Tour Overview
Discover one of Rwanda’s most inspiring community initiatives on this meaningful one-day visit to the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) in Rwamagana District. More than just a school, Agahozo-Shalom is a vibrant residential community dedicated to empowering orphaned and vulnerable youth through education, mentorship, leadership, and personal development.
The name “Agahozo” means “a place where tears are dried” in Kinyarwanda, while “Shalom” is the Hebrew word for “peace.” Together, they reflect the village’s mission of creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can heal, grow, and build successful futures. Guided by the philosophy of Tikkun Olam—”repairing the world”—this remarkable community has transformed thousands of lives.
This enriching day tour offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s journey of resilience while engaging with an inspiring community that continues to shape the country’s next generation of leaders.
Tour Highlights
- Guided tour of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
- Learn about the village’s inspiring history and mission
- Visit classrooms, residential homes, and vocational training centers
- Community lunch featuring locally prepared cuisine
- Interact with students and staff
- Explore the arts and crafts center
- Discover Rwanda’s inspiring story of resilience and hope
Detailed Itinerary
Morning: Transfer from Kigali to Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
After breakfast, your Adventure in the Wild Safaris guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali for a scenic one-hour drive to Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana District.
Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome from the village staff before an introductory presentation about the history, vision, and impact of the community. Learn how the village was established to provide vulnerable youth with not only education but also a supportive family environment where they can thrive.
Your guided tour continues through the beautifully maintained campus, including residential family houses, academic buildings, recreational facilities, gardens, and vocational training centers. You’ll also visit classrooms and gain insight into the village’s holistic educational approach, which combines academics, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and life skills.
Meal Plan: Lunch
Midday: Community Lunch and Cultural Exchange
Enjoy a delicious community lunch prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Sharing a meal provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with staff and, when appropriate and available, students, while learning more about daily life within the village.
Following lunch, visit the community center where cultural activities, workshops, and leadership programs take place. Discover how music, dance, storytelling, and creative expression contribute to personal growth, confidence, and emotional healing within the community.
Afternoon: Arts, Crafts, and Community Empowerment
Spend the afternoon exploring the village’s arts and crafts center, where students develop creative talents through painting, sculpture, design, and handmade crafts. These artistic projects encourage self-expression while building valuable vocational skills.
Depending on the day’s schedule, you may have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on creative workshop or observe demonstrations by talented young artists. Before departing, enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens, reflecting on the inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and transformation that define Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.
Evening: Return to Kigali
In the late afternoon, begin your return journey to Kigali. Upon arrival, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of this inspiring cultural and educational experience.
You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s remarkable journey of healing and the incredible work being done to empower future generations through education, compassion, and community.
Meal Plan: Lunch
End of Tour