Newsletter for October 2016

The month of October has come and gone with as usual many happenings and changes at Urukundo Village.

We had very interesting visitors.

Divine one of our University students works part time at a hostel in Kigali City.  She is always ready to talk about her brothers and sisters at Urukundo when she is asked about her life.  David Stalls from Colorado, USA asked and she talked. David decided he needed to visit this place Divine loved so much. It was our pleasure to welcome him.

Mama, Divine and David,

Early morning found David enjoying the veranda at “Mama’s House”.

A great place to Journal.

Dinner with the kids.

Natacha Cerise comes from Guadeloupe by way of UK. Our kids were fascinated to hear about the little island in the Pacific Natasha came from.

We combined Geography, History and Devotions in a wonderful session one evening while she was with us. 

Rebekah & Jacob our next construction engineers.  Balls & rods a beginning.

Natasha and the Urukundo Kids.

It must be a Friday, they are in sports clothes. Yep, it is.

Dental Project

Happy team.

The Dental is now official and this team made it happen.

Olivier, Eric, Gabby & Jean Marie

Last requirement needed, An incinerator needed to be built for disposal of Hazardous materials from the dental clinic.

 

In Process

Yep, we built it.  The dental is long term so it just made good sense to build our own incinerator rather than always be paying another organization to handle our hazard waste materials.  More economical for sure.

Finished except for clean up around the area.

We have approval from the Ministry of Health but are waiting for the license to be issued. It is our hope to publish the License in November’s newsletter.

 

Mama & Baby Project

Mama & Baby project is a continuing blessing. Babies are so precious.

It means so much to see a healthy, happy baby and a proud mama.

Baby Belise 11 month old, Mama, and big sister came to visit.

Baby Brino is 3 weeks old. 

The mamas are so happy to bring the baby and share the love.  They never fail to say how grateful they are to have received needed help from the Mama & baby program.  Blessings are shared!

Newborn wearing hat, shawl, and receiving blanket. Gifts from you who care. Thank you! These are just a few of the items given to the mama’s for their newborn.

We also want to say THANK YOU to manufacturer of these bags we fill to give the mamas gifts for their babies.

More Visitors

A sad but happy reunion.

Urukundo welcomed Kim Wilson and his children back for a short visit to Rwanda. This was their first visit back after the tragic death of their mother Rena serving as a missionary in Kamony area of Rwanda. It was good to see Kim and the children again.

Improvements

New brick walk way to Hope House. Every time it rained this area was flooded and mud was for me a big problem.  Really I think the kids liked walking in the mud.

Removing a wall and opening easier access to the necessary room at Hope House seemed long overdue. The wall came down and steps put in place. Better access for children going for potty breaks during worship. They hated walking all the way around the wall. So climbing on the wall and jumping down was more fun but a bit dangerous. 

Banita, Joyce, Jason, and Jenny trying out the new steps.

English Improvement Class

Kyle Jerro a true Urukundo family member is home for two month.  Kyle is a linguist from University of Texas & Princeton University in New Jersey. His stay is for 2 months, long enough for the classes he is teaching to have a real impact on his students.

Kyle is teaching Advanced Conversational English in a class for teachers. This class will benefit our teachers and our school and so the children.

Kyle is also teaching beginners English class each afternoon.

This class is made up of Guards, Mamas and students from the sewing center.

Yet more visitors

Urukundo is blessed.  Visitors from GEI “Global Engagement Institute.”  The visit was very short but I was delighted that they added Urukundo to their busy schedule.  Our visitors names were Lusijah Jean Marx, Barbara Jean Parker, Marcie Barent, Louise Ann Rabidoux, and Maxine Faye Hollinger. 

Learning Pathway

New stone on the Path to Learning

In Loving Memory

 

Reminder

In case you meant to donate and forgot

October & November are the months Urukundo and friends gather in love to support the vulnerable children in our community.  December is not too late

School fees for Primary school are due in January. Please send your gift.

Any amount would be appreciated.

Give a Christmas gift that will continue to give and make a difference for a child’s lifetime.

Your donation provides support for many children to go to school and places them on the path to education that is so needed to give a child a better life.

Please open your hearts and yes, your purse strings and help us help the community children to have the education they deserve and need to build a better future.

Send a check indicating your gift is a donation for Community Education.

Thank you for caring and sharing

Mama Arlene

In Loving Memory of Tom Nunnally

Honoring Tom Nunnally 

Let me tell you about a very special person.

This message is about my friend Tom Nunnally who in the month of October moved beyond the struggles of life on earth for a better place. I am sure as Carolyn, Tom’s wife wrote in a message to me. Tom will hear the words.

"Well done good and faithful servant."

Tom was first and foremost a child of God. He lived his life serving the Lord and serving his fellow man.

I did not know Tom in his early years. Our relationship covered the last 10 years of his life. In those 10 years he became my friend and a friend to Urukundo and it’s children. Tom was a dedicated Rotarian and an advocate of pure water for everyone. The gift of 10 rain harvesting Tanks, reservoirs and Solar Pumps to supply fresh pure water to our community of over 3000 and our school is evidence of his dedication to the water project. His gifts to Hope Made Real for Urukundo were given in the name of Rotary. Tom did not seek glory or credit.

