The Partners

A unique set of partners have come together to make the dream of the ASYV a reality. This project brings together a team of passionate and seasoned professionals, as well as volunteers, from the United States, Israel, and Rwanda.

From the United States

ASYV is a self-sustaining, independent, special project of The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Inc. (JDC)’s non-sectarian International Development Program. Since its inception in 1914, JDC has been sponsoring programs worldwide which encompass disaster relief and reconstruction, medical support and health initiatives, support for vulnerable groups including disadvantaged children, training for local organizations, education, and employment initiatives. Learn more about the JDC →

Liquidnet Holdings, Inc., a New York-based financial technology firm, is the lead corporate partner of the ASYV. The ASYV is the signature project of Liquidnet’s Global Social Engagement program, whereby the company leverages a wide variety of its resources to tackle social challenges. Beyond its considerable financial support, a team of Liquidnet employees and their significant others have come together to volunteer their time, skills, and passion to support the project. For more information, please visit Liquidnet.com/gse

From Israel

The philosophy and methodologies of ASYV are guided by the Israeli experience in absorbing orphans following the Holocaust. ASYV’s educational partner, the Yemin Orde Youth Village, was initially founded in 1953 to care for orphans of the Holocaust. Now the leading prototype of the youth village model, Yemin Orde has developed unique techniques for what ASYV aspires to provide its youth – opportunities to study, grow, and develop into adults who have the ability and desire to become contributing members of society.

ASYV’s pedagogic approach is also being developed in conjunction with the world renowned, Jerusalem-based International Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential (ICELP), which originated in programming for dealing with trauma in child survivors of the Holocaust and today specializes in providing a wide range of services, trainings, research and development based on their fundamental recognition of the cognitive ability of every individual.

From Rwanda

Rwandan ownership of this project is paramount. Importantly, ASYV has been encouraged and assisted by Rwandans themselves on every level, including local officials and government ministers. Rwandans representing an array of professions are supporting the project by becoming members of the volunteer Rwandan Pioneer Group or the U.S-based Advisory Board. Local Rwandan business people have also given their support, as the Village will bring commercial opportunity to the district.

While the JDC will initially establish and operate ASYV, ultimately a new local board will be formed and JDC will hand over full responsibility. By engaging local individuals and the local authorities in this project, we ensure that all planning being undertaken is applicable to the Rwandan context, and advance the capacity among Rwandans beyond the residents of the Village to improve their own situation and work towards the fulfillment of their aspirations.