Maytal in Rwanda!: The Power of Agahozo Shalom

Diane and Gislaine

Barrett and I

Enrichment Year Sketch in the Amphitheater

My journey to Rwanda to volunteer at Agahozo Shalom Youth Village began 11 ½ months ago. I left my family and friends, unsure of what this new journey would bring. Over the year I learned not only about Rwandan culture but also about myself. I came to ASYV not only to teach but to learn as well. Of the many things that i've learned is if I can do laundry by hand, go days without water, weeks without electricity or Internet and months with eating only beans, rice and potatoes, then I am prepared for anything.

Prior to coming to Rwanda, at orientation, we were asked to write a haiku. Mine read as follows:

My name is Maytal

I like to educate others

And to learn myself.

Indeed I have learned. The staff and students at Agahozo taught me countless lessons. I couldn’t be more thankful for the experience I had and the lifelong relationships that I made.

This year was challenging. In the middle of the year I wasn’t sure that I would be able to stay to complete the fellowship. Thanks to the support of family and friends in the US and Rwanda, I was able to overcome the hardships. I wrote down the advice and support that I received and put it on my wall for constant inspiration. While coming to Rwanda was one of the hardest things I’ve ever opted to do, my experience has been incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.

I’ve never felt as at ease and cared for as in Rwanda. Rwanda is one of the most welcoming countries, communities and people. People accept you for who you are and don't pass judgements. I’ll miss being asked all the time how my day was and being told that I am missed. The sense of responsibility, cooperation and commitment to Rwandan culture and society is incredible. Widows take in orphans. Orphans allow adopted parents into their lives and hearts. People with very little give very much. Everyone supports one another in their achievements. While Rwanda has a rough history involving Genocide, they have created a beautiful present. Kabiyona, a student in Senior 4, said "The thing that I love most about my country is that your neighbors are like family. They are your brothers and sisters." Even though his neighbor killed his parents during Genocide and has never asked for forgiveness, Kabiyona still treats him like family. Agahozo has become a family to me. Everyone took me in and cared for me. The love that we share is raw and deep. Students welcomed me into their lives and invited me into their hearts.

The last week in the Village was a whirlwind. I cried and I laughed. I smiled and I felt pride. I was able to take a step back and revel in the beauty of the Village. I saw the many departments of the Village come together in order to create a holistic community and numerous opportunities for their students. The events and conversations of this week left me feeling accomplished and proud of my students. As Barrett (a long term volunteer, co-cousin and incredible support for me throughout the year) and I recapped the year, we reflected on the growth that we have gone through from criticizing culture and different models of working to embracing all that Rwanda has to offer.

Over the year I have seen rapid growth in all of the students. Many came to Agahozo shy and scared to open up. Throughout their time at Agahozo, students are able to dream and restore their rhythm of life. They become confident and learn how to take responsibility for themselves. According to Pacific, a Senior 5 student, “Agahozo taught me how to address my feelings and emotions.” Kagame, a Senior 6 student said, “Agahozo taught me how to be the driver of my own life. How to become a leader.”

While I am sad to leave, I feel confident that I have empowered my students and guided them to take responsibility for their life path. I know that they will succeed at what they put their minds to. Christine, one of my girls, thanked me for empowering her: “You make us to open our hearts and our minds. We thank you so much!”

Even though I will miss the students very much, we will remain friends and supports for one another. Not only will I assist them, but also they will guide me. When saying bye to Vincent, an Enrichment Year student, he told me “You have taught me more, more, more things. And I want that you will continue to teach me. This is only the beginning.” The advice that I’ve received from the students is exceptional. They have taught me about life. About how to be the best that you can be. Love. Coexistence. Hope. Forgiveness. Strength. The students are a constant inspiration to me.

As I leave Rwanda and embark on a new journey, I am plagued with many reflective questions:

Did I accomplish what I set out to achieve?

Did I do enough?

Did I contribute to sustainability for Rwandan youth?

Was I able to teach as much as I learned from this experience?

How can I relay my experience in all its glory and hardships to other people?

I strive to seek clarity to these questions as I continue onto Tanzania, South Africa and Israel. Over the year, my main challenge has shifted from basic communication to expressing how much everyone in the Village has meant to me, how instrumental and influential they were in shaping my experience. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for the community of Agahozo. I'm excited to take on my next experience as a changed person, with confidence, strength and knowledge about how to overcome one's past in order to envision a brighter future. I don’t know when I will return to Rwanda but I hope it will be soon. The students and staff have made their way into my heart and there they will remain.