This stone honoring Tom’s memory is in the garden of our school.

 

Tom served on the International Board of Directors of Hope Made Real, first as financial advisor and then as Vice President. He was a visionary and fit well the program of this ministry. His visit with the children in September 2014 was amazing. The children loved him. There were not enough seats beside Tom and it was a debate who would hold his hand walking to school each morning. He just did not have enough hands. Tom was the perfect grandfather figure for our kids.

He was so loved by all the children and staff.

I want to share with you what the children and I shared at devotions the evening Tom’s soul departed this earth.

Our children knew Tom had fallen and was in the hospital and were praying for him to be well.

The first question asked me when I joined the children that evening was.

Is Tom ok?

My answer was “yes, children Tom is ok”.

Last evening, we prayed for God to take care of Tom.

Sometimes God does not answer our prayers as we would like but we trust God and God answered our prayer by saying Tom should suffer no more. I will take him to me and he will not be sick ever again.

Because God is good and loves him. Tom is well now and that is what we prayed for.

So God answered our prayer.

It is ok to be a bit sad but we must celebrate for Tom and the joy he now has.

I asked the children. What was the best thing Tom taught us when he visited Urukundo?

In unison the children said  “He taught us a song. Lets sing that song for Tom now". They raised their voices and sang.

Zippy Do Da Zippy De ah  My oh my what a wonderful day. 
Plenty of Sunshine coming my way. Wonderful feeling wonderful day.

This was Tom’s philosophy in life and every day was special to him.

I am so glad he was in my life and the life of the children at Urukundo.

September 2016 Newsletter

September has been a busy month at Urukundo.

The final inspection of our Dental Clinic took place. Representatives from the district, and the Hospital approved our facility and the report went to the Minister of Health in Kigali. Such a process. It has been two years from beginning to final approval.  We now have final approval and the second chair will be in later this month.

Some requirements we were ask to consider.  Considered and completed.  Added expense not in the budget. Wow, just like home.  Funding needed of course. 

 

White walls instead of blue.   Of course, I liked the blue.  White it is.

Tile on the entrance porch.  Babe protecting the new tile.

Chairs instead of benches in the waiting room. These are chairs, we bought for the worship Center. Who would have known how many ways we would use them.

A sink for washing hands between patients. This was an essential improvement.

Two desks with room for computer and each has a drawer. The drawer was a must. Our carpenter built them sturdy.

A Registration desk with drawer and computer space.

Making it official.  Our in-house dentist, Olivier.  She has a beautiful smile!

Our head dentist, his name is Gabriel. 

You met him last month in the newsletter.  We are so blessed to have such well-qualified partners in Dentistry.

Speical Event

A very special wedding took place.

Vestine planned her dowry so that Urukundo’s kids could walk to the celebration and so all could attend.  The kids were delighted.  Vestine is Manager of the Nursery.

 

The Beautiful bride!

 

Learning Center News

A sports event took place.

For the first time the Learning Center kids have official clothes FOR SPORTS DAY

Our P4 Urukundo kids were first to model the sportswear. ALL STUDENTS wear these outfits on Wednesday & Friday. These days are sports day at the school.

Saves wear and tear on school uniforms and gives the kids a change of clothes.  They like it.

 

Nelly, Aline, Luki, and Claude are modeling new sports clothes. Handsome group!

 

Five students; Teta, Gaele, Kivine, Killia, and Eveline showing off a bit. Love it.

 

Urukundo kids ready to do sports. The little ones not in aqua go to school in the afternoon.  Olive and Jenny join the group picture. Neither are students. Jenny will start preschool in January 2017. How fast the kids grow.

 

Just Plain Fun

Playtime is exciting. Egide received gifts to share from his sponsor.

The kids loved making the rockets fly and chasing them.  The rockets are soft foam and return to the earth with no danger to any one when landing. We have an open field with no trees or buildings to capture the rockets. All ages can play. Great exercise.

 

New Rocket game. Foot power makes it work and even the babies can make the rockets go up in the sky.

 

Benita, Jason, Soso, Kavine, and Jacob to name a few.

Educational Play

Crazy Forts consists of balls with holes and tubes that fit in the holes.

Architects and builders of tomorrow.  What fun!

 

Building a castle.  Amazing gift!

 

Visitors

Kaboss had special visitors in September.

Robert, Diane, Kaboss, and Bill.  Thank you for caring. You three made his day special.

Our boy Kaboss and two people who love him very much. Diane & Bill Currier.

Some Sadness

It really is not so bad but it seemed so at the time. Margie and I shed tears. The Krogh’s, Margie and Bruce who have been in Rwanda for several years have returned to live in the US. It was good to have them here and to have a place of refuge when I needed a friend who spoke and understood English.

This is not good-bye because Bruce will be working in Rwanda and Margie will return from time to time.

Enjoy your family in the US Margie and Bruce. Your family in Rwanda will miss you.  

They took me out to lunch as a farewell gesture. How nice.

 

Medical Emergency eyes are valuable. Protect them!  Kenlia learned this the hard way.

 

Innocent math tool very dangerous in the hands of a child. Kenila now has a hole in her eye. Pray for healing.

 

Urukundo has its first Social Service intern. 

Providence comes to us from University of Technology and Arts Of Byumba (UTAB). 

