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Greetings from Urukundo Village and Learning Center - August 2013

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The big event for August was an invitation from TEDx to be a speaker at their first ever event in Rwanda.
Such an honor. I accepted the invitation and the fun began. There were several meetings for this event to happen. Meeting the staff was a highlight. They are an amazing group of young people.
Preparing a written talk was a challenge. I am an "off the top of your head" speaker and I found it difficult to write what I would say. The TEDx committee worked with me and accepted a brief of what I wanted to say and let me do my thing. I think it went well. August 9 it happened on a roof top in Kigali City. It was awesome. 
Check out this website.
Some of the cast and crew of the TEDx event.

Meet the Urukundo Kids

These were the little kids in 2006 What joy to have all our kids home.  I am astonished at how grown up they are. 7 years does make a difference.
Just a few of the teens at Urukundo Village. They are a handsome bunch.
Giselle will go into Politics. Who knows where that will lead. Parliament may be.
Esperance has yet to decide what she will do in the future. University is in her plans.
Seraphine wants to go to culinary school.
Dada will be active in Urukundo Village. What ever else she does.
Alexander received an honor from Urukundo kids for his improvement in grades last term.
Emmanuel is in High School and stands about 6 foot 2. 
 Abis is in his first year of High School

Claude finishes Primary 6 this term.
Tresor graduates from High School in October 2013. A school in England possible.
Diescor is studying at Lysee Kigali. His goal is to become a doctor.                              
Divine has a dream. She will be an International Air Line pilot. Go girl.
Anett wants to attend "Akilah Institute for Women." She will be a businesswoman.
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Playground

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The play ground is getting used a lot.  It serves 3 groups of kids, our children, the school children and children from the community. It is such a blessing.
The kids still need a sliding board of sorts and some kind of merry-go-round.

Volunteer Bella from California looking out for Diane. Swings can be a hazard to your health but fun.

Younger Set

Kavine Nelly.

She just wants to grow up in a safe and loving place. 

David ready to reach his goal, which is some day to go to America. He expects to go in a big airplane. 
That is a good idea as it is to far to swim or walk.

Kenny likes to play Memory and eat bisquits (cookies).
The kids do get two cookies each day after play and before they go to the evening meal, when we have them.
They get candy occasionally but not too often as we are protecting their teeth. Candy is given out early afternoon. Mamas do not need a sugar high close to bed time - ask me, I know!
Jacob is now cutting teeth. That's a full time job.
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Progress on School Project

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We are negotiating with a builder for desks and chairs. The desks open.
Each set costs 21,000 rwf. Don't panic. That is about $32 USD for a desk and a chair. 50 students will move to second grade.
Pictured below is what you will be giving to the first class and future classes with your gift.
Cement under overhang completed. 
The first coat of rust-proof paint on windows, doors and gutter is finished. Blue paint to follow.
The window glass goes in next.
Funding is needed. Appriciate your help.
This is the site of our next building project, we hope.
It will be a two story building saving land and will house grades 3 & 4. This land is for sale. We need it, and we need partners.
A donation to Hope Made Real reduces your income tax as we are a 501(c)3 organization.
Think about it. What better way to spend your hard earned money?

Newsletter for July 2013

Hello Dear Friends and Family.
The saying from my childhood goes through my mind from early radio. Some of you may remember. "ITS A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN CHICAGO " Well I am not sure about that but "It is a beautiful day in Rwanda" Our weather is lovely but we do need rain. If all continues as usual August will be very dry. September starts our rainy season but with the climate changes who knows? There are important events in Rwanda to honor children and the day set aside as "DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILDREN" is just such a day.
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Important Event

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During the year Rwanda honors its children with a special day just for them. I was invited to attend this celebration at a public school in Muhanga District. The Vice Mayor Fortunee addressed the children telling them how important education is to them and to the future of Rwanda.
Day for African Children. This day is celebrated every year to show honor to the children of Africa.
Children from Muhanga District participated in the event with skits, poems, songs and dancing.