June 2017 Newsletter

Halfway through another year.  Time goes by so fast when you are busy doing what you love to do.  Urukundo continues to expand. Reaching out to more children and adults in the community through education is our top priority.

Urukundo Learning Center and The Sewing Center (a Tom Nunnally project) continues to reach young people with a career opportunity. 

 

The Dental outreach (an extension of the Drew Cahoon project) is a progressive endeavor.  Serving the public and teaching Chair side Dental Assistants as a profession.

Education is not our only outreach.

 

The Mama & Baby outreach is growing as more of the very poor are acquainted with this vital help for new mamas and their infants.

 

Sharing clothing our children have out grown with those in refugee camps is also an important outreach for our children.

 

Sharing with Our Donor Support Group

Tell It Like It Is.

Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real has a five (5) year plan. Expanding the school, offering education to more children in the community is a major part of that plan.

FIVE-YEAR PLAN INCLUDES: 2016-2021

Build more class rooms for Primary school

3 each year for 4 years

 

 $40,892.00

Thanks to our donors, we completed the goal for the first year: 2016. Three class rooms completed and in use 2016.

Building on Faith.  GOD IN CHARGE.

The work began for the second year, 2017. Digging and laying the foundation is in progress.

Our contractor, Felix is a good man and trusts Urukundo Foundations word. So far our credit is good. Hope to keep it that way.

 

The metal fence in front of the building project is to protect the children from the work area since work is being done when school is in session.  These three classrooms need to be completed and ready for use by December 2017.

Help us make this project another  “Hope Made Real" please!

 

10 work days later

 

Child of the Month

Sarah's Story

Sarah’s story is a true example of GOD IN CHARGE.

A Rwandese man on his way to work was late and so decided to take a short cut across a field to get there closer to the time he was expected. On his travels he would pass a half demolished mud brick house.  It had no roof and some of the walls were destroyed by the weather.  As he hurried past the not quite house he heard a sound he did not recognize. Thinking it was a hurt animal he stopped and went closer to the structure. Looking in he saw on the mud floor a tiny naked baby girl. The little one was no more than a day old as her umbilical cord was still fresh.  He put aside his need to get to work took off his shirt and picking up the baby wrapped her in the shirt and hurried with her to the district office. Thank God he did. The district Vice Mayor then brought her to Urukundo.

When we received her it was apparent; Sarah was a very sick baby.  We recognized the symptoms and administered a heavy dosage of penicillin. The magic cure.  It is possible the mother had no money to care for a sick child. It must have been very hard for her to leave her baby girl.

After the penicillin treatment, Sarah was fine and is now a very beautiful, healthy, happy little girl.

Sarah is in Primary 3. She does well in school.

 

She loves to sing and dance.  She helps care for the younger kids, holding their hands as the come for vitamins and walking to school.

 

Sarah is learning to play the violin.  Her sponsor Keena (a violinist) gave her a gift of her first and second violin. Sarah & escorts. Two beautiful violins.  

Sarah has not decided what she will be when she is grown. That’s ok she has plenty of time.

More about David.

David came to Urukundo as a three-week-old baby boy on July 11, 2008. The mama’s were thrilled. David was precocious from the very start. He was our reason for starting our preschool Indirectly but yes he was the reason we started Urukundo Learning Center.  With help from his sponsor Meredith we enrolled David in a local preschool. David was too advanced to be staying in our nursery. David finally refused to go to that preschool because the other kids according to David “were crying babies.” He wanted to learn and that was not happening. Observation led us to discover it was simply a glorified babysitting program. There was no teaching.  We needed to get David out of there and start a teaching program of our own.

David excelled in everything and still does. He is usually first in his class. He loves studying the planets and is excited by underwater exploration. His favorite study in nature is the California Redwood Sequoia tree. He loves complicated Lego projects.

His present challenge is learning to play the guitar. He strums and sings. A bit nerve racking but a mom tolerates what makes her child happy and David is happy with his new found talent. He is improving and one day will be the expert guitar player.

We are so grateful for the child size guitars sent to us from the caring music people in the USA.

Next months child, Luki Medland

Meet Edison and brother Jerry.  

 

The boys are actually brothers. The youngest was named by me as a namesake for my son, Jerry in the USA.

The boys are sons of our Personal Manager, Juliette.

Juliette was our first mama in 2006 coming to Urukundo home for Children before we were official.  Juliette showed great potential and a desire to atain higher education. It was our privilege to send her to The School of Finance and Banking. Preparing her for employment at Urukundo Foundation as Financial Secretary and Auditor. Now several years later and a promotion Julliette works as Personal Manager for Urukundo Foundation.

After graduation from University Juliette married her love and came to work at Urukundo. She is the proud mama of those two handsome boys.

Visitors for June

Kyle Jerro is home at Urukundo for the fifth (5) year in a row. Kyle hails from several places in the US. Nevada, Texas & New Jersey. He has accomplished his Ph.D in the years he has been coming to Urukundo.

His next move is to Essex, UK and a career in teaching.  We are so proud of him. He is family and he and his family are sponsors, loving our kids. Thank you Kyle and the Jerro family.

Visitor from Indigo Non-profit

Benjiman Western is from the UK. He is one of the founders of INDIGO a non-profit for volunteers. He and his co-founder Holly came to Urukundo 3 years ago and now he is here to know the kids and programs better. In October 2017 he is bringing a team of 22 volunteers to Urukundo. This is an international team from many countries. Australia, USA, China to name a few.