 

We weclome Providence!  She will spend a month with us.

Lambert is a student at Kabgayi Catholic University in Muhanga and comes to volunteer with the kids.  He volunteers two days a week on Monday and Wednesday.

His love for our children is his motivation. The kids return his love.

Learning Pathway Stones

This stone is in honor of a very special group of women in State College, Pennsylvania.

Women of Faith, Hope, and Love

Reminder

A personal appeal.  October and November are the months Urukundo and friends gather in love to support the vulnerable children in our community.

THIS GIFT COMES TO URUKUNDO IN DECEMBER.  Give a Christmas gift that will continue to give and make a difference for a child’s lifetime.

Your donation provides support for many children to go to school and places them on the path to education that is so needed to make a better life.

Please open your hearts and yes, your purse strings and help us help the children to have the education they deserve and need to build a better future.

Send a check indicating your gift is a donation for education. GIVE TO THE EDUCATION FUND.

Thank you for caring and sharing

Mama Arlene

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

August 2016 Newsletter

The Segal Family Foundation Annual conference was held in Uganda. It was such a pleasure meeting others who serve in different aspects of caring. The 3 days were well spent. In attendance were partners from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Congo, and Tanzania.

As usual I forgot I had my camera.

New logo small and large.

Grand opening NEW VISION VETERINARY HOSPITAL(NVVH)! Urukundo was honored to be invited to the grand opening of the much needed hospital and laboratory for animals in Rwasa North Province, Rwanda. The founder & director of this project is Urukundo’s good friend, Doctor Otto Fischer from Austria. We have known Dr. Otto for over 9 years (remember Otto was the doctor who operated on our cow Daisy with the calcified eye). He has been a good friend and helped us out many times. CONGRATULATIONS DOCTOR OTTO! Austrian & Rwandese working hand in hand improving the health of our animals and our population. Healthy animals, healthier people.

The Laboratory team

The laboratory and team are very impressive

Claudia and Irwin's Austrian dress reminded me of my favorite movie “Sound of Music.” Delightful! I’m the short one in the picture.

One of the work centers in the Laboratory and the staff

The children at Otto’s home for children, Verein Future for Kids were an important part of the celebration.

Newest baby at Urukundo Farm. She is a cutie.

Sports for the younger set

Jason and Foote ball

Jenny and T-ball

Soso has teeth missing. He is at that age. Doesn’t seem possible.

Jean Paul(John Paul) graduated from Secondary school in November 2015. This young man is preparing to travel to Seattle, Washington and a colder climate for further education. We will miss him, as he is a strong big brother for our younger kids. He is also the song leader at devotions and the Phys. Ed teacher at our school. Our Foote ball (soccer) team will suffer.

Hey, it is not easy for a mom to send her kids across the world and out of physical reach. I should be okay with this but each time is new. John Paul will be #6 to move away from Urukundo Home to the US and toward a better life through higher education.

Claudine’s new glasses. Thanks to a generous donor, she now has a new pair and a spare pair. She loves the red and deep burgundy combination. The bright red makes them easier for her to find.

 

Visitors

Team from Kiskiminetas Presbytery, PA, arrive in Kigali.

Kiski Presbyterian Team at Departure. They are still smiling.

Giselle, teacher, Claudine & Dr. Debby

Technician Gabriel

Dr. Debby at work in Urukundo Dental Clinic.

Dr. Debby and Olivier, our Dental Technicians at Urukundo. We are so happy Debby met all three of our Technicians. No photo of Edmond our third Technicians. Sorry.

Durfee is a master quilter.

Her gift to Urukundo is beautiful as is our daughter, Divine, the model presenting the beauty of the quilt.

Black and white personified.

Olivier, Debby & Durfee

Olive added to the mix.

Mama and Baby House

Twin girls come back to visit Urukundo. How very beautiful.

Two precious newborn babies. Expressions are special.

Primary School Progress

Last but not least. Progress on the school continues. Inside walls are cemented, base stones for floor are laid and waiting for cement to complete the job. Leveling the outside land and planting trees to hold the soil needs to be done. We can use the class rooms. There is still a need of $20,000 to finish paying the contractor. We are so happy to be so close to finishing the Primary school.

This has been a 6 year project. Thank you everyone who contributed to this long-term program. The school now has an enrollment of 450 children and when finished it will have an enrollment of over 700 in the community and surrounding area. You are all contributing the the future of these children. Thank You!

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

July 2016 Newsletter

Independence day in the US is also Liberation day in Rwanda.

How awesome that such a special day should be celebrated on the same day and in the same month in both my countries.

Special Thank You

To all of you who accepted the $10,000 challenge and made it a success Urukundo, our donor and mama are grateful. The Construction on Primary class rooms 5 and 6 will be finished by the end of August.

Progress to date July 27,2016 Photos

Front side roof, windows, doors.

Inside walls, blackboard

Back side, ventilators, window frames.

Thanks to your gifts to meet the challenge. Success is good.

Special African Day

Day of the African child was a special day for Urukundo kids.

We were invited to the gathering where the Mayor and many dignitaries were present. The amazing thing was the District sent a mini van to transport our kids to the gathering.

This is indeed a compliment to Urukundo Foundation

Our children.

