Celebrations

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Greetings from Mama Arlene and the Urukundo Family for June 2012

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June has been an exciting month for me and for Urukundo Village. 
Pink eye hit the secondary schools and two of our kids were home for treatment. Then John Paul dislocated his shoulder playing soccer and also returned home for treatment. Otherwise we are all in good health. 
We have been blessed with volunteers from many countries. They worked in every facet of Urukundo. The young people who came were from 8 different countries. 
Our very first mama has graduated from University. She is the fourth University graduate sponsored by Urukundo. Juliette was the first full time mama when we started our home for girls in Kiibirigi in 2006.  
The Governor of South Province paid us a visit and a delegation from the Provisional Government in the capital, Kigali, came to view the water project. A delegation from the Local Muhanga Government came to carry out the yearly evaluation and finally the Ambassador from the United States paid us a visit. Cramming all that into just four weeks made it a very interesting and busy month. 
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Another Big Event in the Life of Urukundo

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Oswald's vision has been to have a business of his own so that he can support his family. He has been the driver for Urukundo since 2006. He will still take care of our driving needs but he now owns his own minibus. It has happened!
Isn't it a beauty. Congratulations Oswald! THANK YOU to all who helped make this happen. You have truly made a difference for this family.
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Visit from the Governor

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The Governor and a delegation from South Province visited Urukundo Village to view the water and solar pump project.
Our water system, thanks to Rotary and many friends of Urukundo, is an innovation in the area.
Gary Ehrig did the honors for Urukundo. He is a good ambassador.
Everyone there was pleased and thanked Urukundo for making South Province and Muhanga District a better place to live. 
The Governor of South Province  and our Muhanga District Mayor at the water project.
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Labor Day

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May 1 is the cultural  LABOR DAY in Rwanda. It is not a day off from work but a day when employers invite all workers to join together with the administrative staff (that includes me) for conversation, for some food treats (sumbosa) and Fanta.

Our staff works very hard. They work long hours and with little pay. 

The day before the meeting was to take place word was spread that there would be a meeting of all Urukundo staff at 2 pm Tuesday.

They came looking rather concerned. This was a surprise for them and the first time Labor Day had been celebrated in our village.

I just learned about this wonderful tradition. It will be a yearly celebration.

Awards were given in recognition of devoted service. It was difficult to choose who would get the awards. 

The award for length of service was given to Delphine (6 years), mama from the girls' home. The award for 'most flexible' with 5 years service went to Betty in the Nursery.  Betty has worked in every area in the home plus the school. She is versatile and works wherever needed and is now permanent in the nursery (I think). Benjimin the builder, who maintains our homes and manages the construction on site, was also recognized with an award.

It was two hours well spent.

Workers gathered.

It was my pleasure to serve those who serve.