has come to realize that women
are most often the victims of injustice and violence.
According to Liliane, these experiences also taught
her to be optimistic, with a passion for serving
as a voice to those who can’t raise a voice for
themselves.
Attending the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
helped to cultivate Liliane’s sense of self-worth. She
learned to believe in herself, dream big, set goals
and achieve them. To Liliane, the Village changed
her life from that of “a victim to a victor.” This
change allowed Liliane to choose to be happy, not
because the world was fair to her, but because she
learned that anyone can face challenges and be
happy, no matter their past.
Now Liliane has hope for a better future, and
the gift of an education is her defense. With an
education, she believes that she can make her
dreams a reality, make a difference, and be the
change she wants to see, as Mahatma Gandhi said.
Following graduation, Liliane would like to work
with humanitarian organizations.
Featured SpeakerS
Thank You For Standing UpOn behalf of the entire Benefit Committee, we want to thank you for your
commitment and devotion to the beautiful village at Agahozo-Shalom.
Tonight is a celebration of the human spirit, and glimpse into what we are
all capable of. Congratulations to our alumni, the reason we are here, and
Franco, in how he personifies philanthropy and the spirit of Tikkun Olam.
Sandy Hoffen, Holly Merrin, & Janet Montag, Event Chairs
BOARD OF DIRECTORSLaurie Toll Franz, Chair
John Hoover, Treasurer
Jeff Schwartzman, Secretary
Bill Bertolet
Michael DelGiacco
Ran Goshen
Kathy Harris
Gideon Herscher
Lisa Issroff
Jean Kagubare
Bertrand “Kiki” Kayiranga
Jason Kotik
Christy Lamagna
Jason Merrin
Sam Merrin
Steve Moss
Liz Stern
Brian Walsh
EVENT CO-CHAIRSSandy Hoffen
Holly Merrin
Janet Montag
Benefit CommitteeGalit Ben-Joseph
Peter Feinberg
Laurie Toll Franz
Linda Gerstel
Michelle Grobman
Irit Hadari
Kathy Harris
Edward Joyce
Christy Lamagna
Jason Merrin
Curt Middleton
Clarissa Payne Uvegi
Agahozo-Shalom is more than a school, home, or community, it is an
epicenter for healing and personal growth, and a destination for over
500 visitors from Israel, the United States and Europe. The JDC Entwine
Fellowship Program, Young Judaea, and Service Learning Program, are just
a few of the many groups that volunteer their time at the village to teach
English, help students study, or even plant vegetable gardens.
Through Tikkun Olam, students and visitors alike learn by giving, and are
empowered to be change makers in their community. Our programs focus
around Tikkun Halev, or healing the heart, which helps them realize their
potential as contributors to the world through acts of public service. The
spirit of Tikkun Olam resonates through everything at the Village, and helps
everyone involved become balanced, engaged individuals who are capable
of helping those around them.
“At ASYV, I get to watch my 18 girls thrive each day, I am hugged by ASYV Mothers, who protect me as their own, I am welcomed wholeheartedly and get to hang with over 500 of the most incredible teenagers…”
TAYLOR LANDAY, 2016 Fellow & Service Groups Coordinator
“...make a difference in the lives of the people around you,
share what you have learned with those less fortunate
than you. Always help those in need...”
ANNE HEYMAN, Ahagozo-Shalom Youth Village Founder
When Agahozo-Shalom was created nine years ago, we didn’t fully
understand what an incredible impact it would have. We are heartened by
the wonderful experiences everyone has and are enthusiastic as we become
an even stronger force for a brighter future.
‘One of the ASYV students, Mitchell…came over to walk with me. Within the
first ten seconds of meeting him he asked, “What’s your goal in life?”…This
transformed into the deepest conversation I have had in my entire life. We
bonded over things…breaking down any language, cultural, or other barriers.
We quickly discovered that we both wanted to become engineers, and that we’ve
both lost loved ones…his family members lost their lives in the genocide, and I
explained how my older sister had passed away. Our conversation became more
profound as we took turns answering questions from “What’s your favorite
childhood memory?” to “Do you think everything happens for a reason?”’