I am so proud of them. They make us look good. The Head master from Urukundo Learning Center Irene, Exec Director Jean Marie and Auntie Chantal from the Nursery and I accompanied the children.

The event was held at the school for Special Children in Muhanga District.

The gathering was behind the Stadium in Muhanga at the school for Special Children on the far side of the hill. What a view!

 

Reward for a job well done.

The Karate team had Fanta and cookies to reward them for their excellent performance at the 10-year celebration

Something new at Urukundo

Louise from UK has introduced Yoga. She and and Luki are demonstrating. Great exercise for kids and adults alike.

Solar Power

What a blessing the sun is. Surely a gift from God. The sun is a great source of power, actually electricity. The sun is what we have plenty of. We are starting small with Solar electricity in the Home for boys and Home for girls.

The technicians arrived this month to start the installation. Claudia is the head tech. She is from Austria. She and her husband formed a company in Rwanda and we are blessed by their relationship with us.

 

It is our hope to extend this power to the farm. The baby chicks need light 24 - 7 hours so it would be beneficial to get that light from the sun as the source. And reduce our electricity bill.

Farm

Farm expanding. Piglets are a good source of revenue

 

New house for baby pigs.

Path to Learning

New stones on the Path to Learning

Visitors

Welcoming a Pennsylvania girl and her husband to Urukundo was my pleasure. Keena Thrush is from the Williamsport area (mama’s home area), her husband, Matthias Ratz is from Germany and they both live and work in Hong Kong. How is that for being international.

Old friends are special Pastor Boyd and I have a 10-year history. We met in Rwanda. I have visited in his home and spent time with he and his wife Shirley in PA. He visits me each time he comes to Rwanda. 

New friends are to be treasured Susan is new to Rwanda and a delight. It was so good to greet Boyd again and meet Susan for the first time.

Rebecca visited Urukundo before with (Home Girl) Valli Meeks and returned bringing friends with her.

Thank you, Rebecca. Come back soon.

Visiting students Rebecca Salzman, Patrick Van Meter, and Michael Klauser from University of Maryland School of Dentistry

Mama and Baby House

Twin boys this time.

Girl

Boy

Four of the 12 new babies born in July.

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

June 2016 Newsletter

Newsletter for June

June is the anniversary month celebration for ten years, Finally after 10 years signs of our times are here. Tooting our own horn.

 

Sign going North toward Kigali

Sign going toward Gitrama.

At the back entrance to the Village Opposite the school wall

On school wall.

New Outhouse to feed human waste into the Bio-Gas system. Animal waste is already in the system. Amazing how what "goes around comes around."

Congratulations to our first ever Medical Students


Diescor’s goal has always been to be a doctor. The first step in reaching that goal took place June 15 when he was accepted as a student at Gitwe school of Medicine. I need your help. Can you commit to an amount annually to see this young man achieve his goal. A small amount or a large amount would be appreciated. Doctors and friends please sign on as support for Diescor. Contact me with any questions or detail’s needed for you to help: arlene@hopemadereal.org

Nurse to be: Anitha

Anitha has a dream and help is needed in funding for her to attend Gitwe School of nursing. She has been accepted for the September term. To my nursing friends and others, help is needed with funding. Make Anitha’s hope a true: HOPE MADE REAL

Gifts

The children helped open the gifts received during the 10 Year celebration. The were delighted with the Giraffe and thought the material was nice but the biggest hit was the box of chocolates. That treat was shared by all. The giraffe now sits on the mantle in my setting room where the children and visitors can enjoy it. This precious gift came from the teaching staff at the school.

This beautiful full piece of material was a gift given to me by The Urukundo Board of Directors

The chocolates from this lovely friend

Mama and Baby House

My daughter, Jacque, visited mama and baby and the birthing center providing clothes for the newborns.

This little boy (newborn) came with his mom to the Mama & Baby house on June 23. What joy knowing we are making a difference.

Visitors

Saying goodbye to my daughter Jacque and Hello to our very first volunteer Denice who came in 2006. Sadness and joy mixed.

After a too short visit Danice Brown (no relation just loved) departed for the airport and a continuation of her journey

Meredith’s time to say farewell.

Nursery gang in full force.

No one wanted to see her go.

Big Talia visits little Talia and her Rwanda family.

Now it is Talia’s turn to say goodbye. This is the hard part. Safe journey Talia. One more visitor to go and Lennart goes home to Germany on Monday.

What joy! After two years, Kaboss and Vincent were reunited. The surprise visit was a joy for all Urukundo especially Lennart. Vincent and Lennart volunteered at the same time two years ago and became good friends.

Lennart saying good bye to Livina and the kids. His guitar and songs have been such a blessing during the month he shared love with the children. Thank you Lennart!

Pathway of Learning

A new stone on the Path in loving memory.

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

10 Year Anniversary

Ten years ago it was just a tiny seed.

With a lot of tender loving care from so many, it began to sprout, and the growth has been awesome.  God in Charge.

A wonderful tribute event to 10 years of love shared with you in the following pictures.  

In the wee hours of the night, tents and chairs appeared on the football field.  Workers were preparing for the 500 or more guests expected to attend. Now I thought that was expecting a lot but by the time the event started every chair was filled and more benches were needed. What a recognition to Urukundo Foundation and Hope Made Real with this expected turnout.

