On New Year’s Day 2019, Salem Isezerano, ASYV Class of 2023, borrowed a camera from the Village’s Media Intern, an ASYV graduate, and began snapping photos for the very first time. “I don’t know how to express it, but photography makes me feel that this is real life, and that it’s the job for me for life,” he says. “It lets me express my thoughts.”

Don’t miss this video featuring Justin, ASYV Class of 2012; Kellen, ASYV Class of 2022; and Brunella, a second-year student. Each discusses the love for computers they discovered after arriving at ASYV and how their siblings inspired them to pursue that passion.

This month, at the outset of the new school year marking our 15th anniversary, we asked graduates from our first class, the class of 2012, and our most recent one, the class of 2023, to tell us about their ASYV journey.

ASYV alumni remain part of our family after they graduate—and often return to serve as role models for their younger brothers and sisters. In December, we were honored to have Frank Ntambara, ASYV Class of 2015, return to talk with our 504 current students during Village Time, our weekly talent show.

It takes a Village to transform a child, and ASYV truly transformed me. Before I arrived, I had never in my life enjoyed school. I tried to get approval from every person I met. I was not very conscious of the things happening around me. The Tikkun Halev process of healing the heart helped me explore myself and know who I am despite every challenge I faced in my life.

After graduating from Texas Christian University, Pacifique returned to Kigali to start his career. “I felt excited about returning to Rwanda, as someone who is young and energetic, so I could contribute to all the country is building—to pay it forward,” he says.