Graduation at last

While we wait for the National Exam results, we have our own graduation celebration. All children from preschool to Primary 6 and the Sewing Center students invite their parents and friends to come and see what they have learned in the past year.

The day starts very early at the school. Kids and parents gathered with the graduates at the school for the walk to the main road and up the street to the Urukundo main gate and then to the site set up for the graduation.

The march from the school to the site of graduation is a spectacular parade.

Blue and gold are the colors of the kindergarten graduates.

Awesome sight. What a parade! The graduates sing as they march to Mama’s gate. They enter and proceed to the soccer field where many tents are erected to protect guests from the sun and possible rain. This is the rainy season, you know.

We were blessed with a no rain day.

Primary 6 in caps and gowns. Each group has different colors. Black and green is Primary 6.

It is about one city block on the main road from the road to the school to Mama’s gate. Neighbors come out to watch and cheer the graduates on.

Sewing Center students bring up the rear. We are so proud of these young adults and their accomplishments. White and blue really stand out. One of the school projects is to make their own caps and gowns. They did a good job.

Entering mama’s gate. Teachers walk with the kids.

Greeting Mama and Pastor Yves. What joy! Until last year, I walked with the children and loved it. It is hard for me to not join the march, but age has a way of slowing us down. So I wait at my home gate and greet the students as they enter. I am honored to have Pastor Yves there with me, also greeting the kids.

Older grads wait while kindergarten kids are seated. It is quite a process. My home is in the background.

I do walk from my home to the celebration and make a grand entrance.

Left to right: guests of honor were Fortune Mukagatana, Muhanga vice mayor of social affairs; Florence Marie Uwanyirigira, Rwanda Parliament deputy; myself; my assistant, Olive Nyiracumi; Clare Effiong, leader of Esther’s Aid Culinary Arts School; Jean Marie Ntwari, executive director of the Urukundo Foundation, and Angelique Westmark, a volunteer from Germany.

What an interesting group! We were honored.

The Primary 6 graduates of last year were special guests.

Our university students came to support the younger students and to share in the program.

It was such a thrill for me to see so many of our university students arriving. They seldom are home together, so it was special for them also.

What a group!

This year at graduation we featured the development of the music program, starting with the All School Chorus.

The All School Chorus led us in the national anthem

Music is appreciated in our school. Being able to introduce music to our students is such a blessing.

This young girl learned to play the keyboard. This is an accomplishment worth doing.

African drums and guitar add to the music program and are so special. Drums are a part of the culture.

These drums were rented for the occasion. Some day we will purchase our own. They can be purchased here in Rwanda. We encourage both types of drums as great musical instruments.

Our orchestra is made up of flutes and violins. Wonderful music was presented by our own students. Parents were impressed. More instruments are needed.

Last but not least in the music program, our children respect their heritage and learn cultural singing and dancing.

We are very proud of our progress in developing the music program.

Developing an art program is next on the agenda.

This group is amazing.

Precision marchers from Primary 4 and Primary 5

In sync

Certificates were presented to kindergarten graduates. Each was signed by Mama and Headmaster.

Primary 6 students receive certificates after National exams. The Sewing Center certificates also are given at a later time.

The Tom Nunnally award for an outstanding student in the Sewing Center went to 22-year-old Germaine Iradukunda. This award is given each year by the Forest Hills Rotary Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in honor of deceased Rotarian Tom Nunnally.

Presenting the award is head of the sewing center, Theresa Mukabanana, and Florence from Rwanda Parliament.

It is difficult to get a really good group picture of all the graduates, but we tried.

November volunteers

Volunteer Kevin Castle is a teacher's aide at an American International School in Musanze called Virunga Valley Academy.

Here is what Kevin had to say about Urukundo: “I love Urukundo for being a place of love, patience and understanding, a kind of environment where kids grow in knowing Jesus as a Saviour. I think Urukundo takes after its own name. To see friendships and love nurturing among kids is beautiful, from the way they help each other and comfort one another. I also do appreciate the adults for being very intentional in what they pass on to the kids. At the end of the day, there is impeccable growth. All in all, I love Urukundo for being very impactful in the lives of children they touch.”

