Urukundo was blessed in April by the visits of 7 young people. Three came from Rwanda and four from the UK. They came to be with us during the memorial week. They spent their time with the younger children. It was a fun week for all.
Building Primary Three
I sent out an appeal for stones and sand to prepare a foundation for Primary 3, the next step in completing a primary school for Urukundo Learning Center. We need many stones for this two-story building. It is much different for a two-story building, saving land space, than for a one-story building. This finished building will house P3, P4, P5, P6, and two classrooms each. Once the foundation is laid we can build one section at a time.
Building P3 is now our priority. In order to meet Government regulations we will build upstairs and downstairs classrooms a section at a time, making the downstairs classrooms handicap accessible.
Some funds have come and we thank you who took this need seriously. We have 3 loads of stones and need 20 more. A $50 gift can pay for a load of stones. A $25 gift can pay for a load of sand needed as fill for the stones and to mix with the cement to make the foundation solid.
The foundation is large, covering an extensive piece of land. When completed, with the classrooms we have already built, it will house our entire Primary school including offices for the school and administration.
Day Visitors
We welcomed a return visit from Thomas Gamby who visited us with AIC in early April. He came back bringing his wife Marie-Louise, First Secretary, Head of Administration for the Sweden Embassy. We were so honored by her visit. Their son Oscar and his wife Sofie from Sweden were with them. We are glad they included a visit to Urukundo while visiting their parents in Rwanda. After touring the compound they enjoyed lunch with the kids. That is quite an experience.
Long Term Volunteer
Saying goodbye is painful. If you don’t believe it, ask Laura Rowland from Pittsburgh, PA USA.
Laura came in February to volunteer for three months at Urukundo.
Her work here has included assistant teacher at the Preschool/Kindergarten, helping out during playtime at Hope House and assisting at the start up of the Dental Initiative. There she was so appreciated. Her skills as a leader and teacher and her ability to relate to children were a blessing. The kids had trouble with the L and R in her name so she was called many different names while she was here. Never a problem - Rorla was the favorite I think.
The kids watch as Laura and the car drive away. Having them sit on the steps is the only way to make sure none are too close to the car and all are safe.
All of the kids would like to be in her suitcase. They will miss her so much. Her time with us was truly a blessing.
Gathering for pictures was a last fun time for Laura and the kids.
Greetings from Urukundo Village - March 2014
Hello everyone whereever you are.
Spring is just around the corner for many of you, but for us the weather is great. We are planting a second crop because the weather here is playing tricks - but in our favor. Imagine two growing seasons back to back with no dry season in the middle. Seems the climate is changing everywhere.
The children are fine. They have the ordinary scrapes, bumps and bruises. They run too fast, stop too quick and take headers, get up and run again.
Jacob is coming to Mama’s house on his own now. He is so little, but very independent.
He is not ready for soccer yet.
Looks like we have a new girl. (The dress code for children does not exist at Urukundo.). No, it is Jacob learning to run and keep his balance. Not easy on bricks and rough ground.
Visiting Mama's room.
Baby Jenett is now 4 months old and has discovered her hands. Watching a baby develop is awesome. She is not sure where they came from or if they are hers but she likes them. She has been using them to hold and grab for some time, but didn’t really see them till now.
I wonder as I watch this baby, how many things we take for granted but do not really see.
At my age I am still learning and many of the lessons come from children.
Jenett
Dental Initiative
We are so grateful to all the dentists out there who contributed to make this much needed service available at Urukundo Village.
Our first day we scanned 85 children from Urukundo Primary School. 55 needed dental attention and 29 of the 55 needed urgent care.
Notices were sent home to the parents of all children seen. Follow up calls were made.
Saturday March 1st 29 were seen with their parents.
Saturday March 15th 33 were seen with parents.
Parents and children sitting on benches on the porch of the Girls' House waiting their turn.
Little benches outside the Tiki Hut, our dental workstation.
How do you like the grass roof? We really need to get a new roof, but I think this one adds character. What do you all think?
Dentist, Dad and patient.
Dentist, Mom and another patient.
Most times the parents are more anxious than the kids.
Saturday March 22,2014
After covering the Home and school we are opening care and treatment to the children and adults in the community.
Our continuing need is funding for Novocain, Amoxicillin to fight infection after extractions, Ibuprofen for pain and sterile gloves. These can be purchased in Kigali Town as needed.
On Feb 28 our Dentist spent an afternoon explaining and demonstrating dental hygiene to the Primary classes. Our Dental Initiative is an all-inclusive program.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste and smiling kids!
Art
As you can see art is also important at Urukundo Learning Center. We invite art teachers and those interested in creating interest in young people to come to Urukundo. Art teachers are needed short term or long term. Creating a love of art can lead to wonderful career choices as the kids mature.
There are so many facets to art. It is more than drawing and coloring. Building a bridge, a small house or a skyscraper, designing a dress, decorating a home, creating furniture. Yes, even your lawn and garden is a work of art. The greatest artist ever gave us the beauty of the mountains and the colors in the fall. Look around your area. What would it look like if there were no creative minds and eyes to see possibilities. Art as a subject is new here but so important.
Teacher in a classroom.
Animals of Rwanda.
Rwanda map.
A house.
The Farm
The need for more manure for the biogas for cooking and more milk for the children was a challenge. Thanks to you out there enough money came so we could find a good breed and bring her home.
Flossie has come to take care of both problems.
THANK YOU, to all who contributed to covering the cost for obtaining this necessary addition to our farm. She is ½ paid for. God in charge. The rest will come.
She is beautiful. I do mean the cow.
The Cutter
Putting it together.
When grass is high I fear snakes, and high grass is hard to play soccer on. Thanks to a good friend we now have a cutter. You may think of it as a weed whacker but believe me it does more than just cut weeds. We now are able to walk everywhere in short grass. Praise God.
More March Volunteers
Carol Falke & Marilyn Ely arrived on schedule bringing many books and teaching plans share with our teachers. As volunteers they have a very heavy schedule planned. Others on their team will join them on March 21st.
We are so blessed by their presence.
Many many suitcases, some with books. Pounds of books arrived with Carol and Marilyn. Gifts from those who value the library in our Learning Center.
When books arrive they are cataloged into our system on the computer and then added to the shelves in the library. We thank Marilyn for entering them all into the computer.
Teachers check out the books and place them in the right categories.
Another volunteer arrived.
Meredith Lu came home for too short a visit. Meredith just finished her nursing program at Johns Hopkins Hospital and is now a Registered Nurse. She is going for her Masters but came home for a visit first. Congratulations Meredith from a proud Mama and the Urukundo Kids. Visiting the kids at Gasogi Secondary School was a treat for them and also for her.
Welcome home Meredith. Next time stay longer.
Spending quality time with the kids.
Making New Friends at Urukundo
Laura from Pittsburgh USA and Meredith from Seattle USA on their way to work at the Preschool early in the morning.
Two of my girls.
Saying good bye to Meredith and Marilyn was tough.
But on the same day we were saying hello to Carol Bany and Nona Nina Fellin from State College. They were part of the Carol Falke, Marilyn Ely team just arriving a bit late. We are strong believers in “BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.” Welcome Carol and Nina and come back soon Marilyn and Meredith.
Preparing for the Future
In January 2015 we will have 50 children who have finished Primary 2, Second grade. There needs to be two P3 (third grade) classrooms ready to receive them. In our vision this will be the first two story building on Urukundo Learning Center campus.
Trusting in the Lord that the funds will come we are preparing the land. HELP IS NEEDED!
Land cleared and leveled. Now the work begins.
Foundation measured and work begun.
