Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

In 2005, while attending a talk about the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Anne Heyman learned that the country had 1.2 million orphans. Without a systemic solution to support the well-being and development of Rwanda’s vast orphan population, many were being left behind. Anne recognized that to address their orphan crisis following the Holocaust, Israel built residential communities that ensured the orphans’ safety, security, and development. Anne was inspired to bring this model to Rwanda. From there, thanks to Anne’s perseverance, the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village was founded.

In 2008, ASYV opened its gates to the first class of 128 students.

Our mission:

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO TRANSFORM A CHILD.

Through healing, education, and love, the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village empowers orphaned and vulnerable Rwandan youth to build lives of dignity and contribute to a better world.

Why a youth village?

Children need the love and support of a family to thrive. When a family isn’t stable, due to societal trauma or personal tragedy, a youth village can fill the gap. By providing a warm and welcoming home, youth villages build families that last a lifetime.

Modeled after Yemin Orde, an Israeli youth village established in 1953 to care for orphans of the Holocaust, Agahozo-Shalom is a place where "tears are dried" (from the Kinyarwanda word "agahozo") and where vulnerable youth can “live in peace” (from the Hebrew word "shalom").

Our core values inspire all of our work, focusing our staff on the best interests of the child and helping our students to create a community dedicated to building empowered and self-reliant lives.