International Day of the African Child

Jack, Melissa,  Me, Kasandra and Natan. 

     On Saturday, June 16^th we celebrated International Day of the African Child. The idea behind the celebration started in 1991. The celebration honors children who participated in the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. On June 16, 1976, ten thousand black children participated in a march to protest the poor quality of their education, demanding the right to be taught in their native language. As a result of the protest, many children were shot, most notably, Hector Peterson. Peterson has since become a symbol of fighting for a better future.

The celebration began midday with an elaborate lunch. All of the staff dressed up and wore construction paper hats and bow ties. Unlike every other day, staff performed kitchen duty without the assistance of the students. Quickly and effortlessly, the staff worked together to arrange the tables and bring bowls of food up to the Dining Hall from the Kitchen. As staff passed one another, smiles were shared. After carrying many bowls of food up from the Kitchen, I paused for a second to take in my surroundings. It was such a beautiful moment where I truly felt that all of the staff were happily working together for the benefit of the children. Once the tables were fully set up, students entered the Dining Hall. Excited about the variety of food (rice, meat, peas, fried potatoes, salad and juice), students couldn’t stop smiling. A few of the Directors gave speeches to the students welcoming them to African Child’s Day. They explained the history of the day and the significance of celebrating it. Following the speeches, one of the nurses, Nurse Jeanne, led the students and staff in a heartfelt and passionate prayer to thank G-d. Immediately after the prayer, the students and staff started eating the tasty meal. Excitement filled the air!

     After a great meal, female staff and students got ready for a soccer match. The boys staff versus students match would follow the women’s game. Not having played a soccer game since 11^th grade, I decided to take on the game full force. Totally out of shape and exhausted, I played the 30 minute game. While I wasn’t in my prime, I had a fantastic time. I even headed the ball, something I used to be scared of doing when I played on a team. Although we lost 0-1, it was a hard fight. The women’s team was very proud of themselves for beating the staff. The men’s team resulted in the same score.

     That evening there was a big concert in the amphitheater. Filling the tiered stone seats to full capacity, students and staff alike were excited to see who would perform at the event. Beginning with a speech by Alain, Director of Education and Philosophy, he spoke about the importance of fighting for one’s future. He recalled the incident in Soweto and encouraged all of the students to take their future in their hands and fight until they get what they deserve. It was a beautiful and empowering speech. Once the speech was complete, the performances began. Visitors from outside Agahozo and students in the Village performed different pieces: dances, spoken word, songs, plays. During one of the students’ performances, I looked around the amphitheater and saw many students standing up to dance and support their peers. It was such a moving experience to see peers supporting one another, dancing without fear of criticism or laughing. The comfort in the theater was outstanding. After three hours of talented performances and a long day spent, I decided to leave the concert early to get ready for bed.

     A fantastic day filled with lots of powerful messages. Students felt honored and had the opportunity to express themselves in different art forms. The staff worked together smoothly to support the students and show their boundless love. Altogether, a moving and empowering day! 

Jean Pierre and Alain all dressed up.

Mable and Mama doing service.

Two Senior 6 students and I.

The amphitheatre before the concert.

The Power of Summer Camp

Some of my best friends from Mosh
Adina, Hannah, Me, Bria and Goldi. 

The sign for Agahozo Shalom Youth Village.

     As another session of summer camp begins, I start to think about the ways that summer camp has shaped me and helped me to embark on this journey to Rwanda. From 1997 until 2011, I attended the wonderful Habonim Dror Camp Moshava located in Street, Maryland. For 15 years I devoted my summers to camp and school years to being an active member of the youth movement. During my time at camp I learned many things: I learned about who I am, how to be a member of society, the importance of tikkun olam (repairing the world), how to make everlasting friendships just to name a few. But most importantly, I learned how to use my values to affect change in my community, both locally and internationally.

Me serving campers water.

     The work that I engage in in my current service project, volunteering in Agahozo Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda, is a testament to the values and ideals that Mosh instilled in me. Without the guidance of family, peers and counselors at Mosh, I would not be where I am today. Mosh taught me how to push myself to new limits and challenge myself no matter where I go. It taught me how to open up to the people that I work with and create a safe space in which they feel comfortable trusting and respecting me. I learned how to communicate with others and how to navigate difficult relationships. Camp taught me how to be myself and share my knowledge of the world with others. It taught me how to care for the world and not just sit back while atrocities were happening around me. Mosh taught me many things, but most importantly, Mosh taught me how to love and care for others. 

In a mushanana (traditional dress) at a wedding.

     My time in Rwanda has been a learning experience. It has put my values and skills to a test. But after 6 months of exploring the Village and understanding my role, I can say I've passed the test. All of the skills and values that I acquired over 15 years is coming to fruition through my work at ASYV. I am sharing myself with  staff and students here the way that they are sharing their struggles and outlook on life with me. The work that I am producing is valued. The relationships that i'm building here are invaluable. Overall, I'd say I'm doing quite fine here in rural Rwanda. 

     As my friends and campers depart for another incredible, life transforming summer at the lovely Camp Moshava, I continue to do my work in Rwanda with pride. I am grateful for the people and structures that helped me to be where I am today. And I hope that the lessons that I have taught my campers in the States and my students in Rwanda continue to inspire them to become empowering, active members within their communities. Thank you  Mosh for paving the way for me to be a Mosh success story! Think one person can change the world? One step at a time. I do. 

A tea plantation in the Western Province of Rwanda.  

My brother, sister and I in my tent at camp in 2009.  

P.S. Thanks parents and siblings for relentlessly believing in me.

"If you see far, you will go far" (A mantra at ASYV).