At the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV), we work to help our kids discover their passions and talents, then develop the skills they need to turn those interests into thriving careers. This includes getting hands-on, real-world professional experience. Our Career Resources Center works to pair students with internships and continued learning opportunities in fields they love. We sat down with four students to discuss their summer activities. Brunella spent a month in the U.S. participating in the prestigious TechGirls program; Pacifique interned as a special events coordinator for Bridge2Rwanda Isomo Academy, a program that prepares top Rwandan students for top colleges; Emmanuel was accepted as a broadcast journalism intern at Radio Izuba; and Belyse taught Isomo students and others photography and videography as an intern in the ASYV media center.

“I used to think, I can’t reach my dreams because there are so many obstacles. But at ASYV, I learned that the only thing you need to do is take a step. So I took a step and applied and I got an opportunity. I was selected as one of three girls from Rwanda out of 2,000 who applied for the TechGirls program in the U.S. We learned about coding and microprocessors. I met girls from countries I had only heard of before. And this is just my first step.” – Umugisha ake Brunella, ASYV Class of 2026

“The Village gave me the mindset to set big goals and chase them. I am passionate about youth empowerment, and I wanted to see the huge impact Isomo Academy makes on students for myself, so I applied to intern. Each day, I would organize activity timetables. I was involved in creating a community service curriculum. I learned to take responsibility for my tasks and about communication, collaboration, and how to present myself professionally.” – Ishimwe Pacifique, ASYV Class of 2025

“I want to build my career as a journalist. ASYV gave me the tools and opportunities I needed to prepare. At Radio Izuba, I learned how to use different software for voice editing. I also learned sound engineering. I went into the field to produce stories and asked people about the problems they were facing, then approached local government leaders to discuss possible solutions. The best part was when I received positive feedback from listeners. It made me feel like a real journalist.” – Emmanuel Singeniyo, ASYV Class of 2025

“Before ASYV, I didn’t know I could be a photographer. ASYV taught me the skills. And I loved teaching other students how to take a very good picture, how to edit, how with a photo or video you can tell the public what’s on your heart. It was my first internship. I was nervous at the beginning, but I learned that with determination, you can achieve your objectives. Who knows, maybe in the future, I can be the best photographer in this country.” – Umwimpuhwe Belyse, ASYV Class of 2025

In the summer of 2021, ASYV embarked on a new initiative to help young people thrive nationwide. The Educational Resilience Program (ERP) trains teachers from across Rwanda in student-centered teaching methods, digital technologies, and life skills education topics like mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equity. We conduct the ERP in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, the Gashora Girls Academy, and the Rwandan Ministry of Education. This June, our ERP collaborators, participating teachers and their students, funders, and others joined us in the Kigali Convention Center to celebrate three years of the ERP's impact.

“My teaching before coming [to ASYV] is going to be completely different than my teaching after leaving,” says Placide Isingizwe, a teacher at Kayonza Modern School, of the ERP's impact. He is one of 500 teachers and 152 directors of studies from 171 schools located in cities, villages, and refugee camps across Rwanda who have completed the training. These educators have gone on to reach more than 3,275 additional teachers through peer trainings on ERP lessons. 

Before completing the ERP, 24% of the 2023 cohort were effectively using digital tools in the classroom. After completing the program, 96% used these tools to educate their students. In one-year follow-up surveys, 97% of teachers reported the ERP increased their desire to remain in the teaching profession, and 80% said it improved their relationships with their students. In total, the program has positively impacted approximately 123,000 young people across the country. 

As Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura, ASYV’s CEO, said during the ceremony, “The impact of the training is beyond numbers. Teachers no longer rely on chalk and blackboard. The use of visual aid tools has transformed the classroom learning experience. Students are now more engaged.”