The History of Urukundo

THE HISTORY OF Urukundo Foundation

Hundreds of thousands of children who lived through the 1994 genocide and its aftermath in Rwanda struggled for survival in desperately impoverished situations. Due to AIDS, disease, and poverty, many younger children were orphaned or destitute. From this devastating time of death and destruction Urukundo was created to reach out to these vulnerable children.

What began as a home for girls, quickly grew to include boys and infants. Our twenty-six children attended the local public school. By our tenth anniversary, we purchased land and built two homes, one for the boys and one for the girls. Out of necessity, we started a farm to supply vegetables, milk, eggs, and meat.

Recognizing the need for quality education we opened a preschool for little ones. With each subsequent year, as students advanced, additional classes were added. Today Urukundo Learning Center educates over 1000 children, from preschool through Primary 6.

The Foundation’s work did not stop with the establishment of the school. Seeing the need for dental care for our school children, we began a dental clinic. Today the clinic not only serves the school but also the greater community. We launched anoutreach to mothers and their infants, supplying layettes and hygiene supplies. The outreach continues and has expanded. Our adult vocational sewing school prepares professional seamstresses and tailors. Graduates go on to earn a living for themselves and their families.