November 2018 Newsletter

First of all, it’s the end of the fiscal year. Do you need a tax deduction? Please consider Hope Made Real.

We are a 501(c)3 non-profit in the USA. You can donate on our website, or mail a donation to

Hope Made Real

PO Box 3222

Williamsport, Pa. 17701

Thank you. Mama Arlene

Hi everyone,

The last days of October were very busy for the team from Saint Johns-Newberry UMC, Williamsport and South Williamsport UMC.

The team joined our children in the monthly cleanup day. Umuganda is the last Saturday of the month. This day is designated by the president to keep Rwanda clean. Our hard-working kids taught Tom, Kent and Theresa how it is done. Good work guys.

The ladies did their turn and wrapped and tagged Christmas gifts for our kids.

Lori, Becky, Lynell, Theresa, Kent and Tom added string to crosses to be added to the Christmas packages at worship for the community kids.

I am grateful for the help we received.

Blessings abound at the Dental Clinic

This month, the Dental Clinic had a visit from one of the original founders and our source of encouragement.

Dr. Valli I. Meeks, DDS, MS, RDH, is an Associate Professor of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences in the School of Dentistry at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Valli Meeks returned for the third  time to Urukundo. She and her co-worker Dr. Salih Sawsan of Harvard University were instrumental in the startup of Urukundo Dental Clinic.

Valli and Oliver, our Dental Therapist.

Valli is a Pennsylvania girl, hailing from Philadelphia. She is for me “Home Girl”.

Thank you Bruce & Margie Krogh for packing and transporting dental supplies donated to Urukundo Dental Clinic by Aaron Ptak, who is the District Operations Manager at Pittsburgh Plant #9072, Patterson Dental.

Thank you Patterson Dental and especially Aaron for spearheading this gift of giving.

Margie says there is more to come. Suitcase weight can be restrictive in air travel!

We also thank Dr Lisa Fonas, DMD, for her donations for our Dental Clinic. Dr Lisa is a practicing dentist in Pittsburgh, Pa.  She is acquainted with Urukundo Dental Clinic through Dr Bob Dove and his wife Amy.

This is the much-needed equipment received from Dr. Lisa. It’s amazing that each sent item was so needed, and did not duplicate what we already had. Thank you Dr. Lisa!

We are still in need of a hand held X-Ray. I really don’t know a lot about this x-ray, but I am told by our clinic staff that we really need one in the Dental Clinic. A new or good used machine would fill the bill.

Sport Event

We do have an active adult Foote Ball (Soccer) team.  This was a competition between our staff and the Sunday Foote Ball Club.

Our team and fans. The team is made up of teachers, guards, kitchen crew, our Pastor and office staff. They are an awesome bunch.

At the Daycare

A new and exciting toy! You have to be a little kid to really get excited about the experience at the daycare.

Crawling through a tunnel. What fun! The problem is when one starts and half way through decides to go back. Then there’s a traffic jam. This is not a good toy for grown ups!

Graduation 2018

All non-graduating and graduate students gather at school for the parade to the foote ball field.

Students and graduates coming together.

Starting the parade to the site of graduation. Ready, set, go!

Kindergarten Graduates and the Preschool teacher, Erneste.

Primary 6 graduated, pictured with the Primary English teacher, Ignace.

Sewing Center Graduates with the teacher of tailoring, Desire.

Walking the distance from the Learning Center road to Mama’s gate.

Mama & Pastor Yves join the Kindergarten parade at Mama’s gate. We’re so happy that the road was completed before this event.

Primary 6 graduates, Mama and Pastor Yves.

Sewing Center, Mama & Pastor. The walkway beside Mama’s house leading into the compound from the main road.

Entering the Foote Ball field.

The Kindergarten is seated.

After seating the Kindergarten class the parade proceeds, with P6, Sewing Center & undergraduates arriving at the field.

Music Program and the New Music Director, Emmanuel

Recorders and flutes in the school P5 & P6 chorus.

Students show their skill on the violin, the bells, and the xylophone.

Drums.

The Director of Music struts his stuff. Good job.

The drum set we rented. Next year we hope to have our own.

P1 through P4 chorus.

Speakers for Graduation

Our Master of Ceremonies was Remy Paul Dushime, teacher of English.

The Headmaster of Urukundo Learning Center, Irene Dushimana.

The Vice President of the Parent-Teacher committee, Dilexi Birasa Aloys.

Our Guest of Honor was Valerie D Mukamutari, Exective Secretary of the Cyeza Sector.

Mama with Olive translating.

The speakers for Kindergarten Talia Ruremesha and Hope Bertha Isingizwe.

Talia gives Mama a hug.

Programs

The Cultural Dancing Club.

The girls in the National Cultural Dance group put on a great show!

The boys in the National Cultural Dance group.

Backing singers for the Cultural Dance group.

The Precision Marching group.

More marching.

French club.

Certificates

Benita receiving her certificate.

Emily receives her certificate. She’s now in Primary 1.

Jacob almost lost his hat but hangs on to his certificate!

Kindergarten.

Sewing Center. Certificates for all. So proud of them.

Although P6 graduated from Urukundo Learning Center, they will receive their certificates after the results of the National Exams.

Some of the non-graduating students who are participating in the graduation ceremony.