March newsletter

Greetings from Mama

Tourist site experience

Amelia Clark, our volunteer from Florida, USA, who has been with us for three months, took advantage of a side trip offered to volunteers. She wanted to experience the flora and fauna in Rwanda. What better way to honor her passion than a visit to Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa?

Amelia’s comments: “Nyungwe National Park is magical! The drive, passing through many villages and seeing the beautiful landscape, went quickly. And the instant I arrived in the forest, there were monkeys and birds and incredible trees and plants throughout. The canopy walk was breathtaking and the Kamiranzovu Waterfall is one of nature's wonders. I loved seeing the tea plantation bordering the forest and learning of the supportive relationship between the locals and the Nyungwe community.”

Amelia took the canopy walk.

Inside the park, baboons wander the roads.

New lawn space

The shady space under Mama’s umbrella is the perfect play area for little ones.

The grass eliminates scraped knees from running and falling. Playing ball is so much fun. The umbrella has many purposes and allows me to spend precious time with the babies.

Kitchen progress

We started demolition and construction on Feb. 17.  Our dedicated workers have been miracle workers. The progress below shows what they have accomplished in just over a month.

Proof we are meeting government regulations is posted on the campus wall.

March 1

March 6

March 23.  Window and door frames in place. Roof in process.

Stay tuned. Completion photo next month.

My dream

It has long been my dream that one day the kids (my Rwandan sons and daughters) who grew up at Urukundo Home for Children would someday run the foundation. Can dreams like mine come true? Of course, they can. I am satisfied that my dream is slowly coming true.

Celebrate with me.

The newest addition to Urukundo staff is Esperance Nyampinga. She was one of the first girls to be adopted into the home and our family in 2006. She has finished her education, worked in the outside labor pool for experience and now is a new hire at Urukundo.

Esperance joins our staff as the public relations manager. Her son Ethan accompanies her as advisor-in-chief. Esperance will wear many hats at the foundation. One will be with the volunteers who want to experience Rwanda and its many beautiful sites. Another will be managing the guesthouse and seeing to the comfort and needs of our volunteers as they take part in the everyday events at the Urukundo Village and Learning Center. She also will work closely with the National Commission for Children in caring for our children who are with bio and foster families. 

Learning Center competition

Each month, the Urukundo Learning Center holds a competition. In March, the competition was in public speaking. All grades were included.

Our library is an intricate part of our school. Our students are encouraged to read and learn by reading. The competition encouraged the contestants to pick a book, read the book and give a short review of the book. The ability to present in public before a large audience was the challenge. I was amazed at the variety of books chosen. Age and grade had a lot to do with it, I am sure.

Here are some of the book titles: How Do Animals Talk; Daniel in the Lions Den; Malala’s Magic Pencil; Little Red Riding Hood; The Amazing Life Cycle of Plants; Eerie Elementary: Recess is a Jungle; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; and Dinosaurs before Dark

Judges for the competition were teachers Remy Paul, Felex and Gisele as well as volunteer Amelia Clark.

Amelia has worked closely with the librarian Desire and assistant Olivier, encouraging our students to engage in activities that involve the library. Public speaking was perfect.

The top awards for outstanding ability were presented by, adults from left, parent representative Malegarete, myself, Headmaster Viateur and head of discipline Anuarite. The children who won are, from left,:Audrey, Christella and Stessy. We salute the winners.

Other awards were given in different categories.

A first for our music program and new to the program is our music teacher, who also conducts, is starting a program for teaching conductors.

It was great to watch a young conductor in action.

Visitors

On March 27,we said good-bye to our long-term volunteer Amelia Clark. She has been an asset to the foundation. Her work included the daycare, preschool, library and activity room. Her contributions of time and ideas are appreciated. She also has been tutoring Soso.

Soso will miss her.

She will be happy to see her family in the USA.

Erin Friday, a return visitor, was most welcome. Erin is contemplating a more permanent move to Rwanda. Not at Urukundo but as a businesswoman. Erin, who is a CPA, will be in Kigali and spend rest and relaxation time at Urukundo. Erin is already part of the Urukundo family.

My good friend Dr. Otto Fischer, second from left, made his semi-annual visit to Rwanda. Otto, from Korneburg, Austria, returns to minister to his pride and joy, Future for Kids, an NGO in Rwaza, a town in Rwanda. Otto also operates the New Vision Veterinary Hospital in Kigali.

Although his visits are short and he is very busy, he finds time to visit me at Urukundo. Otto looks out for my sweet tooth. He brings me chocolates from Austria. He also brings visitors and introduces them to the Urukundo Foundation. Daiana Birk and her partner Paul Schawarzmann both are upcoming veterinary doctors.

I Iook forward to October when Otto will pay a return visit.

The doctors visited the farm. Esperance, our new PR person, took them on a tour of the farm and our animals, including Ollie the dog.

Message from Mama

Friends and followers, if you are thinking this woman with a mission is coming to the end of her time, I agree with you. There are only about 10 or 15 more years to go. That is a short time in the scheme of things. There is much to do and so little time.

