Tikkun Olam During COVID-19

ASYV's Alumni Association leaders convene in 2018

"Don't thank me," our founder, Anne Heyman, always impressed upon our students. "Pay it forward." The spirit of Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for "repairing the world") is embedded deeply in the fabric of our ASYV family. So, when our alumni community learned that their fellow ASYV students and alumni are struggling with malnutrition as a result of the lockdown in Rwanda, they mobilized to help.

Alumni Association leaders organized their cohorts and, together with support from our kitchen staff, they raised $1,500 to benefit 56 alumni.

"ASYV taught me that you don't only give because you have too much. I decided to take a little of what I earn and I brought together a small group of other students that I was sure could influence others to give, too. From there I approached the Class of 2016 WhatsApp group and gave them the idea to support as well...I give back to my fellow sisters and brothers because I know how it feels to have nothing and I was taught to pay it forward. And when I do it my heart feels relieved."

– Alice Tumukunde, Alumni Association, ASYV Class of 2016