Muraho! (Hello!)
I arrived in Rwanda a week ago (last Thursday), and things have been quite busy since arrival so I haven't had much time to write. I do not think I was very clear in my explaining my transition from Peru to Rwanda. I am spending the next 8 months working as the Science Enrichment Coordinator here at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (hereafter simply referred to as ASYV or Agahozo). ASYV is a youth village that started in 2009 that offers housing, schooling, and enrichment activities to orphans living in Rwanda. This is the third year of operation so the third class of 125 students will be arriving soon. As a result, ASYV will soon house 375 students and over 150 staff members! For more information about the organization, please visit:
www.asyv.org
Since classes have not started, I am not entirely sure I can explain all of what I'll be doing here, but I'll describe what I understand my responsibilities to be at this point. I have been hired by ASYV to help oversee the activities at the newly constructed Science Learning Center (SLC). From what I can understand, this involves coordinating science fair projects, tutoring some of the students after-school, and making sure that the SLC remains organized and under control. Additionally, as a long-term volunteer, there are a number of other responsibilities that arise (teaching english to staff and students, helping out on the farm, etc.) throughout our time here.
I wanted to write a short post to say that I have arrived safely. While we do have internet here in the village, connection reliability is still an issue so I will try to post as often as I can.
Amy (Farm Manager), Ariela (International Coordinator), Sarah (Music Consultant), Yasmin (School Consultant), Molly (ESL), Ido (Construction Manager), Trevor (Landscape Consultant), Michelle (Arts Coordinator), Jared (School Admin Consultant), and Mike (the IT guy) are all really cool, and I'm looking forward to an amazing year with the other volunteers!!
