GoA Festival: New basketball court to be unveiled at Agahozo-Shalom village

A new basketball court at Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village is scheduled to be unveiled on Sunday August 13, as part of the Giants of Africa festival, a unique convergence of basketball, culture, education, and entertainment. The court addition to the village aims to empower young individuals through sports, fostering a sense of community, growth, and opportunity. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Giants of Africa turns 20, here is what it means The week-long event, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the festival, will bring together more than 250 African youths representing 16 different countries. The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village, serves as a nurturing home for over 500 youth. They live in family-style housing, each sharing their lives with peers and guardians. Beyond providing a comprehensive education, including high school and vocational training, the village is focused on developing leadership skills and fostering personal growth. The inauguration of the basketball court reflects the village's commitment to instilling confidence and responsibility in its youth. Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village was founded in 2008 by Anne Hayman to address the needs of Rwanda's orphans and vulnerable children. The village's holistic approach emphasizes healing through both formal and informal education, including traditional counseling, art, and sports programs. Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, from visual and instrumental arts to sports teams and entrepreneurship training. ALSO READ: Inside Giants of Africa Basketball Court at Kimisagara Youth Centre The name Agahozo-Shalom is a blend of the Kinyarwanda word agahozo, meaning where tears are dried, and the Hebrew word Shalom, representing peace. The village's mission is to provide abundant opportunities for young individuals to discover their passions and heal through informal education. As the festival opens the doors to the new basketball court, the village stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and support. Graduating close to 2000 students since its inception, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village has proven its commitment to fostering healing, self-sufficiency, and sustainability among Rwanda's youth. Inspired by the Israeli youth village Yemin Orde, established in 1953 to care for Holocaust orphans, Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village continues to forge a path of hope and opportunity for its residents. The new basketball court symbolizes not only a space for sports but a place for growth, unity, and building a brighter future for Rwanda's young generation.

Sports

GoA Festival: New basketball court to be unveiled at Agahozo-Shalom village