Tents lined the entire field and were full with welcomed guests!

The children had their own tent. What a beautiful sight.

Our international Guests- Louise Midland from UK, Meredith Lu from USA, Lennart Westmark from Germany,  and Talia Sainclair from USA. These international guest represented our Volunteer Alumni.

Guest Bruce Krogh, Carnagie Mellon. 

It was wonderful to have a board member from Hope Made Real present at our celebration, secretary Margie Krogh was a delight.

Karate Demonstration

Master William and his Urukundo Karate kids demonstrated their talents.

My University Girls

Divine, Anett, Esperance, and Jolly Divine

My University Boys

John Paul, Diescor, and Alexander

Family

My youngest Jacque traveled from Pennsylvania to Rwanda to be with me during this special event.  Having one of my children from USA travel and attend the celebration was such a pleasure.

We were honored by Exec Secretary of the District, Celse Gasana, and a representative of the National Commission of Children, Eugenie.  We so appreciate their presence.

Claire Effiong from Esthers Aide and her colleague sit with our Headmaster Irene.

iANITHA AND THE GEMS CHOIR

John Paul & Diescor with the older children choir sing for our guest

The choirs combined to sing a song together.  It was heavenly music.

Touring Urukundo

Jean Marie conducts a tour for our guests

Viewing the Path to Learning Stones placed with LOVE by many of you.

Gifts were given to Urukundo’s Founder/Director.

Urukundo Board made Mama burst into pure joy close to tears.

Jean Marie, Oswald, Felix, Felicitie, and Hildebrand.

A dear friend Grace also presented a lovely gift. All Chocolates. Wow!!!

A speech was presented by the older children thanking Urukundo for loving them.

A poem was written as a tribute to Mama by the teachers. It made me cry.

 

Staff and our children enjoyed the day.

Mama walked across the field, Joyce and Jacob came to greet her and be her escort. It was such fun.

Betty Mama boys house, Chantel Mama at Nursery, Rahab manager of childrens shop at sewing center. All had a job to do during the celebration and did it well.

 

Big brother, Etienne, come home to be with the kids this special day. We love parties especially when the big kids come home.

Of course, Mama had to make a speech as well. You will find it at the bottom of this Special 10 Year Anniversary post. It is a summary of events and the goals for the next 5 years at Urukundo Home and Learning Center.

A few words were presented by Eugenie whose heart is also with the children of Rwanda.

Our guest of honor, Exec. Director of Muhanga District, Gasana Celse closed the program with encouraging words for Urukundo and the work being done.

No party is complete with without food and drink. There was plenty for all

So ends a beautiful day.

Our banner flies high and we view it with proud and joy.

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO MADE IT SUCH A SUCCESS.

Welcome honored guest and friends to Urukundo’s celebration of sharing love for 10 years with our neighbors in Muhanga District.

I would like to tell you briefly how and where Urukundo started, how it has grown in the 10 years and the vision for the next 5 years.

In 2006, Urukundo actually began as a home for girls. A house was rented in Kibirigi and at that time there was only one mama, one girl (this one) and one guard.  By the beginning of 2007, the local Mudugudu approached Urukundo about a need for a home for 6 young boys. A second home was then rented to accommodate the street boys. Those 6 boys are now young men and remain a part of our family.

By the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008, we had purchased land in Binunga Village, Cyeza Sector for our chickens and since we already owned the land and the children needed a better place to call home.  We decided to start by building a new home for the boys on the land and then one for the girls to permanently give them a more safe and stable environment to grow up in. That was when Cyeza sector became Urukundo’s permanent home. The Urukundo family continued to grow.  As the family grew we slowly purchased more hectors to help with the much needed expansion to add a farm with chickens, cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, and a vegetable garden. By doing so we feed the children with the produce from the farm.

2010 was a very important year for us. We started using manure to produce biogas to cook with and it also helped in the conservation of wood. The other major event in our 2010 history was when the Rwanda government recognized the Urukundo foundation officially.

In 2011 thanks to cooperation between F X B and Urukundo Foundation a free water system was built with the help of the Binunga community. Bringing the water up the mountain and nearer the road was a blessing for many. Through the combined efforts trenches were dug and pipes were laid.  As electricity was not accessible solar pumps were installed to pump the water from the bottom of the mountain to the reservoir at the top. We give special thanks to Rotary International for funding these Solar Pumps and Rotary Vuringa/ Kigali for being our sponsor here in Rwanda.

In 2012 a formal dedication was held and we were honored by having the governor of South Province and the Mayor of Muhanga at the dedication of the new water system.

In May of 2011, the Urukundo Learning Center had its start by opening the Cyakabiri preschool.  Thanks to the district of Muhanga. It was wonderful to be able to open its doors for the young children. Since then, each year another grade level had opened. 

We are now in the process of building Primary 5 and 6 and should be complete and opened by January of 2017.

With an MOU connecting Urukundo with the National Rwanda University School of Dentistry, a dental clinic was established here on Urukundo and we are waiting for the acceptance from the ministry of health for the official opening.

Since 2009, we have provided a home for 54 children.  Of these 54 children; 23 are all under 10 years of age, and now live in the Urukundo home for children. The remaining 31 are cared for by their Rwandan families and their education and additional expenses are covered by Urukundo Foundation.