Benjiman was quickly adopted into the Urukundo Family because he loves to sing and dance and plays the guitar, He teaches guitar starting with David and Luki and loves kids.

We hated to see him go. His visit was too short. FOR SURE.

Check out their website. This might be just what you are looking for.

Benjiman and Urukundo Kids exercising

 

A very welcome visitor

Alicia Warren Johnson is a graduate of North Texas University. She is a Primary 5 Science teacher at George Truett Elementary School in Dallas, Texas.  Our students hope to connect with her students as we both explore Science.  We are excited to compare the science taught in the US classroom to the science being taught at Urukundo Learning Center.

 

Alicia playing foote ball with the kids in mama’s front yard.

 

Congratulations!!

Join us in congratulating our Urukundo daughter, Lilliane Wishavura on her graduation from King’s Academy High School (secondary school) in Mohrsville, PA. She has been living in Schuylkill Haven, PA while in the US.

Lilliane has been in the USA for the past two years. We are so happy to welcome her home. Congratulations Lilliane.

 

We thank her sponsors The Stock Family & the Maroncelli Family for making this actually a “Hope Made Real” for Lilliane. You all did a fine job for our girl. Bravo!!

She will enroll in Akilah Institute for Woman starting classes in July if we can ever get through all the paper work.

Challenges are never ending. Up-date as we proceed.

Sponsors alert.

Sponsoring is not all about money (although that does help and is important) sponsoring is more about love and caring.

You can connect with your child.

The kids love to get email letters and snail mail. Mama prints the email and the kids have them to share. A short note is appreciated.

The poste is doing a better job and cards and letters do come Postal service.

Claude loves getting cards and small books from his sponsors, Donna & Roy.

Claudine is delighted. She received an email from her friend Laura and she was able to read it without any help.  The progress this little girl is making is super.

Progressing from a blind 3 year old to a seeing and reading 11 year old is indeed a tribute to her determination.

Mama makes a copy of emails addressed to the children and gives it to them. They will reply. Make a child happy. Write.

Bus Update

Bus is still in the used bus lot.  One day it will be ours.  Can’t give up. No, No, NO.

Challenges never cease

We have known for a long time wood for cooking was becoming scarce and the price for a load of wood kept going up.

Finally we need to make a change. We are investigating the possibility of going totally gas. Our bio- gas is a big help but we are not producing enough. Monday June 26 a representative of the propane gas company in Rwanda is coming to investigate our need and to give us an estimate of cost.

The tank is free. We pay installation and purchase the cooker (stove) After that we only pay for the gas. Much like in the USA I think. I am hoping it proves to be cost efficient.

We are also looking at ways to increase the output of bio-gas.

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

May 2017 Newsletter

May was a wonderful month for Urukundo but for me personally it was not so good. Yep, this is the changing of the season when I catch a cold and cough my head nearly off. Two weeks was not enough this year. I am much better finally. Cough is gone and I am finally recovering. I think most of the cure was sitting in the sunshine. Love that Rwanda sun.

Current Events

May 1 is National Labor day in Rwanda. Urukundo celebrates it’s employees with a Foote Ball (soccer) game between:

The Village team

 

The Learning Center team

 

Spectators get very excited

This year the Learning Center Staff won 5 goals to 3.  After the match a luncheon is served to all players. Competition over friendships remain. Good sportsmanship all around.

 

Where are all our Urukundo Family children now?

Do you know?

Here are 3 that are studying in the USA. Bringing you up to date will be fun for me. Of the original family now they are young adults

# 1 Solange Nirere

 

Solange Nirere is in Texas where she finished high school and she graduated on May 13, 2017 from University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) with a BA in Political Science. She hopes to go to Graduate school working toward a masters in Law. Some day she will be a judge.  Solange will soon become a US citizen.

Her family at Urukundo are so proud of her and all she has accomplished. She is a role model for all the brothers and sisters while she has here. Way to go Solange! We love you!

#2 Tresor Cyubahiro

 

Tresor is an undergraduate student at Arizona State University (ASU) in the USA working toward his bachelor’s degree. He comes home to Rwanda this month, May 16, 2017 to serve an internship at Carnegie Mellon University -Africa.

Our kids are so excited especially Jacob. Tresor is his best big brother. Photo taken when Tresor was about to leave for USA after completing his internship in August, he will return to Arizona to complete his University and achieve his Bachelors of Science in Engineering.

# 3 Lilliane Wishovura

 

Lilliane is a student attending Kings Academy in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. She graduates June 10, 2017 from high school and returns home to Urukundo to attend Akilah Institute in Kigali. 

This photo is Lilliane from 3 years ago. I am eagerly waiting to see the change. June’s newsletter should have that picture. Three years does make a difference.

May's Child: Johnny's Story

Shortly after David arrived our second baby boy came. Once the door was opened we could not close it. We were blessed again. We named him, Johnny. I am thinking God opened the door and did not intend for us to close it.  Johnny was a month old when again the Police and Vise Mayor Alice came to the door carrying a bundle of distressed, kicking, crying little boy baby. He really was a big boy even at one month. He had been found in the bush. Now I am not sure exactly where that is but someone found him and brought him to the police.  The police brought him to the district and then to Urukundo and he is now and will remain part of our family.

