December newsletter

December was a super month.

I was blessed with a visit from several of my grown kids. They included, from left, Amin, Esperance, Claude #1, Serephine, Lucy, Divine (home from Germany), and Claude #2.

What an awesome group! Lots of help for the community Christmas party.

A mat was added to the play area in Mama’s residence.

The tile floor is easy to clean but a bit cold on the little bottoms. Babies are happier sitting and crawling on a mat.

OK, so some babies like the tile floor.

Legos are good for all ages.

Well, they really are plastic baby link rings, but the girls decided they are earrings. I admit it works. Playing with the doll babies is also a great way to pretend.

Learning Center competition

Once a quarter, our school holds a competition. This quarter, the competitors were fifth-grade students. The subjects were Rwandan economy, culture, civics, and general knowledge.

In the front rows, Primary 1 students attended the competition for the first time. They were well-behaved and attentive. They came for one hour. It was amazing to watch these younger students respond.

Dance was in the cultural competition.

In addition to groups, Individuals also competed in the dance competition.

The competition on the economy looked at entrepreneurship and how open markets provide products for home consumers.

You can purchase tomatoes, potatoes, pineapples, cucumbers, and many other products in the shops.

In addition to goat, beef, rabbit, chicken, and pork, fish, which is my favorite, is also available in shops in Rwanda. Fishing adds to the economy of Rwanda. Our young man shows the equipment needed for catching fish.Participants used magnets to demonstrate fishing in the competition.

The overland trucking industry plays a big part in our economy, as Rwanda is a landlocked country. Trucks carry food, animals, furniture, petrol, charcoal, etc, over and around the Thousand Hills and volcanic mountains. Trucks are used to transport food and materials in hard-to-reach areas. We appreciate the drivers who keep our roads safe.

The medical profession contributes to the economy in Rwanda.

The general knowledge part of the competition had written questions and answers.

Contestants

The written questions called for quick thinking. Sample questions:

  1. Who composed the National Anthem of Rwanda?

  2. What do we call the head of a province in Rwanda?

  3. It is one of Rwanda's national symbols. It has seven features. What is it?

  4. What records both wind strength and direction in Rwanda?

  5. Can you name the 30 districts in Rwanda?

  6. Name the president of Rwanda.

  7. Can you name the three neighboring countries of Rwanda?

If you want the answers, Google the questions.

Winners of the competitions

Headmaster Viateur stood by as the guest of honor (me) gave a brief talk. I am honored, but not good at this.

Growing music program

At the competition, the school chorus and band were on the platform. With this many students in music, you can see why Urukundo needs a music facility.

We are moving forward with making Hillside House our location for fostering music in the lives of Urukundo students.

I have a matching grant of $7,500 for this project. If you are able to donate, the matching grant will match your donation up to $7,500. Contributions are much appreciated.

The existing building requires soundproofing and air conditioning. The work is in progress. January’s newsletter will feature the work as it is being done.

Good neighbors

Urukundo Worship Center and Foundation reach out to our neighbors.

We are sharing with the community in this season of peace, love, and goodwill to all. Wherever you are and what little you may have, love your neighbor and share with them.

A new jacket and dress are a blessing to the giver and the child who receives it.

A happy birthday

On Dec. 6, my first birthday surprise arrived.

Flowers from John, known as Johnny when he was a young boy.

John has brought me flowers since he was a 3-year-old.

He is my flower child.

On my special day, Dec. 9, in the early morning, I received a special pair of socks.

I love the gift of socks and their message.

The Birthday #95 party

Every year I say “no party” and every year it happens. It is time I stop saying “no party” and just enjoy the love.

Headmaster Viateur (pink shirt) led the happy birthday song.

Music Director Emmanuel played “Happy Birthday” on our newly acquired saxophone. He learned to play it for this occasion. I was honored.

The farm boys brought a gift. Lots of eggs.

Other gifts came in a big box.

The peace basket plaque is beautiful, and the nativity is very special to me.

Top of the cake. Love the roses.

Cake, sparklers, and joy.

A toast. Salute to the beginning of Year # 96.

Community Christmas celebration

Preparing for the community kids' Christmas party.

Juice, cookies, and gifts.

Soft animals for babies, scarves for mamas, dolls, My Little Ponies, kids’ jewelry, teen jewelry, and cars.

Slinkies, balls, jump ropes, cars of all shapes and sizes.

