ASYV Alumni Discuss Their Careers and Future Dreams
Building the Future
Over 1,600 students have graduated from the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) since we opened our gates. As a new study led by Tulane University shows, these alumni are hard at work building thriving lives and a better future for Rwanda and the world. Our graduates are teachers and entrepreneurs, mothers and fathers, leaders in their community, and more. We recently sat down with three alumni to hear about what they’ve been up to since graduation and what they hope to do next.
“I came from a family background where financial hardship made having a quality education nearly impossible. ASYV wasn’t just a school, it was a community that raised me, believed in me, and showed me that I was capable. ASYV also encouraged my initiative, Growthwave, a software development program for high school students. I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in software engineering at the African Leadership University. Next, I would like to expand Growthwave into many schools. I want every student in Rwanda learning not just how to use technology, but how to solve real problems and build their futures through it.” – Nziza Aime Pacifique, ASYV Class of 2021
“My time at ASYV turned me into a responsible woman who is confident, skilled, and knows what she is looking for. I spent so much time doing public speaking, especially debate. And that helped me to get a scholarship to university. Now, I work in the communications department at RwandAir. RwandAir is raising the African flag, bringing development to Rwanda. I enjoy applying my skills and knowledge and being part of that growth. I dream of one day becoming a member of the parliament or holding another government position. I want to serve the people of Rwanda.” – Bella Honorine Masabo, ASYV Class of 2018
“ASYV taught me to believe in myself and take full ownership of my future. It didn't just prepare me for a job. It helped shape my mindset and vision. Last school year, I returned home to the Village to serve as the Science Center Intern. That experience helped me build confidence and improve my teaching skills. I'm currently working as a Robotics Trainer at Cornerstone International School. I want to start a technology and innovation hub that will offer young kids, youth, and adults training in robotics, digital fabrication, and engineering. My goal is to nurture future innovators.” – Kenedy Habimana, ASYV Class of 2024
The Seeds of a Thriving Career
The graduates of our 2024 practical skills program share their success
This July, the sewing machines, scissors, and stoves in ASYV’s new practical skills facilities were going full steam as 66 members of the ASYV Class of 2025 completed their practical skills intensive. The hands-on workshop marks the end of the second year of our practical skills program, which teaches participating students the technical, business, and soft skills they need to succeed in their chosen field of sewing, culinary arts, or hairdressing and cosmetology. This year’s program participants have inspirational role models: the program graduates from the ASYV Class of 2024. Just seven months after completing the program, they are thriving. “I was inspired to learn cooking by seeing how food brings people together,” says program graduate Celine Mugwaneza. “Now, I have a job in the cold kitchen department at the Kigali Marriott Hotel.”
After the practical skills intensive, ASYV places each participant in an internship with leading employers across Rwanda, including the Kigali Marriott, the Kigali Convention Center, and more. Managers reported that our 2024 ASYV cohort outperformed other interns, and like Celine, many of the graduates secured jobs in their field after their internship. “I’d love to be an executive chef at the Marriott one day,” says Celine, who, in addition to working at the Marriott, is pursuing a degree at the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies in Kigali. “It’s a big goal, but I’m working hard to get there.”
The program graduates can also enter ASYV’s practical skills business plan competition. Winners of the competition receive a small loan to seed their business—and 37% of 2024 graduates have already launched their own enterprise. Geraldine Iradukunda, Assumpta Batamuriza, Annualite Niyigena, and Diane Mukahakizimana discovered their shared passion for sewing at ASYV and enrolled in the practical skills program. They entered the competition with a plan to launch a joint sewing venture in Rwanda’s Bugesera District—and they won a start-up loan. “The Village taught us resilience and teamwork, and now Stitch & Style will be a top brand!” said Geraldine of their ambition.
The four ASYV sisters used the seed funding to purchase four sewing machines and rent a workspace. Today, Stitch & Style is doing steady business, and the entrepreneurs have already turned their thoughts to growth. They hope to secure a stall in Mayange Market and partner with schools to produce student uniforms. “ASYV shaped us. Now we want to clothe Rwanda’s learners,” says Annualite. And that is just the start of their plans. “We are constantly learning new designs, new markets,” says Diane. “In three years, our workshop will buzz with innovation,” adds Annualite. Geraldine agrees, saying, “Together, we are weaving a legacy.”
An Original Poem: Nelson Mandela
In Bwira News, our student blog, Ntwari Kevin and Kamugisha Keza Irene, ASYV Class of 2028, share their original poem. They performed the piece during the 2025 Village Art Competition.
Nelson Mandela
I rise again from prison days,
Where hope was locked, yet still found ways.
Behind bars, I shaped my soul
Now I return… is the world still whole?
Do voices rise where chains once lay?
Do hearts still fight for a fairer way?
Do young ones dream and dare to speak?
Or has the fire grown cold and weak?
Read the full poem here.