Seven members are going to universities. Four are studying at universities in Rwanda and three are studying in Universities in America.

I must also note that we have two others who are waiting to be accepted into the field of medicine at a university. The remaining are in Secondary school or have found Jobs and are becoming responsible citizens.

I am also pleased to say that Urukundo employs 69 Rwandan citizens.  This helps make the Urukundo family feel even more complete.

Education being our priority we also encourage our employees to seek further education. To date with help from Urukundo 8 employees have attended and graduated universities. Six with bachelor degrees and 2 with master degrees.  At present two of our staff are finishing at the University this December with bachelor’s degrees.

And now our next 5 years vision has already started.

In July, which is just next month, solar electricity will be added to both the boys’ home and the girl’s home.

I am also pleased to announce that as of last week Urukundo was able to purchase the property next to the Primary 6 classrooms. With our vision of a secondary school the land acquired will complete the acreage needed to build a secondary school. In 2017, we will petition the Muhanga District for permission to construct & equip a Secondary School.  The vision doesn’t stop just gets better.

This secondary school will let our community children live at home with family and attend secondary school reducing the cost of higher education.

Low and no income families will also have the opportunity to send their children to secondary school and have them live at home.

In our long-term plan, a technical University is also part of our vision. Creating a learning facility for much needed skills as plumbing, electricity, masonry, automotive, culinary and the list goes on.

We are in the process of acquiring funding for that technical University. This would require the district to help us obtain the land where we can extend our school. The technical school is needed and would be an asset to Cyeza sector and Muhanga District.

Moving into the age of technology Urukundo has established a computer lab and are working and will be ICDL certified this month.  This program is to certify business men & women in the use of the computer to make their business more efficient.

Thank You

Congratulations Diescor!!

When I thought it could not get better. IT DID!

On the very day of our celebration Diescor (The taller of the boys in this picture) received notification of his acceptance into GITWE HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.   He will start this journey in his life in September.

Hoping some of our doctor friends and others will come on board encouraging this special young man and to see him through his years building his future and the future of Urukundo.

John Paul and I are so very proud to make this announcement.

May 2016 Newsletter

The month of May has been a month of disasters and good events in Muhanga town and Urukundo village. In a land where water is so critical you would not expect too much rain to be a problem. Rain which is so precious here is a blessing when it comes slowly but with the force of the water from the tops of the mountains with no channel to divert the water whole villages are destroyed. Praise God Urukundo is safe. Retaining walls you helped us build have made a difference for us. Small homes have no retaining walls so are at the mercy of the weather.

Two weeks after flood and mud slides no houses in views.

Hard to believe.

Oswald’s home is in direct line for the next heavy rain. His walls are already broken and the foundation is weak. The government has declared the area of his home not safe. The homeowners must move out. Many neighbors have already gone.

Many of his neighbors have lost their homes. His is really too dangerous to live in but his family has no place to go. To know your house will be washed away with mud and water the next rainstorm is frightening. There is no warning. The storm and water come from the top of the mountain rushing down destroying every thing in it path.

In our area alone 9 people died and 73 homes were totally destroyed along with everything in the home. Families are in need. Urukundo received an appeal from the District to help care for the needs of these families.

Food and clothing are needed. Helping our neighbors is critical.

We responded as best we could.

Our donation:

  • A bin of adult cloths and blankets
  • A bin of children’s cloths
  • 3 Jerry cans of cooking OIL
  • Vegetables will be added when collection truck comes to pick up

Because you care we can share. Thank you.

Mama and Baby

What an amazing ministry the Mama and Baby program has become. We never know what direction the Lord may take us until it happens. Not only are we able to help mamas and babies but also we are reaching the siblings of families who are in need in our community after mama has given birth.

Mamas are as concerned for the other children at home as they are for themselves and the newborn. I thank God for the supply of clothing coming to Urukundo because you care. We are able to care for our own and do an outreach.

It is not possible to put pictures of all the babies and Mamas in the newsletter. We will keep you updated as to the number of Mamas we care for each month.  This little one is number 15 for the month of May.

Sports

Winning School team and coach John Paul. It is great when our own can come back as teachers. JP has been with us since 2008. First as part of our family and then big brother to the younger kids and now as our Physical Education teacher at Urukundo Learning Center. We are proud of him and his accomplishments.

Construction

Old ceiling in the kitchen

Smoke and poor ventilation in the kitchen makes the ceiling black and slowly destroys the panels. A gift of panels from Aziza Life and our good friend Tom McGregor enabled us to remove the old ceiling and replace it. Now our challenge is to find an exhaust fan in Kigali city, build a hood for over the cooking area and have ventilation that removes the smoke. It will be beneficial not only for the building it’s self but for the workers in our kitchen. Smoke is dangerous. We need a safer environment for our workers.

Ceiling looking good.

Bill, our visitor & Benji, our maintenance person are collaborating to construct a hood to channel the smoke out a ventilator hole.

Special Gifts from Special Children

Good friends, Natalie and Nikolas Aucoin gave up birthday gifts to give the Urukundo Kids a very special treat.

Yogurt is a favorite and having a yogurt party in mama’s house was the best gift ever.

THANK YOU NATALIE AND NIKOLAS.

This party was a surprise and enjoyed by all the children.

