The Vision Continues : Visionaries are Needed

From 2008 to 2010, Urukundo has been laying a strong foundation with the help of many generous people. Our goal has been a better future for Rwanda's children, leaders in the next generation. Now we are ready to build on that foundation.

The concept for URUKUNDO CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER was placed in our hearts by faith and from the 9 children who are 4 years and younger in our home. The potential outreach to the community is immense. The need has been placed before us by a loving God. The beginning step is to construct a preschool; the land is bought and paid for and is waiting. The architect came here on November 27 to access and advise and set forth a plan and costs for the preschool. 

We are trusting God that you will be part of this process to nurture children's growth. Our goal is to be financially responsible as we move forward, because the preschool is just the beginning of our English-based Christian School System.

OUR VISION

Over time we hope to add a Primary School, a Secondary School, and one day on the top of Chakabidi Mountain, a University.

Investors are needed. Educators are welcome. Prayers are necessary. Teachers with Christian hearts are a prerequisite.

What a view for a school! On a clear day, the Volcano can be seen in the middle of the hills in the distance.

Imagine--on this land a school where children are safe, loved, and education is priority!

Huge visions have small beginnings. Here is our plan for an octagonal school building, constructed with sticks and stones.

Special Notice

JUST A REMINDER

It is time to think about becoming a sponsor for EDUCATION. Our school term starts in January. This is for the poor families in our area.

Last year we were able to send 329 Kids to primary school. $15 provides essentials for a child to attend school for a year. Your support is needed. Mark your gift as EDUCATION FUND. All gifts are tax deductible.

Those gifts need to come during November and December. 

Education in the Future

Our goal has always been to provide education for the children at Urukundo Village and the community at large.

Education is the future of Rwanda and its children.

This is a very big project and a long term hope. First to be built is a Preschool, then a Primary School then a Secondary School. If it is God's will a University will be constructed on the top of the mountain. We are looking into the future about 20 years or more. GOD IN CHARGE. I am hoping educators and those interested in the education of Rwanda's children will come alongside and help this dream become a reality.

If you want to be a part of this project I would like to hear from you. It will not be built in a day. Consider taking this journey with me.

I wear a medallion which reads:   

A JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP.

I believe this to be true, and so by sharing with you I have taken the first step.  Come walk with me.  

Mama Arlene



English as a Second Language Graduation

Our very First graduating class from Urukundo School of English. These four passed the exam and received their certificates.

Teacher Johnnie and his prize pupil. Her grades were the highest in the class.

Scholarship Fund Report

Thanks to all of you, our scholarship drive was amazing. 330 orphans and children of very poor families are going forward in education. Below are just a few of the kids you are helping to have a better future.

Some New Tools for Hope Made Real

A word from my Grandson, Christian:

This summer, I plan on journeying to Rwanda, bringing both equipment and friends to help jumpstart the tools and education available in Urukundo.  Mama Arlene has already gotten an internet connection to Urukundo, so now I'm focusing on bringing these kids the tools and skills they need to pursue their own talents and grow into skilled, intelligent adults.  We'll be spending two weeks there to not only set up the equipment, but to make sure everyone gets properly trained to take full advantage of the information available online.

All great things are built one step, one brick, one piece at a time.  I'd like to thank you all, the supporters of my grandmother, for helping her start with a piece of land and it build it into a home of hope.  It's my goal to find new supporters for Hope Made Real to fund this education project and build upon the strong foundation you all provide, so that we can grow even further and continue to bring hope to so many.

Thanks again,

Christian Gloddy

News from School

On April 2nd, our secondary school kids come home for a 3 week stay. It will be wonderful to have all 39 (Claudine makes #39) kids at home again. We will try to get a group picture for next month's newsletter.

An Update on Our Goals for 2009

Our goal for 2009 is to complete the finishing touches to all present construction and projects and to have one new very important building project: a place for education.

• Finish all cement work and painting on the inside and outside of the both homes.


• Paint baseboard and out side of new larger Kitchen. (The original kitchen was too small to cook for the number of people we feed daily.


• General repair to beds and new mattresses in boys home.


• Build outside toilet for dry weather when flush toilets cannot be used.


• Terrace land to prevent erosion until we build a school and Clinic in 2010.


• Electricity for the farm buildings


• Purchase day old broilers each month for a steady income. These broilers are sold at 3 months of age. The day old chicks cost 500 rwf (about 60 cents each) and are sold for profit after 3 months by weight.


• Renovate the existing old kitchen and move the clinic from the boys home into it, giving us more room in the boy’s house for sleeping space.


• Build closets in both homes for better control of clothes.


• Our Education campaign will continue in November and December 2009. (very successful in 2008). 329 benefited from your generous gifts. Thank You.

New Construction

Our construction project for the year 2009 is an all purpose building that was started by Tom Wilson from Seattle and the UK and Ed Keller and Sandra Walker from Bloomsburg, Pa in January. This will be our first attempt at a two story building.

This building will have many purposes. The first floor will house our place of worship (Chapel) Sunday morning. It will be used for a class room for English for the community in the evenings and a kindergarten during the morning.

The second floor will have two rooms and one will be used as a Library, craft room and the second a Computer Learning Center.

The clothing and feeding of our wonderful children is something we have been incredibly successful at and it is now time to step it up and prepare them for a future where they can learn and grow into the educated, compassionate adults we know they can be.

Next Project in the Vision: Education

Ed Keller & Sandy Walker from Bloomsburg, Pa along with two of our boys break ground for the first class room in our efforts to build a school for our kids and the community.  This first building will be our first attempt at a two story building. (need prayers). 

The first floor will be a class room for English as a second language.  English is now the preferred language in Rwanda.  The second floor will have two rooms one will house a library, the second a Computer Learning Center.  All necessary for the future of the kids and the community.   

Progress so far: The foundation must be strong and deep.

If your interest rests in Education come and help build and support this project with gifts as you can. We need partners to help us grow. Short term and long term visitors are welcome.