Urukundo Learning Center

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.

Performing Arts at Urukundo

The arts are a big part of our program and this month our children were introduced to Ballet.

Megan Bensinger, a volunteer from PA, has been dancing since age 4 and did a fantastic performance for the children.

We have suggested when she returns she teach ballet to our kids. We would need slippers. If you have used slippers contact Megan walkingbyfaith5@aim.com

or send them to 

Urukundo Foundation

BP 179 Muhanga

South Province

Rwanda

Megan and the dance. Our kids were so impressed as were the adults.

Visitors and girls in a fashion show at the August birthday party :  our visitors wore traditional Rwandan dress while the girls wore fashions from everywhere!

Greetings from Mama Arlene in Rwanda for November 2010

Hello from Urukundo Village and Urukundo Home for Children.

Gee that sounds nice. Urukundo is growing and as we are moving toward 2011 it is awesome what God is doing here. Starting out with a rented house and one child in Gitarama Town in 2006, the changes that have taken place can only be from the Lord. The Lord has given us a home for boys, a home for girls, a nursery, Hope House, a multi purpose house, and a small piece of land dedicated to chickens, four sheep and a cow and her baby.  We call it a farm. Small but productive - we are so blessed. 

The wet season is upon us and I am cold at 70 degrees. Normal for me but when I remember winters in PA, I know I have no reason to complain. 

Wonderful things are happening at Urukundo Home for Children. Three new babies, Kenny, Kenila,and Prince. Claude is home and Ezekiel may be back soon. We now have 42 children in our family - 19 boys and 23 girls. Our maximum capacity is 50.  

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.

Update on Nursery Construction

The nursery construction is going well and hopefully will be done by the second week in October. The new nursery will be made up of three rooms and a large utility/bathroom. The space will be well used with our eight babies and three mommas that are currently in the small two room nursery in the boy's home.

Greetings from Todd Ellingson in Rwanda for August 2010

We are very excited that the nursery walls are almost done. Construction started again after a generous donor gave us a gift a month ago. The new nursery is located attached to the girl's dorm. The current nursery is in the boy's dorm and is crowded with eight children and three mamas.


Arlene continues her travels in the USA (details of her schedule can be found here); in the meantime here are a few snapshots of daily life at Urukundo:

The boys play marbles almost every day.


Johnny, Sarah, Rebecca make the most out of a cardboard box.


Praying mantis are common around Urukundo.

Nursery in Progress

The nursery plans have been put in place. The foundation has been dug and a load of stones delivered.

The process has begun. Stones, cement, sand and bricks are needed before we can have a real nursery for the babies.

The Grand Opening of our Multi-Purpose Center

The family gathering for the official opening of the center. The building still needs face boards, gutters and some lawn in front but for our purposes, it can be used.



We gathered on the lawn with our guests singing praises to the Lord for this wonderful gift.



Ribbon ready for cutting.



It seemed only appropriate that members of the team from Wesley UMC, Bloomsburg, Pa who broke ground for this building in 2008 happened to be here for this joyous occasion. "God in Charge"



Sandra Walker, Ed Keller, Leslie Hafner



Kids, benches, bibles & song books.



A word of encouragement from Ed. John as translator



I put in my two cents worth with John helping out.

'Hope House'

The kids are delighted to have a house that will serve so many uses. At the top of that list is:
1. A place to worship.


2. A celebration place.






3. A library and computer learning center.


4. A dorm when teams of more than 10 come to visit and work at Urukundo Village.

Priority Project

Finish construction on the Multi Purpose Center "HOPE HOUSE"

Windows and doors needed.

Ceiling boards and tile for the floor are essential.

We are a faith ministry and in faith we know God is in Charge.
Our mission outreach after feeding, clothing, lodging and educating the Urukundo kids is to the aid children in Rwanda.
The update for scholarships given by you will be in the next newsletter. It is not too late to give the gift of a scholarship.
Send your gift of $16 for a needy child by Paypal or to:
Hope Made Real
Arlene D Brown
PO Box 3222
Williamsport Pa 17701

GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

Good News for Urukundo

Todd and Andria Ellingson have dedicated their lives to serving God in Rwanda. If it is God's will, Todd will arrive in early 2010 and Andria in May after fulfilling her obligation to the school she has a contract with.
I look forward to their arrival.

Todd & Andria during their visit to Urukundo Village.

Todd and Andria are part of the family of Christ at:
New Covenant Lutheran Church
15152 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-993-9045 (cell)

Their coming will be a loss to New Covenant Lutheran Church but such a blessing to Urukundo Village. We appreciate the love and support given to them by their faith family as they step out on a new journey in faith.
Todd serves as Director of Youth and Family in service to the Lord at New Covenant Lutheran Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Andria is in her sixth year as a Kindergarten teacher at Madison Rose Lane Elementary School in Phoenix, Arizona.

A View of Our Homes

Here's a view of the homes looking from the top of our land.


Boys on the left Girls on the right. Memorial Tiki Hut below trees, basketball court in left corner above boys home.
Avacado trees in center. The clear area will one day have a house for infants.