2016 SERVICE LEARNING PARTICIPANT, Nobles High School
“Our favorite moments during our week in the Village were during Family Time, when we shared stories, danced, laughed and even helped the girls study for their English exam. It’s truly a happy place and my daughter, Eliana, and I formed some wonderful new relationships.”LIZ STERN, Board Member
“...make a difference in the lives of the people around you,
share what you have learned with those less fortunate
than you. Always help those in need...”
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Theory of Change
MissionTo enable orphaned and vulnerable youth to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.
Outcome:Programs:We are a holistic model centred on the prin-ciples “Tikkun Halev” (healing of the heart) and “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world around you). We restore the rhythm of life by concentrating on healing, education and community service.
Formal EducationASYV youth are given access to high-quality academic school-ing with an emphasis on critical thinking. They receive English enrichment lessons and computer literacy classes. Career counselling and guidance is also offered so that our youth are as best prepared as possible upon leaving ASYV.
Parental WholenessAgahozo-Shalom is a youth village where parenting is done by the community. It is neither an orphanage nor a school. We know that no one can succeed without the foundation of a loving, safe and secure environment. We provide this through our innovative model based on family unity. Our youth live in family units supported by caring educators who act as their guardians and role-models. They learn our core values of integrity, respect, commitment, and support so that they can live harmoniously with others.
Health & WellnessOur youth need to heal their hearts and repair their bodies when they first arrive at ASYV. They are given access to medical health care and psychological support through counselling and therapy according to their individual needs. They are equipped with crucial life-skills to keep themselves and others healthy and happy. Throughout their time, we monitor each individual child’s psychological development to ensure no one is left behind.
L.E.A.P(Life Enrichment Applied Programs: Successes from Informal Education Programs)
Youth pursue their passions, acquire practical, professional skills and learn entrepreneurship. They realize the value of giving back through service work in the local community.
Empowered
Graduates have a strong value system and are passionately
driven by their beliefs.
Positive Change-Makers
Graduates are actively engaged in their communities and give
back to society.
Self-Reliant
Graduates can access higher education and employment.
Healed
Graduates are happy and healthy and make ethical life-choices.
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Theory of Change
MissionTo enable orphaned and vulnerable youth to realize their maximum potential by providing them with a safe and secure living environment, health care, education and necessary life skills. Education and service are used to model and create socially responsible citizens in Rwanda and around the world.
Outcome:Programs:We are a holistic model centred on the prin-ciples “Tikkun Halev” (healing of the heart) and “Tikkun Olam” (repairing the world around you). We restore the rhythm of life by concentrating on healing, education and community service.
Formal EducationASYV youth are given access to high-quality academic school-ing with an emphasis on critical thinking. They receive English enrichment lessons and computer literacy classes. Career counselling and guidance is also offered so that our youth are as best prepared as possible upon leaving ASYV.
Parental WholenessAgahozo-Shalom is a youth village where parenting is done by the community. It is neither an orphanage nor a school. We know that no one can succeed without the foundation of a loving, safe and secure environment. We provide this through our innovative model based on family unity. Our youth live in family units supported by caring educators who act as their guardians and role-models. They learn our core values of integrity, respect, commitment, and support so that they can live harmoniously with others.
Health & WellnessOur youth need to heal their hearts and repair their bodies when they first arrive at ASYV. They are given access to medical health care and psychological support through counselling and therapy according to their individual needs. They are equipped with crucial life-skills to keep themselves and others healthy and happy. Throughout their time, we monitor each individual child’s psychological development to ensure no one is left behind.
L.E.A.P(Life Enrichment Applied Programs: Successes from Informal Education Programs)
Youth pursue their passions, acquire practical, professional skills and learn entrepreneurship. They realize the value of giving back through service work in the local community.
Empowered
Graduates have a strong value system and are passionately
driven by their beliefs.
Positive Change-Makers
Graduates are actively engaged in their communities and give
back to society.
Self-Reliant
Graduates can access higher education and employment.
Healed
Graduates are happy and healthy and make ethical life-choices.