The party was at 2 p.m. Kids started coming at 11 a.m.

They came and came.

They came by the hundreds. There were more than the 900 who came last year.

Mamas and babies also enjoyed Urukundo’s Christmas party. The kids sat on the floor; mamas with babies sat on benches.

Singing and dancing to “Jingle Bells.”

Movie time. It really worked this year with sound. Thank you, Jean Marie.

Kids were watching the movie. I love the many expressions on their faces.

Time for refreshments

Many helpers. Needed everyone. Orange and apple drinks.

Cookies are called biscuits.

Making sure everyone is served, we started in the front.

Children and adults headed for home after a successful Christmas party. 

We were blessed with morning rain and afternoon sunshine. No mud or wet kids.

Dec. 25, Christmas Day

It was a quiet day as employees were given the day off to be with their families.

Message from Mama

Happy New Year, 2026

The year 2025 has been spectacular. Urukundo Foundation, founded on love, continues to benefit those in need in Rwanda, thanks to our generous donors. I thank you, everyone. Without you, none of this would have happened.

Beginning a new year is the time to set new goals. The problem for me is that, with “God in charge”, the goals are not mine to set. Urukundo will go where God directs, and, with your help in caring and sharing, I look forward to discovering where and what that will be.

Please keep our 1,200+ students, our 118 employees and their families, our boards of directors, and me in prayer as the 2026 journey begins.

Love, 

Mama

November Newsletter

My time in the USA was awesome. I made contact with so many friends and family. Coming home to my family in Muhanga, Rwanda, also was awesome. Sleeping in my own bed made coming home worthwhile. There is truly no place like home.

Home for the traveler

Executive Director Jean Marie welcomed me at the airport. Executive Secretary Eric and Vehicle Manager Oswald were on hand to move suitcases into the compound. I was weary after the long journey and glad for the assistance.

Office and residence staff welcomed me home. From left, Francene, Libby, me, Oswald, Julie and Esperance.

Welcoming message

Sign on my door. What a super message!

My neighbors came to sing, dance, and pray with me. What a wonderful welcome home!

Librarian Elie and the children let me know they are glad I am home.

Thanks to many who donated the Primary 6 textbooks that are in the Learning Center.

Every student has a textbook for every subject.

Textbooks for P5 were purchased last year. Textbooks for P4 are due to arrive this month.

Progress on Secondary School

Inside the classrooms

Jean Marie makes sure I am safe on the second level. The view from here is awesome.

Protective fencing is now in place.

Landscaping is yet to be done in the front of our new two-story complex.

The new building is in proximity to Primary classrooms. The ramp that is visible has to be made handicap usable. So much is yet to be done. We have six months to achieve accreditation.

The construction of the secondary school building is complete. There is still much work both inside and outside before it is ready for our first class that is due to start in September 2026: blue paint to add color to the fencing and pillars; handicap access ramp and connecting sidewalks; landscaping; laboratory equipment; desks and chairs; and the list goes on. There is so much more involved and taken into account opening an addition to our school. We are so grateful to all who have contributed funds to complete this project.

Thank you. Thank you.

Daycare children and Mama

An old saying revised a bit:

“If the mountain (mama) can't come to Muhammad (daycare kids), then Muhammad must go to the mountain.” At my time in life, walking to the daycare is a task. It is better if the daycare kids come to me. We decided to give it a try.  Once a week, the aunties bring the morning group to visit me. In the afternoon, the older daycare children come after their nap. They are in school in the morning.

I read them a story, and we enjoy playtime together. Don’t know why I did not think of this before. I love spending time with the aunties and the kids.

Wednesday morning with Mama

An awesome crew

A soft seat is best every time.

Storytime with Mama

This week's story was about animals. African animals on Noah’s ark included lions, giraffes, and zebras.

Build them up so you can knock them down. Then repeat.

Wednesday afternoon, the older group had a once-a-year experience. Yep, with Christmas coming close, they got to assemble an almost-real tree and decorate it.

Artificial trees come in parts. Putting it together is a challenge.

Executive Director Jean Marie, with the help of his team, assembled the Christmas tree.

Decorating began.

Not bad for beginners. Next it was time for play.

Dolls are always fun.

Building blocks allow you to build up and then crash down to start again.

Having the children come to my house for storytime and playtime adds to my day and theirs.