Fearless Leader: The Story of Julia Gihozo

As our students near the end of their time at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, they approach the next chapter of their lives strengthened by the support of our community and the lessons they have learned about themselves along the way. They have discovered the power they have to change their own stories, and to write new stories that give us hope for a brighter future.

Julia’s is one of many stories of hope.

“My name is Julia Gihozo, I am 19 years old and the last born of my home. I was born and grew up in a suburb of Kigali called Nyamirambo.

Growing up, change always overwhelmed me and pulled me down. Changing from this house to that house due to increases in rent led to changing schools. I didn’t want to commit to anyone or anything out of fear that the next morning there would be another part of me I would have to leave behind.

I have always been that kind of person who settled for less- fewer friends, less effort, fewer dreams and close to no attention at all. I hoped to pass by unnoticed. I lived a shadow of a life, where dreaming and setting goals didn’t exist. I didn’t define what I was passionate about, what I disliked, what I appreciated, who I was, nor who I wanted to be.

When I reached ASYV, I tried almost everything. I was trying to figure out who I am and what I liked and what I didn't like to do. Now I know who I am: a charismatic, resilient, and dramatic young girl who hates injustice, and loves being around people. After I graduate, I wish to pursue journalism and international relations. I want to speak for the voiceless and advocate for the underprivileged. I have lived both of these lives. I cannot change these problems completely, but I can bring my own piece to solve the puzzle, and I will!

ASYV prepared me for life’s greatest adventures, not as an echo of whatever force that drew me down in the past, but as a total opposite of a depressed victim. Now I know that I can be and do anything I put my mind to, for I am a fighter. A fighter who, whenever I find myself doubting how far I can go, I remember how far I have come, everything I have faced, and all the battles I have won. This gives me renewed zeal and readiness to look my fears straight in the eye and say, ‘I am fearless.’”