Education

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From the Nursery

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Kavine and Diane continue to grow and be the center of attention.
Kavine is a happy, healthy little girl. She is trying to sit up alone. That's a big job! She laughs out loud, gurgles and reaches for my finger.  Real progress.
Diane's arm is healing, thanks to Nancy, our in-house Nurse. She has done the physical therapy necessary to save the arm from becoming a disability.
The wound on Diane's face is filling in quite well but there may be a small scar. Only time and Nancy's special attention will tell. 

Nancy has been a volunteer with Urukundo Foundation since 2008. She comes from New Hampshire, USA. Nancy is a retired Army nurse and Nurse Practitioner. 
We are doubly blessed to have her as she is acting coordinator for Urukundo Learning Center working with two Early Childhood teachers in the US with the necessary credentials.

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Urukundo Learning Center

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A gift was given to Urukundo Foundation designated for the much-needed classrooms for our Learning Center.  Additional funds are needed for cement and bricks.  
Work began January 20, 2012 on the new classrooms. 
This shows construction after 1 day.
Progress to January 28, 2012
The construction in progress will have two classrooms, an office and toilet.

 

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Meet our Students at Urukundo Learning Center

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A new morning class. These children are meeting in HOPE HOUSE until their classroom is finished. 

Bricks and cement are needed for completion of the classroom. The children inspect the progress of construction each day. They know it will be for them and it is surprising how interested they are seeing the work being done. We may have some engineers in the group!
A new afternoon class in Hope House.
The kids in the next two pictures will be our first graduates from preschool in 2 years.  We must have a Primary School built by then to receive the graduates. In Rwanda the age for starting Primary school is 6 years. They will be ready.  But will we?
Cyakabiri Class second term, afternoon class - 5 year olds who graduate in 2013.
Second term morning class in Cyakabiri classroom - 3 and 4 year olds.

 

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Community Service

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WE NEED YOUR HELP.
This year's fund for Orphans and the poor children of the community is far behind last year's gifts.  Last year we were able to send 340 children to primary school thanks to your generous support.  These children would not go to school without your love and gifts.  The amount needed to supplement what the government provides is $15 USD per child per year.  This purchases a uniform, exercise books, pens, a book bag, flip flops and a jacket. 
Please help so that no child is disappointed and consider supporting Urukundo Foundation's goal to provide an education for as many children as possible.  Thank you.
Gifts for Education should reach HMR as soon as possible - the school year begins in January.
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Teacher Training

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On November 4th Louise, who is one of our teachers from Cyakabiri School, boarded a plane for the US. She was accompanied by Jan Brown, Coordinator for our Preschool and Carol Falke, a dynamic fund raiser for Urukundo village and Urukundo Home for Children from State College, Pa. This was the beginning of many firsts for Louise. It is our hope that more of our teachers can travel to the US to receive extensive training and that teachers will come from the US to experience Cyakabiri School and share their knowledge wih our teachers. 
Louise is one of the three teachers at Cyakabiri Preschool - her journey begins.
Airports and luggage all part of the journey.
What Louise saw coming into the US. Sunrise over DC beautiful.
Louise's son Bruno came to Urukundo to be part of our family while his mom is in America.
He is a very fine boy and makes friends easily. He is a credit to his mother and loved at Urukundo Home.
We may not want him to go when his Mama comes home from the US. We are glad he will be close and can come visit and play with his new brothers even after his mom is home.
Luki and Bruno.
Bruno and Claude.
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Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for September 2011

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Headlining the month of September and it is difficult to decide which event in our busy month should be the headline!

TIME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL SPONSORSHIPS

It is that time of the year when our project becomes the community children living in poor circumstances.
If you remember - and even if you don't - last year we were able to send 340 children to primary school thanks to your generous support. These children would not go to school without your love and gifts. The amount needed to supplement what the government provides is $15 USD per child per year.

That $15 provides a uniform, exercise books, pens, book bag, flip flops and a jacket.  
Urukundo Foundation's goal is education for as many children as possible. The need to read and write is a priority.  Pre-school & primary school are where the foundation is laid. 
Investing in education is investing in a better life. Please partner with me so that Urukundo can continue caring for children who deserve a brighter future. This is the best gift to Rwanda's children you can give.

Gifts for education must reach HMR by December 15th to be included in the December wire transfer, and for us to provide the items needed to insure continuing education for the 2012 school year. The school year begins in January. 
Please consider adding EDUCATION FOR A RWANDAN CHILD to your Christmas gift list.

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Cyakabiri School Report

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It is for sure we need to have more rooms for students. There are many more 3 to 5 year olds waiting to enroll. We need the space and teachers.  Volunteer teachers interested in being a part of this adventure in education in Rwanda, Africa are welcome to inquire and learn more about the goals of the school. This may be just the opportunity you have been waiting for. You will make a difference in the lives of small children.
Learning to match. Learning through doing.
Sun glasses and a worker's helmet. What fun! Morning snack is also good.
Claude from Urukundo Home for Children. We now have 7 children from our Home enrolled in our school for small children.
Dress up and pretend. Imagination is a new nation for the students.
Morning greeting.
Different expressions in one photo - I wonder what their thoughts are.
It is in the eyes.
The toy pig gets a house...then a wall so he cannot run away.  It's amazing how quickly the pighouse becomes a garage for moto cars!
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Traveling Mercies needed for a Learning Adventure!

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How do teachers of young children learn to write good lesson plans, talk with children, and offer the best learning environment? By seeing other skilled teachers at work!

A unique opportunity has been offered to Vincent and Louisa, the administrator and a teacher at Cyakabiri School for Young Children. This fall, they are invited come to the U.S. to further their educations. Jan Brown, Director of Cyakabiri, is putting together a remarkable itinerary for Vincent and Louisa to learn more about early childhood education. They can see the very best licensed and accredited programs in action and meet college professors who are world leaders in early childhood.

When the Cyakabiri teachers arrive, their transport, lodging, food, and in-depth learning experiences will be provided. All they need are their passports, visas, and plane tickets.

You can help support these talented teachers—who can then share what they learn with educators and policy makers in Rwanda. Please consider donating to the Teacher Education Initiative and pray for Vincent and Louisa to have courage. Their flights will be their very first in their lives!