Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

Dr. Chaim Peri visiting the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in 2010.

Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

By 2008, nonprofits became prevalent in Rwanda to assist a population of 95,000 orphan children resulting from the genocide. Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) and other similar organizations provided aid in the orphan crisis. ASYV came to be through the inspiration of the Derech Kfar method of education. This form of education was pioneered by the Yemin Orde Youth Village in Israel under leadership of Dr. Chaim Peri. Founder Anne Heymens was inspired by the system. ASYV wanted to ensure children had the necessary tools to build a brighter future for themselves. As for their recent graduating class, 97% lost parents, 75% came from poverty and experienced hunger, and 37% do not have electricity. Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village has a model structure of four important pillars: A Loving Family, Education, Health and Wellness, and Enrichment programs.

Family was built at ASYV around the idea of grouping children together to experience a family bond. This was aided with the inclusion of a “Mama,” a role in which an adult steps into the role of the parental figure to provide emotional support. Family events were held weekly to enhance and strengthen relations among family groups and the community. ASYV education is designed to ensure that students receive necessary skills to pursue careers or higher education. Alumni have been able to attend universities and secure high-level jobs in either governmental work or as a part of ASYV.

Physical and technical training allows children to find not only a healthy space to cope with stress and trauma, but to be challenged to complete tasks as a team and to strengthen individual problem-solving abilities. Skills management allows students to explore their interest and academic capacities, which helps them identify a life path.

Quick Links

Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village – Instagram

Bibliography

Drury, Flora. “Rwanda Genocide: Orphans’ Search for Family Continues.” BBC News. April 6, 2019.

“Yemin Orde Youth Village Educational Methodology.” ImpactIsrael. December 9, 2020.

Photo Source

Chaim Peri. Dr. Chaim Peri at Agahozo Shalom. January 19, 2010. Wikimedia Commons.