Johnny is a passionate child and loves beautiful things. He is my flower child and every day he brings me a flower. The problem with that is he picks the flower from my flower garden and only the very best one. I could never scold him for picking my flowers. He shows his love and love is so important.

Johnny is an excellent student and has been #1 in his class through preschool and now in Primary so far.  He is an award winner.  In first grade, he got an award for being the best reader of English in his class of 70 students. He is a good athlete but likes books more than sports.

When he grows up and finishes university, he plans to become a Bank Manager. Maybe even own his own bank. Hey, we dream big. Why not?

Johnny in first grade.

John today

Johnny has become a young man and is a great, big brother to the younger children. Oh yes, he is now John not Johnny. He decided to make the change. Yep, Growing up.

FYI

Our children are delighted when they hear from their sponsors.

Claude received books from his sponsor and shared the joy with sister Rebekah.

Arrvial

Tresor arrived home as scheduled

Diescor accompanied Mama to the airport to welcome his brother home.

 

Progress at the farm

Using the materials from the house we demolished we are building more pens for the cows at the farm.  Waste not want not. Good slogan. We practice what we preach. Materials are never thrown away but recycled.

I spent the morning inspecting the farm.  This is the present housing for 5 pregnant female cows.  All 5 cows came out to greet me. How awesome is that.

Land prepared and foundation being laid for additions expected in the near future to the cow population. We are hoping for all female calves. We hope to raise a good herd of milk cows.

New construction in progress.

One week later

May 29 Progress continues

Mission Outreach For Urukundo Dental

Centre Marembo Organization is an NGO for abused, vulnerable girls and young women.

In May, Nicolete Nsabimana the Director sitting at Mama’s desk.  Nicolete Nsabimana brought 13 of the girls to Urukundo for a dental checkup and treatment.

 

After the girls’ received their dental checkup and treatment lunch was served.   

 

 

Treatment includes: fillings, cleaning, extractions, etc all were done. The next date for more of the girls to come for scanning and treatment was set. We hope this service will benefit both Centre Marembo and Urukundo in Mission.

Internship at Urukundo Village

Intern Felix Tuyigenge

His name is Felix. He is a student at University of Technology and Arts in Byumba (CUYTAB) his study is early Childhood Development minor in Social Service. Working with the children in our home and in Daycare is right down his ally. Felix will be with us for one month.

Internships can last one month to three months depending on the level of the school the student is in.

Urukundo receives interns for extra training on site at the Farm, School (Social Service, Teaching), Dental, Kitchen (Nutrition) and Home/Village.

Daycare Children 

Three of the 14 children in day care.  Jerry, these are the younger of the group playing at Mama’s house

 

He relates very well with the different age groups we have. You are most welcome Alexi. Happy to have you join us.

 

Visitors

My kids sing a song, I love and the words in the song are “Make new friends but keep the old, One is silver the other is gold.” Otto Fisher from Austria is in the Old friend category.  He is pure Gold.  It was such a pleasure having a visit with this very dear friend on April 30, 2017. He even brought me flowers and chocolate. Pampering an older citizen. How thoughtful!

More Visitors

Laurien Sibomana from University of Pittsburgh

 

Laurien and his family are Rwandan and live in Pittsburgh, Pa, USA.  He returns to Rwanda periodically working in his field of expertise.  Laurien works with Diabetes #1 patients through out Rwanda and in our local hospital. He and I and Sewing Instructor Theresa hope to establish a class at our sewing Center for his charges.  Teaching sewing to help these young people so in need of a way to make a living and to have a better life is another outreach Urukundo can do help to the community around us.

Working Volunteers

Teaching is part of the volunteer program when volunteers arrive at Urukundo. This program is not only at the school but at Urukundo Home/day care. Teaching is not just a school responsibility. Play is also a great teaching tool. Laura Rowling is teaching the P4 & P5 kids to play the board game, CLUE. All our children are exposed to and are learning Checkers, Chess, Chinese checkers, and puzzles according to age.  Dominoes, Connect 4, Mix & Match, Scrabble, and Lego’s are a few others that they learn and play. 

Kyle & Laura. They are a neat couple.

Laura teaching with kids how to play.

Kyle Uricchio is a Journalist and Musician. Our music program is so happy to have music teachers come to spend time in our teaching program. Kyle teaches guitar and piano. Working with our teacher Mr. Bonone and Ryan Sanford (Peace Corps worker) Kyle is able to add another dimension to our school of music. His time with us is short but so appreciated. Devotions in the evenings is exciting as he teaches our home kids new songs and plays and sings for them. Thank you Kyle.

Kyle, Tresor & Diescor took part in Sunday worship service.

HAPPY REUNION

Laura, Talia enjoy a reunion with Divine.  This is Laura’s second visit to Urukundo.

Talia is our top volunteer. This year marks 10 visits in 10 years for her. She is a blessing to us and we look forward to her return each year. She has grown up with our kids

Talia is a graduate of Penn State University USA and has a bachelor’s degree in African Studies. 

Final photo before departure

Visitor from Germany.

Kathirn Hegger is working in the Rwaza District of Rwanda. She met Divine and decided to pay us an overnight visit. Her visit was short but very good. Our kids liked her very much.

Important Need-Bus!