Positive C
han
ge-m
akerE
mp
ow
ere
d
HealedSelf-R
eliant
Students are psychologically and
physically stable
Students feel part
of a loving family
Students develop self-awareness and
self-acceptance
Students feel safe, secure and
valued
Students have social and emotional
skills
Students are equipped with self-care skills to
keep themselves phys-ically healthy
Graduates are active-ly engaged in their
communities and give back to society
Students are active citizens in Rwanda and demonstrate Rwandan values
Students demonstrate
empathy
Students live harmoniously with others
Graduates make ethical and healthy life choices for themselves
and others
Graduates are passionately
driven by their beliefs Students
perform well at school
Students demonstrate confidenceStudents are
driven by their curiosity and take responsibility for
their own learning
Students demonstrate critical thinking ability
Students respect
themselves and others
Students are aware of
their talents and potential
Students understand and are able to use the resources around them
Students realize their own projects and
initiatives using the skills and resources
they have
Students can communicate effectively in spoken and
written English and Kinyarwanda
Students develop an entrepreneurial mind set and understand how their skills can
be turned into income generation
Students have practical, relevant
market-driven skills
Graduates can access higher education and
employment opportunities
Students pass the S6 National Exam
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Theory of Change
ASYV graduates are healed, empowered and self-reliant in work and life. They are positive change-makers for themselves and others.
Health & WellnessForm
al Education
Life
Enri
chm
ent
Applie
d P
rogam
sParental W
holeness
Tikkun Olam
Critical Thinking Based Curriculum
English Enrichment
ClassesCareer guidance
& Counselling
Student Clubs & Enrichment
Programs
Community Service Entrepreneurship
Training
Loving Family
Unit
CoreValues
Family Time & Village Time
Discussion,Negotiation,Agreement
Life skills curriculum & workshops
Counselling & psycho-social
support
MedicalTreatment
Science Center
Tikkun Halev
Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Director
Jean-Claude joined Agahozo-Sha-
lom as Director of the Village in July
2011. His passion in life is to help
provide a platform and a voice to the voiceless. That
explains his choice for journalism as a career path in
the fall of 1994, receiving a degree in Mass Commu-
nication from the University of Central Arkansas in
the United States. In 2001, Jean-Claude returned to
Rwanda as a media and protocol officer in the Office
of the President. In 2006, he moved to South Africa
to undertake a Master’s program in International
Relations. Following his return, Jean-Claude created
XLcom, a consulting agency from which he provided
communication services to various institutions. He
then became the General Manager of Saatchi & Saat-
chi’s local branch, a worldwide advertising firm.
Celine Uwineza
Director of Education, Training
& Philosophy
Having experienced the loss of
young siblings in the 1994 genocide,
Celine has a strong desire to live for
them, and to maximize the goals and potential that
were taken from them. Each day Celine strives to
work and lead by example, in order to show Rwanda’s
young men and women that it is still possible to move
forward and excel in their lives and careers despite
their difficult past experiences. Celine demonstrated
this drive and passion for helping others when she
chose to study law, with a focus on humanitarian law,
at Kigali Independent University. She worked in the
private sector as a Human Resource Officer, where
she practiced social and labor law and then in bank-
ing before joining the Village staff in 2011.
Serge Byusa Jabo
ASYV Class of 2014
Serge Byusa Jabo is currently studying Computer Sci-
ence at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Serge
was uncertain of his future before attending Agaho-
zo-Shalom. The Village provided Serge with an edu-
cation, and gave him the opportunity to explore his
academic and extracurricular interests. In particular,
Serge developed a passion for science, mathematics,
and computers as vice-president of the Research and
Development Club.
Jeaninne Ingabire
ASYV Class of 2013
Jeaninne Ingabire is currently study-
ing Actuarial Science at Arizona
State University. Before Agaho-
zo-Shalom, Jeaninne was an orphan.
Vulnerable and without hope, she couldn’t see herself
achieving anything of significance. Agahozo-Shalom
offered her a place where she could dream again, and
find a family, a family that “means everything” to her.
Claude Irankunda
ASYV Class of 2013
Claude Irankunda is studying Com-
puter Science and Business at the
University of Rochester. To Claude,
Agahozo-Shalom was “a place to
discover myself among loving and supportive peo-
ple.” Indeed, the Village was a place where Claude
could develop and pursue both his academic and
artistic interests. Claude is interested in computation-
al finance and social entrepreneurship, sectors which
he plans to enter when he returns to Rwanda.
Henry Kabiyona
ASYV Class of 2014
Henry Kabiyona is currently studying
at McGill University in Montreal,
Canada. To him, the Agahozo-Sha-
lom Youth Village is home. It is a
place which provides both an excellent education and
a family. To him, Agahozo-Shalom was a bridge to his
future life.
