Agahozo-Shalom welcomed Israeli singer Monica Manaker to the Village, where she led an exciting music workshop for our kids. Members of each Village family participated in the workshop, practicing their talent and gaining insight from an experienced musician. Manaker began the day by asking the kids to pause for a moment of silence, and then to reflect on that “silence," asking what sounds they had heard.  Once everyone was quiet, you could hear the soft echo of a baby crying, songs of a bird, and the ruffling of the wind.

For the rest of the evening, the students participated in various games to perfect singing in different tones. The students were taught a short song that they performed during Friday night Village Time, our weekly talent show, in order to show the rest of their peers what they had learned. After the workshop, Manaker assisted two of our talented artists, Aloys and Jimmy, in extra guitar training. The workshop was a wonderful learning opportunity, and all the students were left encouraged and impressed by her singing and guitar abilities. 

Monica, MURAKOZE CYANE (thank you very much!) for sharing your talent and spending time with our kids! We look forward to welcoming you back again in the not-too-distant future!

Submitted by Shelby Sullivan, 2015 Village Fellow