Celebrating the ASYV Class of 2025

Watch highlights from graduation day!

On May 16, the 126 members of our Intwali (meaning “hero” in Kinyarwanda) Grade, celebrated their graduation from the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). They also embraced the incredible possibility their futures hold. 

“Stepping into ASYV for the first time—the safety, the community, the support, the big smiles from strangers, the tight hugs—it just felt unreal,” said Intwali Grade Valedictorian Nkurunziza Hodali, who had been living in a refugee camp prior to coming to ASYV. “I promised myself I would not leave ASYV as the same Hodali who walked in,” said Hodali. “And I’m not. I’m different. And the same goes for my grademates. We are a class defined by our creativity, resilience, and unity. Whatever path we take, we have the tools it takes to rise.” 

Graduation 2025 was an incredible day full of dance, song, art, science projects, stirring speeches, and a lot of love. We are grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate our Intwali Grade—and we are so proud of each of our graduates for the incredible dedication, commitment, bravery, resilience, and ingenuity they’ve shown throughout their four-year ASYV journey. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

See pictures of more graduation day highlights below.

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