Thursday, September 30, 2010

Final Reflection From Scott: Many Moments That I Will Not Soon Forget

Our short stay at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village was marked by many moments that I will not soon forget. Debate night was one such moment.

Debate night is held within each family every Wednesday before dinner. This week’s discussion revolved around Rwanda’s proposed entrance into the East African Federation. I was impressed by the passionate arguments from each side of the topic, as well as the diplomacy displayed when listening and responding to opposing opinions.

My new friend Alfonse graciously interpreted for me, as the students use Kinyarwanda during debate. The language barrier allowed me to step back a bit from the topic at hand and focus more on the flow of the conversation. I could tell from the student’s tone and body language that they were eager to express their own opinions, yet genuinely interested in hearing the opinion of others. As Alfonse summarized each student's opinion I found myself nodding in agreement, persuaded by the articulate reasoning of the viewpoint.

The student’s interaction with one another helped me realize the importance of this hour. It is distinctly separate from formal education activities, not graded or judged in any way. It provides the students an opportunity to practice building key interpersonal, listening and critical thinking skills in an informal, familial setting. This is just one example of the village providing real opportunity for these amazing students to grow and become future leaders in Rwanda and beyond.

I look forward to staying in touch with the amazing kids I met at the ASYV, as well as the talented staff, counselors and teachers. I am proud to be a part of an organization that genuinely values the work it took to get the village to where it is today, and is committed to help the students of the ASYV “go far” in the future.

Final Reflection From Emmanuel: Happiness Beyond Any Material Values

My trip to Rwanda was an amazing and great learning experience. Being born and raised in Haiti, I see many similarities between our cultures and history (Haiti was colonized by France as well, and has had as much political turmoil, but fewer deaths). The Agahozo-Shalom Village is a pure glory, and one could easily refer to it as the sacred sanctuary of the young in Rwanda.

The kids in the village were immensely excited and hopeful for a better tomorrow. Every morning, we woke up early seeing both the sunrise and their bright smiles which lasted until long past sunset. The pleasure to see them happy in the village is very rewarding when knowing their struggles and everlasting pains caused by the tragedies in the country. They are all courageous and talented kids whom one day will secure positions all across the country, and will make real difference locally, and around the world.

This project inspires me to one day be able to make such a big impact in my native country in the life of many earthquake survivors, to offer them the opportunity for a new start. I was feeling very sad when seeing the youngsters outside of the village living under the bare circumstances, but not without a big smile like it was the national anthem. I deeply felt for them, but felt even worst when half of the Haitian communities are enduring the same poverty level. I am inspired to continue to do more to help.

Final Reflection From Val: I cannot believe that this trip is over

It was an experience of a lifetime. I am looking at the world differently now. I think the ASYV is great success, thanks to the many people with vision and passion who made it possible for these kids and for Rwanda. The most amazing thing to me is that in the middle of Africa, in the country that went through so much pain, negative events, etc., there is a place, where kids are eager to learn something new. They are knowledge-hungry. Their emotions are pure and un-spoiled.

This makes me believe that there is hope for our planet...