Winter Break in Rwanda
Winter Break at Agahozo-Shalom (January 7-14)
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is a home and school for at-risk youth in Rwanda.
From their website: “Founded by a Jewish woman in response to the orphan crisis caused by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda, 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”).”
On our trip, we will begin in Kigali (the capital) and learn about Rwanda’s history, the 1994 genocide, and the country’s rebuilding. We will get to ASYV in time to join them for Shabbat. We will spend our time at ASYV getting to know the students and staff, and experiencing the rich cultural life of the youth village community. We will also spend one day exploring the rich natural landscape of Rwanda.
Shabbat at ASYV will be Shomer Shabbat friendly, but there will not be minyan options. Participants are of course welcome to find time to pray in between our experiences with the ASYV community.
In preparation for the trip, we will join two calls with ASYV staff to learn about the history and culture of ASYV and Rwanda, as well as committing to raise $5000 for ASYV as a group.
This trip is highly subsidized by Columbia/Barnard Hillel; the cost to students is $1,250, and no one will be turned away due to financial need. The deadline to apply is October 31 at 11:59 pm. If you have any questions, please reach out to Liana and Mimi.