Special Guests
Jean Kagame
ASYV Class of 2012
Jean Kagame is currently studying
Economics and International Devel-
opment Studies at McGill University
in Montreal, Canada. Before coming
to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, Jean says that
he had a dream, but no stable ground to stand on.
The Village provided that ground, as well as a family
that Jean “will always be proud of.” During his time
at the Village, he was taught to believe in himself
and work hard towards what he believes is right.
Finally, Jean would like to stress how thankful he is
to Agahozo-Shalom and its supporters. Without that
support, “the dreams of thousands like me would
have remained vague.”
Claude Mahoro
ASYV Class of 2012
Claude Mahoro is studying Bio-
medical Sciences at Arizona State
University. An orphan, living with his
uncle’s family, he felt his future was
very limited. The Village gave him a newfound sense
of hope, as well as an extended family of brothers
and sisters. Aware of Rwanda’s need for healthcare
professionals, Claude intends to return to Rwanda to
assist in solving health-related problems.
Immaculee Mugwaneza
ASYV Class of 2013
Immaculee Mugwaneza is currently
studying Public Health at Arizona
State University. Before she was
born, her father was killed during the
genocide. Afterwards, Immaculee’s mother struggled
to raise her and her three brothers. Arriving at the
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village completely changed
Immaculee’s life. In her own words, “the village gave
me hope, love, and transformed me into a responsible
servant-leader.” It was there that she made it a point
to strive for her goals. Her dream is to become an in-
fection preventionist, so that she can assist in solving
sanitation issues in Rwanda.
Patrick Munyurangabo
ASYV Class of 2012
Patrick Munyurangabo is studying
International Nutrition at the Univer-
sity of British Columbia in Vancou-
ver, Canada. Agahozo-Shalom pro-
vided Patrick with a large and supportive community
and abundant opportunities, all of which helped him
to grow into a person who cares about others and the
world at large. The Village became a home to Patrick,
a home which enabled him to formulate his vision of
healing the world by fighting hunger and malnutri-
tion. Following graduation, Patrick hopes to use that
vision to contribute to the development of Rwanda.
Emmanuel Nkundunkundiye
ASYV Class of 2012
Emmanuel Nkundunkundiye is
currently studying Economics and
Computer Science at the University
of Pennsylvania. Before coming to
Agahozo-Shalom, he lived with his grandmother after
being orphaned. In his own words, Agahozo-Shalom
gave him a family where he could dream big, learning
to speak English and use a computer for the first
time. Following graduation from Penn, Emmanuel
plans to return to Rwanda and contribute to the
development of his country by promoting business
development and investing in education.
Maurice Ntagungira
ASYV Class of 2013
Maurice Ntagungira is currently
studying Film Production at Arizona
State University. Before coming to
the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village,
Maurice lived with his mother. He lost his father and
most of his extended family in the 1994 genocide. In
Maurice’s words, the Village “taught him to dream
and gave him the tools to work toward his dreams.”
Once he graduates, Maurice would like to return to
Rwanda, where he plans to contribute to the devel-
opment of the film industry. Maurice intends to use
filmmaking to inspire young people and heal lingering
wounds.
Marie Claire Nyiribambe
ASYV Class of 2014
Marie Claire Nyiribambe is currently
studying Agricultural Engineering
and Natural Resources Management
at Earth University in Costa Rica.
Before coming to Agahozo-Shalom, Marie Claire
studied at a local school, where she found her studies
difficult and her mother struggled to provide for her.
Marie Claire describes her arrival at the Village as a
blessing. In particular, she credits the Village with
helping her to build a greater sense of self-confidence
and determination.
Innocent Nzayisenga
ASYV Class of 2013
Innocent Nzayisenga, also called
Blameless, is currently studying
International Development and
Music Technology at McGill Univer-
sity in Montreal, Canada. Innocent’s long-term vision
is to serve as an advocate for the voiceless through
his passion for music. Thanks to his time at Agaho-
zo-Shalom, Innocent has realized that “If you believe
it and keep envisioning it, you can indeed achieve it.”