Angelique Westmark from Germany also volunteered. I believe this is Angelique’s third visit to Urukundo in as many years. It is our pleasure to have her. Her son Lennert first introduced her to Urukundo. Angelique introduced puppetry to Urukundo’s children. Telling stories with puppets is fun. Our kids loved presenting a puppet show at devotions.

University graduations

We enjoyed two university graduations in November.

Our daughter, Lilliane Wishavura, finished her courses in business at Akilah Institute for Women in Kigali. Our son, Alexander Prince, graduated in computer science from Adventist University of Central Africa, Masoro campus, in Kigali.

Lilliane’s graduation ceremony was held at the Kigali Convention Centre. It is an amazing place and perfect for this celebration. The auditorium is spacious. The graduation was impressive very well organized.

The grounds outside are beautiful even on a rainy day.

The center was able to contain a huge crowd. Room for all.

Attending her graduation were her mother and her Urukundo sister Divine.

Also there was Jean Marie Ntwari, executive director of the Urukundo Foundation. Oh yes, I was there too.

Later in the afternoon at lunch, it was my pleasure to meet Alan and Joan Graustein from New Hampshire, USA. They are with the Rwanda Children Education Foundation. This organization’s motto is “Helping Children Succeed.” Its Rwandan executive director, Jeanine Mukarubega, also shared in the conversation. It was interesting meeting people with like minds.

Alexander’s graduation from Adventist University of Central Africa also was impressive.

The auditorium was huge. The students were many. Friends and family filled the space to capacity. It was impressive even though I could see nothing and understand even less. We were there to honor Alexander and did manage to get a few photos.

Alexander’s aunt accompanied us from Muhanga to the graduation.

Later you will read in my book as I tell about Alexander and his very clever grandmother. Thanks to her, Alexander came to Urukundo 11 years ago. I am sorry his grandmother did not live to see her boy succeed in getting to university and graduating with his bachelor’s in computer science.

Community Celebration

Hope House was bulging at the seams. I did not believe so many could fit inside.

It was a glorious day when neighbors from Binunga Village brought their products and crafts to show their neighbors what is available in our own neighborhood.

This young boy built his own radio. A real crowd pleaser. Beginning technology.

Urukundo was represented by our Sewing Center.

The colorful mats on the table show how scraps of material can be used to make a product.

A closer look at the mats

Christmas Wishes

Dear Friends and Family,

As you approach the Christmas holiday, remember the reason for the season. Love one another and share your love with the unloved, the sad and the lonely. Have a heart full of joy and gladness.

Merry Christmas in the Rwandese language: Noheli Nziza.

Much love,

Mama Arlene

October 2019 Newsletter

October has been a mixed bag.

There have been good times, sad times and times to celebrate. Seasons are ever changing in Rwanda, and October is a month of torrents of rain. Sunshine, warm days, heavy rain and mud. Still a good place to live.

Heavy rain flooded the garden area. All planted seeds were washed away. We start over.

Walls do work wonders. Had the wall not been there, all the water and topsoil would have been in my house, plus much more. Retaining walls do work.

Rhubarb and tree tomatoes held the ground a little. A lot of rework to be done.

In process

The ground is ready for replanting. We have dug a ditch to have the water coming from the mountain bypass the garden. It was good to put more bricks in the walkway to avoid the mud caused by too much rain.

Library expanded

Expansion at the library is complete. We thank our donors, especially the Keating family for making this possible. The building expansion was from the Keatings. The table and chairs were from the Keatings and the African International Club (AIC). Books and activities for the kids were from various donors. Thanks much to everyone.

The photos show the improvements.

New tables and chairs in adult study area

Beautiful ceiling. Complete with lighting from ceiling and fresh air.

There is room for 30 or more students. This is a great study area for older P6 kids preparing for National Exams.

Reading room

Build it. Creative activity room.

Builders in creative activity room

On the walls, we used cultural art.

Dung art

Dung art is native to the area. It is made of cow dung and ash and painted with natural pigments. This tradition dates to the 18th century.

Baskets and pictures of dancers are traditional art.

