It came time for our visitors, Carol Falke, president of the Hope Made Real International Board, and Marilyn Ely, board treasurer, to return to Pennsylvania, USA. We said good-bye to Carol and Marilyn on April 29.
Urukundo National Board president Oswalde, Mama, Benita, Diane, Carol, Marilyn, Vanessa and Joyce gather as our visitors prepare to leave. Ollie also was sorry to see them go.
Before they left, our children and teachers wanted to give a presentation of their school and what they do. They worked very hard preparing this presentation (assembly program). The presentation was awesome. I hope you enjoy it as much as our guests did.
Assembly of students and staff
Please remember all presenters in the photos are 13 years and younger. The makeup is deceiving. Their presentation was both educational and interesting for our guests.
After greeting the special guests, the narrator spoke in English. She said, “My name is Aimee Carine KEZA, I am 12 years old, and I am a member of the English Club.”
I was impressed.
She said, “The English Club teaches us to speak English well and understand the meaning of English words. English is a new language for us.”
She also stated, “The French Club is also important as many of our parents and grandparents speak French. We appreciate our school teaching both French and English.”
The French Club sang songs and presented a dialogue, of course, in French. They were great.
Our narrator talked about IHURIRO Ry’UMUCO (Rwanda Culture Club). The club preserves Rwandan culture, values and qualities, and teaches about traditional dance, beliefs, norms and many other facets of life in Rwanda.
The cultural presentation was well done by the students. I share some of it with you.
The traditional naming ceremony for Rwandan babies
Family and friends gather.
Mama, papa and baby. What name will we give this baby?
Family and friends sharing a meal Rwanda-style at the naming.
Older siblings explain the purpose of this feast.
All share milk from one jar.
Milk mustaches
Children enjoying a meal at the naming ceremony. This is finger food.
Gifts for the family of baby
A closer look
Old men (grandfathers) embrace at the naming of the newborn.
Great performance. Hey, they can remove the old age. I can’t.
Ceremonial cow dancers (culture). The two men chant and dance for the cow presentation. This dance is done during dowry celebrations at Rwandan weddings.
Crushing cassava roots to make flour for traditional bread.
During the presentation, students presented their career goals.
Pilot
Business woman
Entertainer
Astronaut
Volleyball player
Teacher
These are just a few of the choices.
The kids lined up waiting to present their career choices. Look closely and you will see a dentist (teeth), doctor (stethoscope), pharmacist, pastor (black robe), beautician, lawyer, engineer, businessman (briefcase) – and the list goes on.
Our kids have dreams and goals.
Here are some other pictures from the presentation:
The Karate Club waiting to show their skills. Our narrator said, “Karate teaches children to protect themselves and others in danger.”
Karate Club
Traditional dancing
Dance Club
The Dance Club consisted of singers, drummers and dancers. Each plays a part.
Boy dancers
Milk jar Kalabash Gift basket
In the background are singers and drummers.