The bus is priority at this time!  Please consider sending some funding to help either with the purchase of the much needed bus!

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

April Special: Little House

Thanks to you all for the feedback and questions.  I do appreciate it.  To answer your questions about the little house.  

The little house was where I lived after moving out of the boys house in 2010.   We had converted it into a Kindergarten class room after I moved to the present house.   I bought my present house with my money saved for my old age in 2012 at age 80 thinking this might be my old age. 

The little house was not well built and the foundation was shifting and the walls cracking. It was no longer safe for the kids. 

This is the new classrooms for the students who were in the little house.  It was built before we demolished the little house.  In the picture you can see the little house is still there.  Now it is gone.

In this photo you can see the first preschool classrooms the empty space where the little house was and the new building.

Hope this gives you a clearer picture of the changes made.

 

Please consider sending some funding to help either with the purchase of the much needed bus or building the new class rooms, an ongoing project filling the open space in the photos. 

The bus is priority at this time we have $7,000 & to buy the bus the goal is $16,000. $9,000 to go.

 

Can you or your family help?   Any gift to help would be appreciated.

 

Lots of love,

Mama Arlene

April 2017 Newsletter

April has begun already. This is the month Urukundo honors those who died in the genocide with the loud cry of: NEVER AGAIN. This is heartfelt in this beautiful land.

The Christian world remembers the death of Christ on the cross and whispers THANK YOU LORD. He is risen our joy should be loud and joyous.

New Newsletter Features:

It is my desire to keep everyone current so here it goes. We will start to include stories about our children. The first one is David, our very first baby.

Telling the Tale

At present Urukundo Home has fifty-two children; we hold as family. Twenty-five are between the ages of sixteen and twenty four. Four of these are gainfully employed and call Urukundo home. Nine of these are in University and eleven attend Secondary School coming home during school breaks. There are twenty-three under the age of twelve. Some of these children have no extended family in Rwanda. Others have dysfunctional families. We are dedicated to not only feeding, housing, and loving these children but also educating and raising them to be happy healthy citizens.

Our Learning Center has 585 students from Preschool to Grade 5. Grade 6 class rooms are ready for 2018 students who will finish Grade 5 in November 2017. Only 23 of the students in Urukundo Learning Center are from our family. The rest, 562, are from the community. Watch for further updates in May newsletter. It is my hope to keep you, our readers better informed. Letting you know what your gifts and donation are doing in Rwanda.

April's Child: David's Story

David was our first baby. When I went into this ministry, I told God I would not take children under seven years of age.  Also I would only take girls. Be very careful what you tell God what you will or will not do. My God has a divine sense of humor. I am sure he laughed and shook his head as he saw my plan & the plan he had for me.

Had the Policeman and Vise Mayor called me on the phone, and by this time we did have cell phones, and ask me to take a baby I would have said “No, we are not equipped to care for babies.”  They were smarter than that.  They came knocking at my door. Opening the door, I was face to face with a very tall policeman and in his arms he held a very tiny baby. Stretching out his arms he handed me the baby saying, “This baby needs a home. Can you help us?” One look at the tiny face and my heart was gone. Thus babies entered Urukundo Home for Children. To date we have had 26 infants become a part of our Urukundo family.

These babies are not throw away babies, they are "thrown to us" babies. They are found in the bushes, in ditches, along paths, in abandoned run down shacks and in the living rooms much to the surprise of the people who live in the house.  David came in as a 3-week-old baby and is now in fourth grade. He is an excellent student. His curiosity about every thing including the Universe is awesome. We are blessed to have David as part of our family.

Until next time I am sincerely and thankfully yours.

Mama Arlene

PS: Feedback would be appreciated as to the value of such a feature, please send that feedback to Arlene@hopemadereal.org

Work in progress: P4, P5 and P6 fence.

Work began on fence April 1, 2017

The fence is to protect the school children from falling over the embankment on to the road below. It's a long drop. The improvement is permanent.

Looking good on April 3rd.

 

Looking better on April 21.  

Inside view April 21.

 

Road side view April 21.

We Need Your Help

Still thinking about a gift for the much needed Bus? “Actions speak louder than thoughts.” Funding is needed. Our aim is for 16000 USD. We have $6580 USD. Please help us reach our goal.

 

Friday Mornings

This is a typical Friday morning from 9 to 11 at Mama’s house.  Each morning a different age group comes to play with Mama, Lambert, and Olive.  These children are in the daycare and afternoon Kindergarten class. What fun they are. They spend one hour in Mama’s living room.

One hour doing sports in the front yard.

Oh, to have the energy of these little ones.

 

Recognition

So very proud of Deborah. Not only is she beautiful but she is smart academically. Deborah has a goal.

She intends to study law and be the best Rwanda Lawyer.  She will be a credit to our family and her country.

 

Mama & Baby Outreach Report

Mama brings her 4 month old twin girls to Urukundo Home to say THANK YOU!

Nickese & Nikita

We supplied clothing for 26 newborn babies in April.  Baby below dressed in gifts from you, who help us make a difference. This picture touched my heart.

 

Building a School

Progress some times hurts.  For you who have been here you know Mama lived in this little house. Now it must make way for new classrooms for the expansion program at the school. I know how important this is but a bit of nostalgia just the same.

Room enough for 3 more classrooms.

