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Path to Learning

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Two new stones on the Path to Learning.
John & Sally have visited Urukundo Village. Sally, a nurse, came in 2006 with a small team and returned in 2008 with John.
John is construction wise and taught mama about laying a plumb line and helped build the foundation for the boys' house.
The stone was a gift from their son Mike and his family.
Pittsburgh, Pa has its own stone. Thanks to a gift giver name unknown. 
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Greetings from Urukundo Village and Learning Center - June 2013

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It was such a blessing for me to be able to attend Solange's graduation from Rowe High  School in McAllen Texas. Solange has been amazing. She was able to complete 3 years of credits for High School in one year. This was done through hard work, dedication and a strong desire to succeed.
CONGRATULATIONS SOLANGE!
During my time in Pittsburgh I met with the art students of Propel High school. They have partnered with our kids and other high schools in PA. The project is HEARTS FOR RWANDA.
The project raised over $1200 to help with education in Urukundo Learning Center.
These are just a few of the kids who took part in the project.
Inside Propel High School
Students partner with students at Urukundo Learning Center.  I was honored to see Rwanda's Flag displayed  on the school wall.
The project consisted of the art students accepted art mats from the children of Urukundo added their ideas, mounted the art and added pictures of the Rwanda student and the Propel student. These were for sale. 
T-shirts were designed, printed and sold.  
HEARTS FOR RWANDA is a project founded and supported by SPIRIT WORKS YOGA CENTER in Pittsburgh.
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Homecoming

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I arrived home in Urukundo Village on June 12, 2013.  It was a very happy day for me as I was homesick for the children. Now I will be homesick for family and friends at home in the US!  Seems that is the way it will be.
I have recovered from jetlag and am catching up here.
The homecoming was awesome. When we arrived the gate was wide open with banana trees on both sides of the road. (this is a traditional indication of celebration.) The children, including Jacob and all the staff with Pastor Antoine, were in the yard at the steps waving and cheering. 
Johnny brought me a special flower.
The school children were in school uniforms and very handsome. They sang songs for me and were so excited. 
We did a group hug.
Hard to keep my balance but it was great!
                                                          
The staff gave hugs. There was colored ribbon and balloons around the door and a ribbon to cut to go in. Claude #2 held a wooden plate with scissors on it. I cut the ribbon and we went inside. More songs were sung by all and Pastor Antoine prayed thanking God for my safe return. It was truly a wonderful welcome. The kids each had a lollipop and the staff had chocolate, and know that treat was sent by family in America. 
Later in the afternoon visitors from the village stopped by to say welcome home.
Then it was back to business as usual on Thursday.

News from the Farm

June brought a wonderful team from State College to the children's farm - Joanne, Paul, Kira and Dave.

They worked wonders at the farm. The silage project included farmers from the community.
What a team!
The Agriculture Team enjoyed the children and worked very hard making improvements on the farm.
Paul with double trouble - Agide and Kenny.
Two Davids - best buddies.
Project Chicken Tiller
This tiller house for chickens is on wheels and can be easily moved. it is my understanding that it is not only good for the chickens but fertilizes the land for future planting.
The chickens are happy. They like scratching in the dirt.
The kids think the new house for chickens is great.
Claude and Becca inspecting the new project. They approve.
Project Pigs
The children at Saint Pauls UMC State College Sunday School class made buying our kids a new male pig their project.
With the money they collected we were able to purchase a male and also a female pig. Our kids at Urukundo send their thanks!
(Date on the camera is acting up again).
Kids inspect the new papa pigs.
The boys walked with me on my morning inspection - Soso and Claude peer in at the fence opening.
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Sports News

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The second half of the basketball court is completed and we once again have a court to play basketball and volley ball. We are grateful to the Carnagie Mellon team for starting this project.
Preparing the final stages of construction. Benjimin and his crew do a good job. Covering stones on basketball court preparing for cement.
First cement in place and beginning to dry.
Finished - a beautiful sight. Thanks for everyone who helped make this possible. Your gifts really do make a difference.
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May Greetings

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Hello Friends and Family from the USA and Urukundo.
The month of May in the USA has been very cold but the spring flowers have been spectacular. I am freezing. I'm delighted to report I have been given a clean bill of health and am ready to return home to Urukundo and get back to work. The report from Urukundo is very positive. Our staff is doing a excellent job while I am away. This comment from Helen Kweskin and her team of students :

"Please know how truly grateful I feel for all the love, support, and logistical thoughtfulness that allowed us to have such a rich experience at such a very special place. "

Thank you Helen! 

Next month will be back to business as usual since I'll be returning June 12 to my kids. In the meantime, thank you to Carol Falke and Sarah Ketchley for their participation in getting this newsletter to you.

The month of May we will share with you the projects involved in Education at Urukundo Learning Center.

Funding for constructing the second grade class rooms is still the priority project for the present. Looking for partners in education to make it a success. Building each set of classrooms, one at a time, is very difficult and more expensive.  If it were possible to contract for the whole project it would be more economical.  Until that financial support comes we will continue one year at a time.  I know with God all things are possible.

Education Update

An education is so very precious and important to the future of any developing country.  And it is definitely the case for children in Rwanda.  Urukundo Learning Center now has 3 preschool classrooms with 75 three-four year olds attending in the morning and 75 five year olds in the afternoon. Two Primary 1 classrooms opened in January 2013 with 54 children.  Plans are for two Primary 2 classrooms to open January 2014.

This newsletter will share the many opportunities provided for our children to explore their creativity and use their imagination, to love books and to respect each other. Our teachers explain their passion for their careers as educators, and the love they have for the children. It will share the classroom to classroom partnerships with schools in the US.  And it will highlight the commitment Hope Made Real has made not only to children's education but for providing educational opportunities to adults too, by offering English as a Second Language classes.

So join us as we “Open New Horizons in Education!!”     

Photo of Cesare at classroom door

Photo of child peeking out the door.