Seeing My Land of a Thousand Hills

This March, our fourth-year students embarked on the second-annual ASYV Grand Study Tour of Rwanda. From waterfalls and hot springs to volcanoes, the Class of 2024 took in their country’s natural beauty. They also saw exciting industries, like hydropower, in action. Elisa Niyomwungeri shared his reflections on the trip, along with pictures he and his ASYV brothers and sisters snapped during their journey. 

Elisa poses for a friend during a Grand Tour stop.

by Elisa Niyomwungeri, ASYV Class of 2024

Before the Grand Study Tour, like most Rwandans, I would use the statement “a land of a thousand hills,” but I couldn’t imagine how a country like Rwanda, which is among the smallest in the world, could actually hold a thousand hills. By the time our bus approached the Western Province, I was very amazed. I realized that Rwanda holds more than I ever realized. 

It was my first time going to the northern and western parts of the country. I saw a different Rwanda, one that I couldn’t imagine before. I witnessed that the statement “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes” is true, finding Musanze much colder at night than nights at home at ASYV. I was shocked to find how cold water can become when I touched the waterfall on Karisimbi, the tallest mountain in Rwanda. Witnessing the strength and beauty of the waterfall was my favorite part of the tour. 

We learned that the Rwanda we study in our classes is just the illustration of what really exists. We got to know that a good business is not only one that brings in income, but also one that impacts the community in a positive way. We saw that we have a more beautiful country than we knew, but most importantly we had fun, together, as a grade. I’m pretty sure that all members of the Inganji Grade [the Class of 2024] will miss these memorable moments together. We are really grateful.

Check out the slideshow below of photos taken by Elias and his ASYV brothers and sisters.