 

House gone and land is ready for developing. When this construction is completed 140 more community children will be able to enroll in URUKUNDO LEARNING CENTER.

Additional Changes and Improvements

Our library is great but the reading and study area were very small.

From the above photos to the new photos below.

Simply removing a wall and adding some paint can make such a difference and it is cost effective.  This is the new study and reading area. Now there is ample space for kids, books, and teachers. The new computer section of the library will soon be on the left wall. 

There is still a space for a smaller study group among the book shelves.

Visitor

Max Attal from NYC came to visit Urukundo & Mama.  Max is joining Urukundo family. Happy to have him on board as a friend to Urukundo Foundation/Hope Made Real.

Easter Special

 

Pastor Leonard from Presbyterian Church and two of his children visited Urukundo during his break from school.  Pastor Leonard has been part of our family since 2006.  We were blessed to have him.

 

He gave the sermon on Easter Sunday.

Looking forward to what is in store for May. Spring in Pennsylvania is a beautiful time. We will be going into the dry season in Rwanda now. Flowers grow during the dry season but we like the wet because that is when vegetables are planted and harvested.

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

March 2017 Newsletter

March became a month of activities.

A delegation from Kigali Dental University came this month. The delegation included Home Girl, Valli Meeks from Philadelphia and University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD.   

They brought uniforms for our Dental Therapist to wear saving her personal clothing. Thank you team.

 

Introducing Lion Sanord

R is pronounced L in Kinyarwanda so Ryan becomes Lion.

Ryan is in Rwanda with Pease Corps and Urukundo is his second project. Reminiscent of when Meredith Lu was with us so very long ago. We are indeed grateful for their becoming a part of our Urukundo family.

Ryan is working with the Music program at the school and also with our kid’s choir for worship.

He tells me our guitar is high quality and he prefers it to his own. WOW! We are so blessed to have received such a gift.

 

The Falke team arrived and was with us for 21 days. It was an exciting 21 days for the school and for our home children.  Team members this year; Marilyn, Kim, Carol can you find them in the picture?

 

Helen Kwiskin joined the team for several days near the end of their visit.

 

They started the visit with our first ever Pajama Party

Truly they brought Pajamas for all the kids even the big adult kids and the response from our children was awesome. Thank you all who contributed to the PJ Funding Project.

Have you ever seen such a sight?

 

The gift of pajamas came with our visitors from the USA. All the children put on their new pajamas and came to Mama’s house for devotions.  They were so very happy. What a wonderful gift and so appreciated by the children, Mamas, and me.

 

During the singing at the PJ devotions.  Kavine presents her baby doll while we sang, "He holds the Itty Bitty baby in his hands” You know the song and it is loved by the children. HE HOLDS THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS.

Teacher Kim taught devotions that evening from the book of the same name.

We had the best PJ PARTY EVER. 

 

Science projects at the home especially about space, stretch the mind.  Making Rockets with teacher, Kim.

 

Preparing to Rocket to the moon. What fun making your very own rocket.

Ready for blast off.

 

To the moon.

In flight

 

ICDL Project News

ICDL Proctor Viateur is officially certified to teach ICDL Computer training for businesses. The first class has been initiated at Urukundo Village. This class is open to the public and to businesses that need their employees better able to use computers more efficiently.

 

Olivier, our fental therapist and Théogen, our head teacher for Preschool, were two learning the new skills. 

 

Adaline, school office secretary; I'rene, head master; I’rene, librarian; Julliette, human resources; Eric, staff secretary and; Jean Marie, executive director were all benefiting from this resource as well.

 

Computers for this class were donated by Forest Hills Rotary and the first 10 students from our staff were sponsored by Waverly Presbyterians in Pittsburgh. Coordinator for the project is Bob Dove also from Rotary and Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Thank you all for making this possible

Recent High School graduate Pacifique (Dada) received her gift bible for a job well done.

Prince receives a special gift from his Education Sponsor

 

Kaboss when he came to our family and Kaboss now. My how he has grown.

 

Jacob and Livine on the winning team. Jacobs first foote Ball (soccer) game. 4 years old and already a winner. Sister Livine is proud & happy.

 

Soso the first grader. Ready and raring to go.

Mama & Baby House 

Special prayers for this 1 day old little one who came to Mama and Baby mission outreach.  She weighted 1 Kilo or 2 lbs and is in serious condition. Her mama brought her to Urukundo. She is so tiny.  She will return to the hospital for further care. We hope to have an update when more is known.

 

Marilyn Ely, Mama & Baby gift bearer, visited the Birthing Center working with Urukundo and holds a precious new born

One of 28 babies born in March.

Special Day

Last but at the very top of our lists of events.

On March 30, 2017,  Jean Marie Ntwire officially received his Bachelors Degree in Business Management and Auditing.  There were over 300 in the graduating classes at the graduation ceremony. Health & Nutrition, Computer science, Business Management, Finance & Auditing, Sociology and I am sure there ae a few I don’t remember. The weather did not cooperate as it rained hard for the first 2 hours delaying the 8:30 am start. Well what can you expect it is the rainy season after all?  After that it tried to clear up with only a slight drizzle from time to time.

Picture taking was difficult.

This degree is one more step to a successful future for him and Urukundo Home & Learning Center.  Congratulations Jean Marie. How proud we were to share this day with him!

