Tikkun Olam – Rwanda
Year Course participants have the opportunity to spend 3 weeks learning about and lending a hand in Rwanda!
The Tikkun Olam (social action) Rwanda program combines study of Rwanda, its history and its culture; exploration of the cultural and natural reserves within the African nation; fundraising projects on behalf of the community which will house Year Course participants; work with students at the Agahozo Shalom Youth Village; and learning about the Jewish value of tikkun olam, healing the world.
Rwanda has received considerable international attention due to tragic happenings that occurred during the 20th century. In 2009 A CNN report labeled Rwanda as Africa’s biggest success story, having achieved stability, economic growth and international integration.
Rwanda is a small country (the same size of the state of Israel). At a population of 10 million people, it is the most populated country in Africa and is also one of the most educated (over 70% literate). Located near the center of Africa, it is separated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Lake Kivu to the west; it is bounded on the north by Uganda, to the east by Tanzania, and to the south by Burundi. The capital, Kigali, is located in the center of the country. Rwanda’s countryside is covered by grasslands and small farms extending over rolling hills and slopes, therefore the country is also fondly known as “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
Rwanda’s economy is still almost virgin in terms of industrialization, foreign investment, and engagement with international markets. The country’s main exports are tea, coffee, and minerals. Rwanda leads the region in terms of information and community technology adoption and infrastructure development. The country has 100% mobile telecommunication coverage.
The transport system in Rwanda centers primarily on the road network, with paved roads between the capital, Kigali and most other major cities and towns in the country. The country has an international airport at Kigali, serving one domestic and several international destinations.
Agahozo Shalom Youth Village
Established in 2007, the ASYV provides the basic human needs of food, shelter, and protection in order to meet the needs of traumatized youth still struggling with the aftereffects of genocide and also prepare these youth to take on leadership roles in their society and enable them to move towards the mending of the world beyond them. ASYV integrates two central elements – the living environment and the learning environment.
Modeled like the Yemin Orde youth village in Israel (where YC students have volunteered), the village includes residential housing in a group-home model, comprehensive computer technology, including WiFi internet access throughout the village, an art center, a dining room, a health clinic and more.
The village enjoys a sustainable agricultural farm that provides almost all of its needs (based on Israeli agriculture knowledge that volunteers brought with them). Volunteers live in their own area, with running water (not heated) in the shower and indoor bathrooms, eating with the students 3 meals a day (vegetarian food) and are becoming part of the village life.
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village provides a safe, structured environment for its students and all visitors. It is located in the eastern region of Rwanda, one hour east of Kigali, the capital city. The nearest village is called Rubona. It is 20 minutes down the road. Rubona has village days twice a week, where one can purchase fruits, vegetables and cloth.
Before traveling to Rwanda, Year Course participants work together on a $5,000 fundraising project designed and implemented by the group. The funds they raise are donated to the Youth Village.
Note: Itineraries and activities of Specialty Tracks and Olami are subject to change or cancellation in Young Judaea’s sole and absolute discretion.
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