Sewing Center

The sewing center received a suitcase full of much needed materials. We are so grateful for these donations. The team from Waverly Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pa, USA were kind enough to bring 8 suitcases with needed supplies to Urukundo village. In these suitcases were School supplies, Sewing supplies, New born items and special dresses for little girls. How blessed we are. Thank you everyone who helped Mama Arlene, Carol and the team from Pittsburgh collect and deliver all to Urukundo in Rwanda.

Amy Dove had the honor of delivering the gifts to the sewing Center

To show her appreciation for the delivery Teresa the manager and head teacher at the Sewing Center gave Amy a lesson on the sweater knitting machine.

Amy assures us it is not as easy as it looks.

Great looking, hard working team.

Visitors

The 10 person team from Waverly Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh were such a welcome team. All but one (Bill) worked at the school, Bill worked with Benjiman, our handy man in painting, repair, and construction. Bob the team leader and Ellen set up the ICDL computer lab which will have a big impact on the future of our school and the community. Virginia, Amy, Ellen, Tawna unpacked suitcases and sorted clothes for better accessibility.  Our store looks so organized. Thank you ladies.

Jim, John & Eleanor were into sports particularly baseball.

Hey, they are from Pittsburgh and the Pirates are Mama’s favorite team! Greatest sport ever especially when you know Mama is from Williamsport, PA THE HOME OF LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL.

Dr. Mary helped out with baseball, visited the local birthing place and spent precious time with Diescor our aspiring Doctor in the medical clinic. What encouragement she gave this young man in his career choice.

 

Anitha competing with many others in the local running competition in Muhanga District came in #1 and was given a slot to run in the International Marathon in Kigali City. With 100 others running Anitha came in #6. Great job Anitha.  Our Urukundo family is proud of you.

You are invited

15 days left to meet the challenge.

In case, you meant to accept and help match the $10,000 donation TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

Let’s make it a true match for completing the construction on the P5 and P6 classrooms.

Thank you to all who have met the challenge with a gift to help us get the full $10,000.

 

April 2016 Newsletter

April first found me, Mama Arlene, still in America. The time to return to Rwanda was near. I have to admit I was very homesick for the kids and Urukundo. I love my family in America and would like to be both places at the same time. With technology advancing at such a fast pace one day it will happen. “Beam me up Scotty” Those of you who know that quote it is now only a hope. In time it will be a HOPE MADE REAL.

While in the US, I was blessed with special visits with two of my younger sisters.

Special visitors were Lilliane and her family in America.

Welcome home! 

Flowers welcomed me home!

The University kids and graduates meet me at the airport. It was a wonderful surprise. These beautiful flowers were their gift to me along with hugs and kisses.

The small bouquet were from the little kids.

Home with the Kids

What joy we shared.

Jeanne our TEACHER and long term volunteer was on hand with a big smile and a hug.

Secondary kids were home. Abias gives mom a hug.

Signs were on bushes and walls in my kitchen. Large posters with messages from the kids were in the living and play area. It is great that our kids are older and can write to see the artwork involved.

Sports on the increase

Our kids are getting tall and the tall ones want basketball and they should have it. A gift of 4 basketballs and nets for the hoops were sent home with me for the kids. We now have happy children.

Luki with big brother Bosco teaching technique.

Great shot.  Two of the basketballs will go to the Urukundo Learning Center.  Now the school can have a basketball & a Soccer team ready for competition.

Urukundo Home has its very own Foote Ball (Soccer) teams. Luki’s team and Claude’s team.  For Mummy’s home coming they had a match. It was exciting.   Mummy presented the winning team with a trophy.

The winning team was team Captain Luki, goalie Kaboss, Agide, Nelly, Kenila, Kenny, and Claudine.

Talk about exciting sports: The teachers challenged the Urukundo Staff to a match. Urukundo Staff won. Score was 4-2 Urukundo staff.

Teachers in green stripes – Urukundo in orange and red shirts.

Cultural Center

Music was a high point this month. Our school children were invited to play in a concert in Kigali City. It was a first and I am sure not the last. In spite of heavy rain, they traveled to Kigali and were well received by the audience.

22 of our children participated in a concert in Kigali City

Orchestra on stage

We are so very proud of our Music Program.

Special Gift

Sarah’s sponsor KEENE with the help of her friend Dawn and JUDD VIOLINS in Williamsport, PA presented Sarah with her very own Violin. Sarah wants to follow her sponsor Keene and become a concert violinist. GO FOR IT SARAH.

Top Students

Hats off to Benita and Johnny.
They both were number one in their class for the first quarter.

Benita

Johnny

Looking Ahead

We expect teams coming to help Urukundo with our many programs. In the past, we have had to hire a van to pick up passengers and luggage. Time has come to remedy that condition.

Benj and Jean Marie came up with the perfect solution. It is a carrier built by them with help from others. Now with our big car pulling the carrier, we are self-sufficient. Congratulations Benj and Jean Marie!

Carrier with Hitch

Visitor

We are sad to see Jeanne go. She has been a blessing to our kids, the school and especially Mama.  Come back soon Jeanne.

Olive says bye. Come back soon.

Head teacher, Theogin took time out of school to let Jeanne know how important her time was at the school working with the teachers. Jeanne chose to leave before the school day ends. Too emotional I know; parting from the kids is hard.