What next? Well, let me tell you that knowing the kitchen will be completed soon (a bigger and better one) made me start thinking. Question: What kitchen does not have a giant-size blender, a mixer for baking and making my favorite mashed potatoes, and an oven to bake bread, cakes and cookies and to roast meats like turkey and ham during special times? All of these things are missing in Urukundo’s new kitchen, so you see I have work to do. I will check on Google and see what kitchen appliances are available in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Urukundo Learning Center needs an O-level junior high school. (This is the same as grades 7, 8 and 9 in the USA.) Then it will need a gymnasium. Even primary schools need a gymnasium.

There is still so much to do. This all has to happen in the next 10 years.  Then I think I will retire and rest for the next five years.

Hang in there with me for the long haul.

Much love,

Mama

Travel and service possibilities

This year starts a new beginning at Urukundo. It is our hope to offer not only volunteer possibilities to our friends but also to introduce you to a beautiful land with beautiful people and a culture of its own.

Here’s our new brochure:

Urukundo Travel with a Purpose

Experience the Heart of Rwanda with Mama Arlene and Urukundo.

Urukundo welcomes volunteers to an unforgettable journey where a real impact can be made in the lives of children with Mama Arlene and the dedicated Urukundo teachers and staff. While volunteering, you can discover the rich cultural tapestry of Rwanda through exciting tours and adventures.

Why Choose Urukundo Travel with a Purpose?

  1. Give back and make a difference.

    Come to Urukundo to join forces and make a positive impact; to both contribute and learn. Volunteer opportunities include working with teachers in daycare, preschool and primary grades; playing children’s sports; assisting in dental care; supporting new mothers and their babies; and mentoring musical instrumentalists. Come share your particular expertise. Volunteers are asked to give at least 20 hours of work and advocacy.

  2. Gain a new perspective.

    Immerse yourself in a new country and culture for a transformative experience. Your trip to Urukundo will allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of a different culture and way of life.

  3. Meet new people.

    Connect with the Urukundo faculty and staff, who are members of the local community, as you work together toward a common goal. Volunteers often form life-long friendships and connections, enriching their journey.

  4. Get out of your comfort zone.

    Step out of your comfort zone. Discover a new sense of purpose and redefine your life. This challenging and rewarding opportunity is a chance for personal growth, discovering strengths and weaknesses, and shaping your purpose.

Useful Information

Only US$100 bills with a date of 2017 or newer are acceptable for exchange to Rwandan currency.  Smaller bills are not acceptable for exchange.

US dollars can be exchanged for rwf (Rwanda Franc) at the current exchange rate at the Urukundo campus office.

Local crafts and souvenirs can be purchased with rwf.

Costs to Plan for Your Visit:

  • US$50 for a visa upon entry

  • Transportation from and to the KIgali International Airport

    • Via car, 1 to 3 passengers, US$50 per trip, shared by all passengers

    • Via minibus, 4 to 8 passengers, US$100 per trip, shared by all passengers

    • Via big bus, 8 or more passengers,  US$150 per trip, shared by all passengers

Accommodations:

  • US$50 donation per day per person covers lodging, three meals a day, purified water, and fiber-optic Internet Wi-Fi.

Guest House (2 options):

  • Private rooms with a double bed and a single in each room and private bath.

  • Male and female dorms with baths for groups.

Residence:

  • Three bedrooms with a choice of single or double occupancy, shared bath.

Examples of Urukundo campus volunteer opportunities:

  • Preschool and primary school teacher’s assistant 

  • Dental Clinic project

  • Farm animal project

  • Staff and community daycare program

  • Vocational sewing school

  • Mama and Baby outreach project

  • All-faiths, community-and-visitor Worship Center

  • Worker/kitchen aide or nutrition advisor

  • Sharing your expertise: Do you have a special ability, talent, hobby or expertise? Let us know before you come, and we can help you determine how it might best be utilized.

Sightseeing, day trips and overnight excursions

Embark on unique adventures with our local guides or with a Rwandan-licensed tour agency who will introduce you to Rwanda’s treasures and hidden gems. Further details and prices upon request.

  • Kigali City tour with market

  • Akagera National Park (guided by African Big Five Safari)

  • Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking and more)

  • Nyungwe National Park (rainforest and more)

  • King’s Palace (traditional royal residence, Inyambo royal cows and mor)

  • Drone Zipline

  • Mindleaps dance troupe

  • Azizi Life Cultural Center

We are here to answer your questions and inquiries to make your visit the very best.

  • U.S. Contact: Patricia D. Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org

  • Rwandan Contact:  Arlene D. Brown, brown.arlene30@gmail.com

Kitchen update

The kitchen project has become a hope made real.

The long-awaited and needed kitchen project is in progress. I was beginning to think it would not happen in my lifetime.

The first step was building a place to cook while the project was in progress.

That is done.

The second step was moving kitchen equipment to the new building.

Shelves had to move. It is good that we have strong young men to do the moving.

In it goes.

Garden fresh vegetables, carrots, beets, peppers, onions and tree tomatoes.

Bulk foods came next.

Heavy load.

Maize flour, rice and beans.

Setting the perimeters.

Demolition started with removing the roof.

The building was taken down one brick at a time. We salvage as many building materials as possible.

Where did the old kitchen go? It is gone.

Construction has begun. Digging the foundation.

Construction so far on Feb. 23.

Kitchen Feb. 26. Making progress.