 

Oswald from our UF board, his wife Larissa and older brother J M Uwamahoro, his daughter Lana Arlene  & I were in cheering section.

 

Departure day for Carol, Kim & Helen. Marilyn left a bit earlier

Leaving is never easy. It has been a wonderful learning and fun filled 21 days.

The kids are looking forward to next year when the Falke team will return. I am sure it will have new member along with the team alumni. 

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.

February 2017 Newsletter

February is a mix bag.  The first 14 days in the USA was spent seeing doctors, family, and friends.

A special treat was seeing my Rwandan daughter, Lilliane & my friend, Larry while I was in Williamsport during my recovery time.  It was great to hold Lilliane in my arms. Hugs are so great.

 

My last week in Pittsburgh, mother nature gave me a real show. Snow, Snow, Snow!

 

Beautiful but cold!

Home Sweet Home

The last days of February were spent in Rwanda at Urukundo Village with my kids.  What a joyful reunion!  Group Hug! In case you don’t know, I‘m the one with the white hair.

 

Posters welcoming me home.

 

Paint by Sticker.  The kids created these lovely posters with this Magical Art Form. They really are lovely.

 

Special event

Graduation day for Serephine.

Serephine graduated from Esther’s Aide School of Culinary Arts.

 

Please be sure to visit Esther’s Aid Rwanda website and watch the short video clip below. 

 

 

Secondary school graduates in 2016

During worship, we acknowledged the achievement of our graduates. That means they passed the National Exam. This is one tough exam. Believe me, I could not pass it.

Cecelia, Dada, Serephine, Emanuel are our most recent graduates.  Congratulations to all. Thank you sponsors! Without you this could not have happened.

 

Visitors

Tshana

Our volunteer from Boston, originally from Jersey Shore, PA, Tshana Jamara is carrying on a family tradition. Tshana is the granddaughter of John and Sally Guiswite. John and Sally were at Urukundo and physically helped build the boy’s & girl’s homes. Now Tshana’s dad and Mom need to pay us a visit to make it a true 3 generations thing. How about it Mike and Shelly?

Precious photo filled with love. Come back soon Tshana!

Visitors from Canada

Dr. Troy, son Kyle, wife Charmaine Michelson and Kyle’s friend Teigan Simpson traveled from Canada to volunteer at Urukundo.

Dr. Troy and Charmaine worked in the dental clinic.  79 Patients were seen & treated in 3 days. Thank you Dr. Troy & Charmaine!  The boys volunteered at the school. We so appreciated their time with us.

They congratulated Serephine and had a photo taken with her.

Teigan and Kyle posed with Mama. Thanks guys.

Tom Sorenson, Dentist & Christa Mather, Dental Hygienist. Their visit was only 3 hours. Although short it was a good visit to meet them and show them our clinic. 

 

URGENT NEED

GET ON BOARD THE URUKUNDO BUS

This one is for sale.


Never thought Urukundo school would have this need. Imagine Urukundo Learning Center needs a bus to transport kids safely to and from school and to sport competitions.  Our little school has grown and continues to grow. The bus available to purchase in Rwanda is pictured above. Cost $15,000 USD. Need a school or mission project? JUST WANT TO DO Something TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Please consider donating to this special need. The need is urgent for the safety of the children coming to our school.

Ellen Galloway

Jason and Janette have an escort to keep them safe walking to school.

Ellen is a long time friend of Urukundo. Her's was the first stone on the “Path to Learning”.  She is also editor for the book Mama and her daughter Patricia are collaborating on.  She is editing “Mama’s Memoirs” and “Moments with Mama” more about the books later.

Adventures in mission

Dakota’s team

Visitors in February include these young women.  Shavon, Dakota, Casy from the USA. Mhain from Scotland. Meladie from France. The girls spent 9 days with the children, working at the school and farm. Three of the girls learned how to milk a cow.  Their comment  “Not easy”

Girls walking the kids to school. This is a daily delightful part of being at Urukundo Village. 

Mama & Baby house

Thank you everyone who answered my appeal for newborn clothing for our infants. The supply was completely gone.  Now we can again give the gift of love to welcome our newborn infants.

While giving to the newborns, we also send gifts to the older children in the family. This is an amazing mission outreach.

Rwanda Wedding

One of our farm cowboys, Gilbert married on Feb 25, 2017. It was a real Rwanda wedding with bad roads lovely country and a very long walk. No, I did not go. Many of the younger staff represented me. I thank them.

The very long walk. Car could not get to the site of the celebration so I could not go.

Beautiful bride and groom.

Urukundo Staff presenting gifts to Gilbert and his bride.

The staff honoring their brother in Urukundo Family

Good News of important progress for education.

Pastor Leonard from Impushi Presbyterian Church is a family man and a student aiming for higher education. He has his first very own computer. It will help him do his documents required for school.

He was able to get the computer on credit through a project by the government to help and encourage more older and younger students to go further in education. Leonard will pay for the computer after graduation. Much like student loans in the USA. Leonard has been part of the Urukundo Family a very long time.

He was our very first Rwandan volunteer. Some may remember when Urukundo gave goats to the older women in the congregation.

His daughter was one of the first students at Urukundo Learning center. Leonard is much loved at Urukundo Home for Children.

I was delighted when he came to Urukundo Village to share with me his joy about the computer. He is a good friend.

