May News from Cyakabiri School for Small Children

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, the Home for Boys is in full operation as is the Home for Girls and 2010 saw the Nursery built and filled with 14 babies under 4 years of age. These precious babies would be lost without Urukundo. Praise the Lord that we are here because you and others care. 

Our target goal in education was to start a school in five years and we have reached that goal.  Our students are beautiful.

Now we have 14 kids soon there will be 20 children in the 3 and 4 year old morning group and 18 in the afternoon 5 year old group.

Jan continues to be director from her home in the US. Praise God for technology.

Opening of Cyakabiri School for small Children - kids and staff.

Claude writes in his journal.

Claude and Luki doing puzzles.

Book readers.

David laces.

Musicians.

Urukundo is so blessed to have Janet F. Brown, Early Childhood Education Consultant as Director of the Cyakabiri School for Small Children. Jan will be instrumental in developing the school system here.

Jan's biggest problem is dividing her time between the school and the nursery. Her love of the children is awesome.

Thank you Jan.

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for April 2011 - Part Two

The Second Half of a Wonderful Month at Urukundo Village

The Vice Mayor of Family Development and Gender and her assistant paid a visit to Urukundo Village.  They met the kids and heard them sing.

She encouraged the kids to work hard in school and to have a goal in life. She visited the school project and toured the Village.  We were honored by her presence.

The Debating Team in Action

City Life vs. Country Living.

Deborah from Team # 2.

Debate argument.

Debate : City Team

Inside Cyakabiri Preschool

The first students, headmaster and assistant:

Moving into the Future

Renovation is underway for the first phase of an ongoing development project to further improve the education of Rwanda's children.

The preschool is only the first step in "PROJECT EDUCATION". Under the supervision of Jan Brown (no relation), Early Childhood Education Consultant, the former residence & guest house is becoming a school for 3,4,and 5 year olds.  These are exciting times for Urukundo and the community.

Walls are being removed, arches put in their place to open up the area and give more space. Dust is everywhere (the workers are using masks).  Mud bricks and rubble cover the floor.

Applications are already coming for jobs at the school and kids who want to be included. The problem will be the limited space not the lack of kids.

Education Sponsors

We believe that child development is dependent on love, care, and spiritual discipleship. Jesus said: Mark 10 verse 14 “Let the children come to me, don’t stop them! For the kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”. This is our inspiration to help the children in our care and community by equipping them with Christian values, love, and education.

December is the month for giving gifts in Jesus' name. What better gift than the gift of EDUCATION to a child in need? 

This is surely a gift that keeps on giving. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to read, write, and make good decisions for the future. 

Your gift of $15 can begin to make this possible for another child who has been homeless or abandoned. Please give from your heart, knowing you are making a difference in the life of a child.



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