Graduation Special — HOPE MADE REAL

Graduation at Urukundo Foundation / Urukundo Learning Center.July 2022.

We started off with practice on the basketball court in early July.

Adding the school band to the graduation ceremony is exciting for the kids.

The day finally arrives July 22nd, 2022.

Trucks bring tents and chairs and the setup work begins.

A platform was constructed for the band with a cover. 5 hours in the direct sun would have been bad for the students, their director, and instruments. Band set up ready to work.

Primary students anticipate a very special day. Are we ready? Yes, we are.

Urukundo Students wow! A vision to behold.

I marvel at the growth in numbers, from past graduations with about 15 graduates to the present graduation with 117 graduates. More children are receiving an education every year. Because you care, Urukundo is making a difference.

Kindergarden

Ready for a march to the football field for the ceremony.

Primary 6

The march begins to the football field. Primary 1 and parents on the march. We honor our neighbors with a parade.

The sewing Center graduates complete the marching line.

P6 and Sewing Center grads strut their stuff.

Through the main gate of Urukundo Village.

New this year.

A bandstand and a wonderful band and director Emmanuel.
Our own band instruments. We are still renting the sound system.

Presenting for our parents and friends.

Saluting the honored guests as they pass, A Rwandan tradition.

Music is essential. Chorus is accompanied by music supplied by the learning center band.

Older brother is graduating and leaving the school. He will be missed by his young sister who is also a student. The two of them sharing a song together touched my heart..

Honored guests, even me. Urukundo’s Headmaster, Viateur, Mama, and Olive, Mama’s assistant.

Urukundo Director Jean Marie, Jeanne d’arc executive secretariat Kinihira sector / Ruhango District, and Oswald the President of the Urukundo National Board were among the honored guests.

Daniel Habyarimana. Director of Education for Muhanga District was the guest speaker of the day.

Awards were given to outstanding students.

Best student Albertine Tuyishime Uwase at Sewing School.

Director of Music gives award to Primary One student Luc Hategekimana who plays the piano in the band.

Awards for best grades from P1 to P6 were given to these 6 students.
There were many more awards given.

I was privileged to be the mom when Claudine was given a special award. Claudine received an award as an outstanding student.

On presenting Claudine’s award, headmaster Viatiur said Claudine has proven that disability is not an inability.

Claudine is our only graduate from Urukundo Home for Children this year. Claudine is family.

We are Claudine’s family. Her Mama, Claudine, Chantel her Urukundo Auntie, Seraphine her older Urukundo sister.

Claudine's advisor Libby, Claudine, and Olive, Mama’s assistant.

A presentation by the Sewing Center students.

An everyday dress can be elegant with matching head dress. Men's shirts are part of the tailoring program.

The Sewing Center students learn the basics of sewing & tailoring, learn to create designs, and are willing to model what they feel are their best creations.

Each student received a sewing starter kit. Their teacher Epiphanie and Headmaster Viateur assisted me in presenting the gifts.

In conclusion, thank you for taking the graduation journey with me. I hope it gives you pleasure and a good look at what Urukundo Foundation with your help is able to provide for the students in our school.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!