Worship at Urukundo this morning Feb. 26 was awesome.

We had visitors from USA, Germany, Scotland, France and Peace Corps. We were so blessed.

Lyle the young man in the group is here with Peace Corp serving in another area and came to introduce himself to Urukundo.  He intends to come often and what a blessing “He plays the guitar and is willing to teach our kids. We need Instrumental teachers. We have the instruments but not the teachers.

Angelique Westmark is back. This is her second visit. Many of you will remember Lennart, her guitar and singing son. This time Lennart could not come so Mama Angelique came alone.

Divine is serving as her driver. Yes, Divine has worked hard and has her license to drive. Awesome!

Small photo shoot to end the newsletter for this month.

Benita is all smiles. She has a watch. Pretend one.

David getting tall.

Jennett #1 drummer

January 2017 Newsletter

January newsletter will be a bit different.  Missing my Urukundo kids so very much.

To keep you all current. I am in Pittsburgh, USA.  Thanks to Dr. Tomy in Kigali and his concern, I came to the USA to find out why my legs were swelling. The doctors here diagnosed blood clots in both legs.  That means a heavy dose of blood thinners for 21 days and then a lesser dose for a year.

 

Looking good. My hospital stay was short. I am now home with Patricia. We found the problem and treatment was started in time. There is so much work yet to do.

View from my bedroom window in USA. Cold is not my favorite thing.

Homesick

This mama is a bit homesick so I requested photos of the kids.  Next morning the children sent a group picture to mama so she would not miss them so much.

I am sharing them with all of you.

 

January 1, 2017, found the children in devotions.  Luki was the teacher on this special day.  Big brother Olivier led the children in prayer.

 

Playing marbles on the porch.

 

Water colors are such fun and messy.

 

Kids received a second construction set with balls and rods. Now we have a set in Mama’s house and in the boys play room of the boy's house.

 

They are such fun.

Janette, Jacob & Jason

 

This baby’s mama brought the little one to visit. This was delightful. Only one problem. Mister Soso refused to give the baby back to the mother. He felt the infant needed to live with us. He is a very cute baby and we would love him but he needs to live with his mama.

 

It does help to know things go on as usual even if I am not there.  Tuesday and Thursday is the day the younger children play in Mama’s living room.  They all have favorite toys, puzzles and books that wait for them to come.

Lunch is over and even the smallest help do the dishes and clean up. Janette is starting early.

 

Project For 2017

Increasing our capacity to accept more preschoolers means construction of two more classrooms on the top level.

 

Faith is the driving factor for Urukundo Village. The need is so great and the preschoolers so many. 

Please consider helping. We need funding to complete these two classrooms to make space in our preschool to accept more needy children and guarantee education for vulnerable children in our community.

 

David teaches lesson at evening devotions.  These kids are awesome. Diescor, Lambert, and Auntie Betty are helping out.

Posing for a picture to send Mama

 

Claude in the school uniform, 

 

Janette and Jason are now students at Urukundo Learning Center.

These two three year olds are so happy. Now they can walk with the big kids and stay at school. They have also moved from the nursery to the big houses. This is much like a graduation.  Only big kids live in the Girls house and Boys house. They are now big kids.

Preschool bunch. First day of school 2017  Awesome kids.

 

The Farm growing

Newborn piglets on the farm while I am away.  Things continue change even when I am not there.

 

Mama & Baby House

Some of the newborns born in January.  As I mentioned before nothing stops because I am away.

 

Visitors in January

Urukundo Home and Learning Center was honored by a visit from the Honorables of Rwanda Parliament.  They toured the campus, visited with the kids and I am told their report on Urukundo will be very favorable.

We thank them for coming!

 

Honoring Tom Nunnally

 

While in Pittsburgh, Forest Hills Rotary invited me to speak at a dinner honoring Tom Nunnally.  I was so pleased to be there for this event. Tom is missed by so many including Urukundo Kids.

Waverly Presbyterian team

Team members and spouses treated Mama to a evening of remembering Urukundo and exchanging memories of their visit to Urukundo in September 2016. It was a fun evening with lots of good fellowship and very good food.

 

Bob and Amy Dove picked me up for worship at Waverly the following Sunday and Waverly served a Pecan tort at coffee hour. It actually has “Welcome Mama Arlene” written on it. The cake was very good but the icing covered with pecans was delicious.

 

What's Next?

February is about to begin and then only 16 days and I will be home in Rwanda. I am looking forward to the warm weather. I love my family here in the US but in January it is too cold.

I love my Urukundo family and the weather is great.

I keep saying “I will not come to the US in winter” and every time I say I won’t it just happens so I am not saying that this time.  God in Charge

Devotions at Urukundo

If you can open this video it is worth the listen.

 

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.

Happy Birthday Mama & December Newsletter

December is always a special month. The activity at Urukundo is topped off in joy because all the kids come home to spend some time with the Urukundo family.

Except for our 5 in the USA; our kids were all home. We do miss them. But know they are where they are meant to be.

The month ended with Mama in the USA. What a blessing to spend time with both my families during my birthday month!

Here is a taste of life at Urukundo Home in December.

December 9th, Mama’s birthday celebration

Urukundo little kids singing Happy Birthday to Mama.

Food, Fanta, and cake makes birthdays special.