Imagine such animals in your backyard! Awesome.

Animals and birds of Rwanda. These can be seen in Akagera National Park in their own environment.

Our library is much improved.

Sewing Center completed

The completed addition to the Sewing Center classroom makes a great building.

Front view of Sewing Center, which is a school of technology for sewing. When funds become available, the stones in front will be covered by cement. All in good time. These stones also help control mudslides on our property, especially where new construction has taken place and the ground is soft.

Rear view. Notice the storm clouds moving in.

More cement work to be done. Cement is US$10 a bag.

Inside classroom

Funds were raised for 45 desk-chair combinations. We thank all who picked up the challenge, and now every student will be comfortable attending class in January.

The room already is a blessing. We will find many uses for this room. At present, it is being used to prepare for graduation. Gowns are kept in storage each year to be used the next year. This is the first year we were able to wash, iron and hang the gowns, thanks to having the new classroom available. It makes graduation easier on the staff. Working ahead is good.

All graduates came to the room to be measured and fitted for a gown. Their name was attached to the gown that fit, and the gowns are arranged in alphabetical order by first name. This will make it easier to distribute the gowns the day before the ceremony.

Later, the room will be used to measure and fit new students enrolling in the 2020 year. It is so wonderful to have space to work that does not disrupt classes.

Upcoming graduation

Graduation is on the horizon.

We are ready. Preparations are in place. The Sewing Center makes the caps and gowns for graduation.

The colors of the gowns show the level of the students.

White and blue: Sewing Center

Solid blue: Kindergarten

Black: Primary 6

The caps on chairs have tassels, different for each level.

White: Sewing Center

Yellow: Kindergarten

Green: Primary 6

Special event

The baptism of Lani Aleen was a special event. Lani is the daughter of Urukundo Executive Director Jean Marie Ntware.

Lani is my adopted granddaughter. Take notice that she looks like me. Ha ha.

Two grandmothers

Mama can still dance. It’s not the jitterbug, but it is still fun.

Tragedies happen

This one close to home, school and heart.

Excess rain can be a serious problem in Rwanda. Our beautiful mountains are also dangerous in the season of rain. Mudslides are a constant threat. Older homes made of mud bricks have a tendency to weaken after many years of torrential rains.

Dorcus, a fourth-grade student at the Urukundo Learning Center, was injured in a freak accident. Dorcus was in the shower in her home get ready to come to school. A severe rainstorm was up in the mountain above her home. The mudslides caused by the storm hit the house above her home, pushing it into the wall surrounding her compound. The wall then crashed into the home, causing the wall in the room where she was bathing to collapse and crushing the little girl beneath the bricks. The mud bricks used to build a house weigh 40 pounds or more each.

Rescuing her and getting help to get her to the hospital took much too long. She was rushed to Kabgayi Hospital and then to a hospital in Kigali. So much damage to her little body. In two days, she had three surgeries.

Doctors have done their best. Dorcus has a long recovery time ahead once she makes it out of ICU. Prayers are needed for Dorcus and her family.

Dental Clinic update

May I introduce trainees Rahab Nyiransengiyumva (dental assistant) and Pascal Ubuzima (dentist in training)?

The other two, Ishmael Niyitegeka (chairside assistant) and Oliver Kansiime (our dentist) you have met before.

In the picture, Rahab is on the left, followed by Ishmael, Oliver and Pascal.

We are delighted to add our dental chair assistant, Rahab, and dentist in training,,Pascal. They are needed additions to the dental staff. Rahab has held other positions at Urukundo, starting as a cleaner and then shopkeeper at the Sewing Center, a caregiver in the daycare and now in training to be a chairside dental assistant. It is our pleasure to give talented, ambitious employees a chance for career advancement.

Pascal is a recent graduate from the University of Rwanda School of Medicine specializing in dentistry.

Our head dental person, Oliver, is an excellent teacher for a young person entering the field. Ishmael and Oliver will help Rahab to become an outstanding chairside assistant.

Notice the sign over the door.

Demonstration of how teeth should be brushed. Anyone have teeth this big? I think not.

Inside the clinic. A great team and equipment.