Message from Mama

The parents in our community are not happy that their children at age 12 are separated from their mothers, dads, and siblings when they leave home to live in a boarding school. Secondary schools are boarding schools in most of the country. There also are many children whose education ends at Primary 6 because of the poverty level in their home.

Education should not stop at the 6th grade. Education is important, but in those years from 12 to 15, more important are the love and nurturing of family. A 12-year-old needs to be taught family togetherness and values. These values are not taught in secondary (7, 8, 9 grades) school. Parental supervision is essential in these formative years.

Other primary schools in Rwanda are adding the three grade levels to their educational programs. It has been Urukundo’s plan for many years to open an O-level secondary school (junior high). Of course, first we have to build it. I hope there are many of you willing to help us do that. Thanks to Phelps Chapel United Methodist Church in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, USA, and others, we have a starting fund of US$17,000.The total amount needed is US$150,000  This is the estimated cost of the six classrooms at US$25,000 per room It will be a two-story building, with three classrooms upstairs and three downstairs. There will be two windows per room.

It is our hope and prayer that we will have completed the construction before the 2025-26 school year.  This will not happen without your help.

During this season of giving, please consider adding Urukundo/Hope Made Real to your Christmas gift list. Send that gift to:

Hope Made Real, PO Box 3222, Williamsport, PA 17701 (USA)

Give a small amount or a large amount. Every bit helps.

Much Love,

Mama Arlene