First Lady of Rwanda, Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, Shows Support at ASYV Fundraising Event

RWAMAGANA, Rwanda, July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 10, Rwanda's First Lady Her Excellency Jeannette Kagame, attended the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) inaugural Stand Up & Be Counted fundraising event in Rwamagana. The event successfully raised $91,000 and paid special tribute to the life of Anne Heyman, ASYV Founder and Visionary. 

Mrs. Kagame spoke on the importance of sustaining ASYV, home to 500 orphaned and vulnerable youth. "Supporting Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is a symbol that we can and should support our very own and thus guard this jewel we call Rwanda…there is no doubt that this community of change makers will deliver no less than the incredible." said Mrs. Kagame.

Mrs. Kagame urged the business community to "…'stand up and be counted' as a source of steady support." Her inspiring words prompted an eruption of applause, bringing everyone to their feet.  She personally donated $5,000 to the Village.

ASYV received overwhelming support from both the national and international communities. Dignitaries arrived at the Village to celebrate the accomplishments of those who were once considered the most vulnerable children in Rwanda.

Danielle Burenstein, ASYV Exec.Director, invited guests to join ASYV in "…not only restoring the rhythm of life for our kids, but investing in their future, because they are the future of Rwanda."

ASYV was founded by Anne Heyman (1952-2014) in response to the overwhelming orphan population devastated by the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. Today, ASYV is a model community of living, learning, and healing for Rwanda's vulnerable youth. In their four years at ASYV, youth are creating new possibilities and opportunities for themselves and the world around them.

Guests also included Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Mrs. Oda Gasinzigwa, Minister of State for TVET, Mr. Albert Nsengiyumva, Governor of Eastern Province, Mrs. Odette Uwamariya, Mayor of Rwamagana, Uwimana Nehemie, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Lamin Manneh, the greater business community, in addition to the ASYV Board of Directors, Seth and Jonathan Merrin, husband and son of Anne Heyman.

The funds raised will contribute to the existing educational programs and maintaining the infrastructure supporting vulnerable youth.

To learn more about ASYV, please visit www.asyv.org or call +250 738 837 833.

For Media Enquiries, Contact:

Jean-Claude Nkulikiyimfura
Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Email
+250788300084 / +250732300084

SOURCE Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village