Challenge Set Forth

HELP MAKE IT TRULY A HOPE MADE REAL for URUKUNDO LEARNING CENTER

To those who love Urukundo kids and the school project Help complete our Primary School. With your help we will have all 6 grades built and ready for students in this year 2016. Accept the challenge and help make it happen.

Mama

Match and send your donation today to
Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA 17701

New stones added to PATH TO LEARNING $1000 or more donation to $10000 Challenge.

Any size donation is acceptable. Help us get the full matched $20,000

Celebration

Our 10 year celebration is just around the corner. Come to help celebrate if you can. If you can’t come keep us in prayer.

What We can Do

You make this possible when you share gifts of clothing. Six month old twins and mama in need of what we have to share. These babies have 2 brothers at home. One 3 years and one 7 years. A beautiful family in need. It is gratifying when we can help.

How mama carries twins.

Boy Elyse & Belise Girl

 

Path to Learning

New stones on the Path to Learning.

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.

March 2016 Newsletter

Hope Made Real Growth and Reflections by Carol Falke

Having been to Rwanda each year for the past 6 years, I wanted to share my reflections about all the changes and accomplishments from last March to my visit this March.

Before going I knew Arlene had many new things in the works, construction of three classrooms, an addition to the dining hall, new sewing students, a librarian, a teacher resource room, daycare, and outreach to new moms in the community. It’s one thing to read about it but another to actually see everything in action. To see the many hands working together to serve this ministry.

Urukundo Children’s Home

The Children’s Home welcomed two girls this year, Chantel 15 and Levine 9.  Both girls were quiet when we arrived but by the time we left there were smiles and hugs all around. Urukundo provides a safe, loving home sharing the blessings of being a family.

Day Care

Our littlest ones have new friends to play with as our daycare is up and running. Children of teachers and staff come as well as a new resident to Rwanda…a mom and her two boys from England. What fun the mamas and children have as they share across cultures.

Urukundo School

The school is growing and having a huge impact on families in the community.  One father, a judge, moved his 3 children from a private school after visiting our school. His main reasons were the excellent English classes, creative teaching, a LIBRARY, music, cultural opportunities and lunch each day. Other parents shared a similar affinity for the school.

Library

The library has been growing and now has a full-time librarian, Irene. He provides resources for the teachers and storytelling for the children. As we add older grades, research will be a part of their education. Creating a place where kids love to read and learn is something few schools in Rwanda offer. Plans are being made for an addition allowing for study space.

Teacher Resource Room

With the hiring of more teachers we needed a quiet welcoming place for them to plan, grade and work on curriculum. One of the classrooms, not yet needed, was turned into a teacher resource room. Each teacher has a small desk, while shelves are organized with student school supplies, teacher’s supplies and art materials. This is a great addition to the school.

 

Cultural Education

Learning about Rwandan traditions and culture has been essential to the curriculum. Music includes singing, traditional dance and even lessons on violin and other instruments. To spark our students’ curiosity a student orchestra from Kigali came and performed outside. Several of our students played their violins, for the orchestra, which provided practice for an upcoming competition.

Music instructors come weekly. While I was there several 4th graders were selected to compete in Rwanda dancing and performance against 7 other school groups.  Urukundo came in 1st!!!  Another competition was a poetry reading. Harmony, a 4th grader, presented a poem, Dusakaze Umucow Amahoro, “Spread a Culture of Peace” and came in 1st. Students are learning, excelling and becoming leaders.

Sports

Sports is also important especially football, soccer. Our girls team and boys team played another local school and won! How exciting it was as the entire school of over 400 were cheering on their teams to a win.

Lunch Program

A new benefit for our students is the lunch program. Currently 110 students pay 45 cents for a nutritious lunch, which could be their most important meal of the day.  To accommodate all the children, teachers and visitors an addition was made to the dining room.  This is community.

Sewing Center

Last year 6 students graduated from the training program. In January eleven students, 14 to 30 years old began the program. They will gain skills to help them support themselves now and their families in the future. Many shared, “It gives me value”.  Besides Theresa and Desire, a third instructor, Redemption was added to teach and sew. Solange was hired to make school sweaters on the new knitting machine.  Our reputation is spreading leading to special orders for school uniforms, clothing and traditional dress.

Community Outreach to Vulnerable New Moms

This year teams are bringing knit layette items as well as many baby clothes. But….what is new is having the opportunity to meet with new moms in desperate need of things for their babies. We packed diapers, baby hats, washcloths, blankets and onesies and took them to a clinic and a hospital. The need is great so the outreach will continue.

Thank you to everyone that has made a monetary donation, a donation of items for the children and school, for all your prayers and for all your blessings. Urukundo would not be what it is today without the many people that love and pray for this ministry. People that share in the joys and tough times. And most of all those whose hearts are with Mama Arlene every day. Through Christ all things are possible!!!!

~Carol Falke

 

In closing, I leave you with this thought:

The vulnerable children of Rwanda and the world.

Opportunity is what they need. Your love. Their lives, Our world, You can make a difference.

Your most appreciated gift can be sent to the address below or use the Donate button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen:

Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport,PA. 17701

Much love,

Mama Arlene
Director
Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real

Help make their world a better place.