Pacifique Rutamu
ASYV Class of 2013
Pacifique Rutamu is currently
studying Business at Texas Christian
University. Before Agahozo-Shalom,
Pacifique was uncertain of his future.
He struggled academically and his mother could not
afford to pay for him to attend school. The Village
helped to turn all of that around. Given the support
he needed, Pacifique was able to improve his grades
and explore talents like dancing and acting. He also
credits the Village with allowing him to find his iden-
tity and his purpose. Following graduation, Pacifique
plans to return to Rwanda and enter the Rwandan
business sector.
Devotha Tumushimiyimana
ASYV Class of 2014
Devotha Tumushimiyimana is currently studying Agri-
cultural Engineering at Earth University in Costa Rica.
Devotha lived with her grandmother following the
1994 genocide, having lost both of her parents. She
lacked the resources to pay for school supplies and
struggled with thoughts of a future devoid of hope,
but her grandmother always told her to believe in
her potential. The Agahozo-Shalom helped Devotha
achieve that potential. There she progressed academ-
ically, learning English and gaining other useful skills,
and regained an extended family. Devotha now hopes
to use her education to serve as an agent of change
in her community.
Peace Grace Muhizi Umutesi
ASYV Class of 2013
Peace Grace Muhizi Umutesi is
currently studying International
Relations and Women’s Studies at
Agnes Scott College. Born during
the genocide, Peace Grace lost both of her parents
and was raised by her aunt in the Western province
of Rwanda. During her time at the Agahozo-Sha-
lom Youth Village, she strove to be a leader and an
example to others. Peace Grace is passionate about
women’s rights and politics in general. Following
graduation from Agnes Scott College, she plans to
return to Rwanda where, using what she has learned
and the leadership skills she has cultivated, she hopes
to contribute to the continued development of the
country.
Christian Uwineza
ASYV Class of 2014
Christian Uwineza is currently
studying at the University of Ne-
braska-Lincoln. Before attending
Agahozo-Shalom, he felt that he
lacked vision or goals. At the Village he became more
involved with sports, serving as captain of the basket-
ball team for two years, and enhanced his perfor-
mance academically. At Agahozo-Shalom, he “learned
that there are no limits on my education and that I
can study whatever I want, and wherever I want.”
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Donors
As of 05/09/2016
English Translation:
To ideally heal heartsIt begins with those affected most.Let’s give what we can affordGive our strengthsAs an act of benevolenceStarting from those surrounding usThose that we see around usApproach those with broken and sorrowful heartsUntil then will we build our nation (Rwanda)Make it a better place (paradise)And be its proud men and women!Stand up and together we helpThose in needHealing the world as wholeMending souls as wellAnd take partIn buildingOur nation.Our world is fullOf struggling and laments,Hunger and starvation.So many people are in deep sorrowNeeding a helping hand.You and I can give and help them outFor them to have the joy they need in their nation.
HagurukaTogether we help the needyMending their broken heartsChorus ContinuesI know it well that you and I can take them wherever they wish to beThrough contributing in rebuildingOur nation.
Kinyarwandan:
Ugusana imitima byuzuyeNi uguhera ku yashenguye.Dutange ibyo dufiteDutange imbaraga zacuTubinyujije mu gikorwa cy’urukundoDuhereye ku baturanyi,Duhere kubo tubona,Abababaye tubegere tubahumurize,Twubake u Rwanda rwacu,Turugire paradizo,Tube abagabo barubereye.Haguruka dufasheAbababaye,Dusana isi,Dusana n’imitima.Dutanga umusanzu,Mu kubaka,Igihugu cyacu.Isi yacu yuzuyeImiruho n’amaganya,Inzara, n’imibereho mibi.Abantu benshi bigunzeBakeneye ubufasha, ubufasha.Njye nawe twabafasha bakagera ahagaragara,Bakishimira kuba mu gihugu cyabo.
HagurukaDufashe abababayeDusana imitimaDutange….Nzi neza ko njye nawe twabageza aho bakeneye kubaDutanga umusanzu mu kubakaIgihugu cyacu.
Tikkun Olam (Heal the World) David - I am Blameless
“You made my life have meaning”“Agahozo-Shalom is a paradise of learning”
“All of the skills...Tikkun Olam and core values, will help me to make the world beautiful”
“Agahozo-Shalom is a beautiful place, and I am proud to call it my home”