Dec 10th,  JP leaves for education in the USA

John Paul, far right, saying so long for a while.  We will miss you, JP and love you so much. Do your best and come back home.

Love, Urukundo kids, staff and Mama.

Katrina sharing

So much love shared between Claudine Katrina & Rebekah.

Katrina, Me in my birthday dress and Joe. I think I am thinning down just a bit. No girlish figure yet.

Claudine made a new friend. Joe who came to travel with John Paul to the US was a favorite with all the kids.

News

Signs of our times. Dental is OFFICIAL!

Mama was blessed this month by a visit from her cousin Raymond Stiner. Raymond was in Rwanda for a short time. I am so grateful he found a time in his busy schedule to visit Urukundo. Raymond is very special because he is the grandson of my mother’s brother. Uncle George was very important in my childhood.

Prince, Luki & Soso.  Look at the sports; basketball, karate, and soccer.  The medal on Prince is for soccer. We are an active group.

Wish you could hear the voices as the children sing.

Christmas Urukundo on Dec 22.

Staff Celebration Office Staff

158 staff and kids celebrated the day.

Community Day.

We were blessed to share the day and it’s blessings with near 500 children and youth. What a glorious day!

Gifts for boys

Gifts for girls

December 25th, Christmas Presentation

Anitha, our Nursing student wrote and directed the program.  

Christmas for Urukundo kids.

Thanks to so many of you our kids had a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

Tree in boys house. Gifts for all!

Jean Marie’s daughter, Lana Arlene, was a special Christmas guest.

Graduation for Sewing Center

Jean Marie cut the ribbon as Exec Director of Urukundo Foundation.

The walk from the school to graduation ceremony.

Graduating class

Salute from a proud Mama to the class of 2016.

Sewing Machine given to Top Student to honor our patron, Tom Nunnally

The Sewing Center was Tom’s vision and he not only purchased machines but gave scholarships to help students to achieve their goals.

Tom is missed by all at Urukundo.  His legacy will live on.

Diploma in hand.

Mama & Baby Project

Four of our 28 December babies. It is very cold.  We have a need for more hats; larger and infants sizes.  Thank you.

Claudine & Joe and Sam share smiles of joy.

Visitors

The Kent family chose to spend Christmas with Urukundo and our kids.

African Nativities are a work of art and heart.

We do hope the come visit again. Thank you Kent Family for making our Christmas special.

New visitors are always welcome and loved and become part of the Urukundo Family. Then there are those who are family and return year after year. Liz James is one of those. Each time Liz comes she brings another member of her family.  Husband Rob, sons Keenen & Skyler and beautiful daughter Bella have come but at different times. We look forward to a return visit from all. Liz and her family are also supportive of our brother, Tresor in Arizona. The James family lives in California. Tresor is house & dog sitting while the family is away. Thanks a bunch!

Liz and Skyler check out the shirt the kids gave him for Christmas & The Nativity Liz received.

 

Learning Pathway

Memorial stone added to the path. 

Other News

Last but not least. Mama's leaving for a time of refreshing, healing and loving family in America.

 

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.

November 2016 Newsletter

November started out great but went down hill in the middle of the month.

Why?  Mama got very sick. A urinary tract infection, kidney stones, and a stone in the gall bladder did a number on yours truly. I landed in the hospital. One good thing that occurred was during this was my daughter, Patricia.  Patricia flew to Rwanda to be at my bedside. That was the best possible medicine. After 6 days in the hospital and some improvement, I was able to come home to continue my medication and recovery. The recovery has been slow.  I am not yet back to normal but I am working on it everyday.

Even though her visit was short, Patricia visited Urukundo Village.

Claudine and Patricia playing a match game.

 

Urukundo School.

 

Gitarama Birthing Center

 

Kyles’ last day was spent playing foote ball with the kids in the front yard.

Graduation

Urukundo Learning Center celebrated it's 5th graduation. 

It was a wonderful event. Here are a few highlight.

Our Graduates Forever, Soso and Isaah.

 

Proud father

Benjamin (our Maintenance Manager)’s child, Chuzuzo was in the graduating class.

 

Diplomas given the class                    

 

Urukundo hosted a two women team from GEI. The purpose was to interview teachers who had experienced the Drama teaching program formerly presented by Drew Cohn and the team from Buffalo Collage, Buffalo New York. Many of you will remember when the Anne Frank Project first came to Urukundo Learning Center and how successful it was. Theogin and Remy–Paul were the teachers chosen to meet with Kate and Solange and take part in the interview. Thank you teachers for giving up your Sunday to be a part of this worthwhile project.

Theogin, Kate, Solange, Remy-Paul

 

Olive Kate, Solange, Kyle

 

School progress

The new furniture for Primary 5 arrived and is waiting to be placed.

 

Our kids have this month and next as a long holiday from school. They are having fun just being together, playing soccer in my front yard and doing other fun things.

Johnny has a new puzzle.  It is a map of the United States. Combining fun with Geography.

 

Birthday party at the Day Care

 

Prince and Soso building with magnets.

 

Photo Gallery

 

Hope you enjoyed the Gallery also hope I did not miss any of the children.

Visitor

Another visitor Callie Scott from Pittsburgh, PA took part in the Graduation.

Kyle, Mama, Callie

Learning Pathway

New stone on path. 

Urukundo kids and Urukundo Foundation wishes all our friends and sponsors:

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2017