A unique set of partners have come together to make the dream of ASYV a reality. This project brings together a team of passionate and seasoned professionals, as well as volunteers, from the United States, Israel and Rwanda.
From the United States
ASYV began as a self-sustaining, independent, special project of The
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. Inc. (JDC)’s non-sectarian International
Development Program. Since its inception in 1914, JDC has been sponsoring
programs worldwide which encompass disaster relief and reconstruction,
medical support and health initiatives, support for vulnerable groups including
disadvantaged children, training for local organizations, education, and
employment initiatives.
Liquidnet
Holdings, Inc., a New York-based financial technology firm, is the lead
corporate partner of ASYV. Through Liquidnet For Good, the company
devotes a portion of its revenue each year to social causes, of which
ASYV is the signature project. Beyond its considerable financial support,
a team of Liquidnet employees and their significant others have come together
to volunteer their time, skills, and passion to support the project. For
more information, please visit www.liquidnetforgood.com
Facing
History and Ourselves teaches young people to combat bigotry and nurture
democracy. Facing History's resources, seminars, and public events link historical
events such as the Holocaust and other examples of genocide and mass violence
to the everyday issues people face in their own lives, providing opportunities
for people of all ages to recognize the importance of civic participation
and learn from the courage and resilience of others. More than 100 studies
over the past three decades have shown that Facing History can help teachers
become more effective, students more engaged, and communities more compassionate.
Facing History provides invaluable training to ASYV's educational staff on
an ongoing basis. www.facinghistory.org
From Israel
The philosophy and methodologies of ASYV are guided by the Israeli experience
in absorbing orphans following the Holocaust. ASYV’s educational
partner, the Yemin
Orde Youth Village, was initially founded in 1953 to
care for orphans of the Holocaust. Now the leading prototype of the youth
village model, Yemin Orde has developed unique techniques for what ASYV
aspires to provide its youth—opportunities to study, grow, and
develop into adults who have the ability and desire to become contributing
members of society.
ASYV’s pedagogic approach is also being developed in conjunction
with the world renowned, Jerusalem-based International
Center for the Enhancement of Learning Potential (ICELP), which originated in programming for dealing
with trauma in child survivors of the Holocaust and today specializes in
providing a wide range of services, trainings, research and development
based on their fundamental recognition of the cognitive ability of every
individual.
From Rwanda
Rwandan ownership of this project is paramount. Importantly, ASYV has been encouraged and assisted by Rwandans themselves on every level, including local officials and government ministers. Rwandans representing an array of professions are supporting the project by becoming members of the volunteer Rwandan Pioneer Group or the U.S-based Advisory Board. Local Rwandan business people have also given their support, as the Village brings commercial opportunity to the district.
While ASYV is currently governed by a New York based board of directors, ultimately a new local board will be formed in Rwanda and New York will hand over full responsibility. By engaging local individuals and local authorities in this project, we ensure that all planning being undertaken is applicable to the Rwandan context, and advance the capacity among Rwandans beyond the residents of the Village to improve their own situation and work towards the fulfillment of their aspirations.
