Sewing students graduate

The Sewing School graduation took place, but there was no parade of the students, no gathering of parents and friends, no student participation to celebrate achievements accomplished during the school year. It was different.

The new auditorium is such a blessing.

In spite of the pandemic, the sewing school class of 2021 held a simple graduation ceremony and celebration on July 8. It was my honor to be present.

Distancing and masks were observed.

Seated with a fellow graduate, the young lady wearing glasses is Nelly Nukubana. It was our pleasure to honor her with the Thomas Nunnally Award for Excellence for being the top student. Each year, the Forest Hills Rotary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, honors the late Tom Nunnally, founder of our Sewing School, by presenting this award in his name.

The prize is a sewing machine.

Teachers Epiphanie and Theresa and Mama present the sewing machine to Nelly.

Speakers for the occasion:

Headmaster Irene presented the students to receive their diplomas.

Urukundo Foundation’s acting director Jean Marie Ntwari accepted the graduates as the Class of 2021.

Guest of honor. Yep, it is me.

Teachers Theresa, Epiphanie and Udahemuka

Graduation photo with speakers, staff and students. Love it.

Students take a risk to get a group photo with Mama.

Primary 6 graduates

Primary 6 finished the year 2020-21.

After the national exams ended, the buses returned the kids from the exams to the Urukundo campus.

Now it is time to relax and prepare for a very special occasion.

The photo was taken in front of their classroom.

Yves, Livine, John and Sarah are our kids. These four graduates grew up in the Urukundo Home for Children. Came as babies and left as bright youth on their way to a bright future.

The walk to the auditorium is awesome. It is a bit strange to have no parents walking alongside their graduates. Much different than other years.

Photos with mama

Students, some faculty and administration

A first at the Urukundo Learning Center: Other years, our Primary 6 graduates only received a notice from the National Exam that they had completed Primary 6 and would be admitted to the secondary level of education. However, kindergarten received a certificate of promotion to primary. Primary 6 should also be so honored. It finally happened, and, for the first time, certificates were awarded. We are pleased, and the kids were ecstatic. They are the first. This will now take place every year.

Day care intern

Lambert Musabyimana has completed his internship at Urukundo Day Care. He came to serve the internship through an NGO called Save the Children International. We were blessed by his presence. Although his internship is finished, he expects to spend time as a volunteer at Urukundo Day Care.

Photo shows him with one of our day care kids.

In our neighborhood

Baby Bruno lost his mama at birth to Covid-19. As a neighbor, we will do our part. Urukundo will help his family provide care for this beautiful baby boy.

Our first help is clothing from the Mama & Baby project.

Our next help is day care. Staff members Josephine and Anitha along with curious kids welcome the little boy.

Eyes wide open.

USA itinerary of Mama Arlene Brown, Fall 2021

Wed., Sept. 1 Depart Kigali International Airport, Rwanda

Thurs., Sept. 2 Arrival from Rwanda in USA, Dulles International Airport in Dulles, VA.

Thurs., Sept. 2 Dinner and book signing in Reston, VA, 5 p.m. By invitation from Mary Jackson.

Fri., Sept. 3 Dinner and book reading in Reston, VA. 6 p.m. By invitation from Lloyd and Joellyn Kinzer.

Sun., Sept. 5 United Christian Parish, 11508 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190. 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m. lunch and book reading (with Covid-19 protocols). Contact: Kathy Kelly, katkell400@comcast.net, 571-232-8830.

Sept. 7-18 TBD, Pittsburgh, PA. Contact: Patricia Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org, 412-999-1912.

Thurs., Sept. 9 Beacon Hill Book Club, Wilkinsburg, PA. By invitation only. Contact: Stephanie Carleton,calcium25@gmail.com.

Sun., Sept 12 Waverly Presbyterian Church, 590 S. Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. 11 a.m. reading as service begins. Contact: Pastor Caitlin Werth, pastor@waverlychurch.org, 412-242-0643.

Sun., Sept. 19 Christ Church McKeansburg, 6 S. Race St., New Ringgold, PA 17960. 8:45 and 10 a.m. morning worship speaker. Sunday School book reading and video. Contact: Pastor Sunny Stock, pastorsunny@verizon.net, 570-640-3078.

Wed., Sept. 22 To be announced. Contact: Erin Friday, efriday@thousandhillsaccounting.com, 484-919-0904.

Sun., Sept 26 Grace United Methodist Church, 309 Herman Ave, Lemoyne, PA 17043. 10 a.m. worship. Contact: Pastor Jason Schwartzman, office@graceumlemoyne.org, 717-763-7632.

Mon., Sept. 27 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, book reading, location and time in Mechanicsburg to be announced. Contact: Michelle Schwartzman, VIM@susumc.org, 717-766-7441, ext. 3105.

Sun., Oct. 3 Hebron Church, 10460 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. 4 to 6 p.m. mission fair. Contact: Bruce Krogh, krogh@ece.cmu.edu.

Tues., Oct. 5 Wilkinsburg Rotary at James Flower Shoppe, 719 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221. 12:15 p.m. book talk. Contact: John Irwin, JCIrwin@aol.com, 412-680-1381.

Oct. 13-15 SUNY Buffalo State, NY. Contact: Eve Everette, assistant director, Anne Frank Project, everetec@buffalostate.edu, 716-713-2699, 713-878-5559.

Sun., Oct. 17 Brookville Presbyterian Church, 100 North White St., Brookville, PA 15825. 9 a.m. Sunday School meet-and-greet; 10 a.m. short talk in church service; luncheon. Contact: Vicki Mason, vam1955@comcast.net, 814-849-4626.

Wed., Oct 20 Forest Hills Rotary at Jodi B’s Restaurant, 2600 Ardmore Blvd, Forest Hills, PA 15221. 7 a.m. Contact: Bob Dove, drbobdove@aol.com, 412-867-5013.

Sun., Oct. 24 St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave, State College, PA 16801. 10 a.m. mission moment, meet-and-greet for 30 minutes following the service.

Sun., Oct. 24 Mt. Nittany United Methodist Church, 1500 E. Branch Road, State College, PA 16801. Afternoon speaking engagement, including PowerPoint and book signing. Open to local churches and supporters.

Mon., Oct. 25 State College, PA. Book chat. Contact: Carol Falke for location and time, falkes248@gmail.com, (814) 321-1076.

Mon., Oct. 25 Kiwanis Club of State College, PA, location to be announced. 5:45 p.m.

Tues., Oct 26 State College Rotary, location to be announced. 5:30 p.m. book talk. Contact: Nandu Desai, 925-351-1074.

Wed., Oct. 27 Sunrise Rotary, Scholar Hotel, 205 E. Beaver Ave., State College, PA 16801. 7:15 a.m. Contact: Carol Baney, 814-404-9694.

Sat., Oct 30 “Home with Mary Ruth” book reading, 1 to 3 p.m. By invitation only.

Sun., Oct. 31 Phelps Chapel United Methodist Church, 68 Phelps Chapel Road, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Presentation during 9 a.m. Sunday service. Contact: Donna Timblin, dtimblin@bigwoodslandco.com, 570-220-6448.

Tues., Nov. 2 WAWHO meeting (closed meeting), Moon & Raven Public House, Williamsport. 7:30 p.m. Contact: Maddi Dunlap, madwoman951@gmail.com, 570-916-3969.

Sun., Nov. 7 St. Paul Calvary United Methodist Church, 1427 Memorial Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School book reading and conversation. Contact: Ann Runnels, arunnels@susumc.org, 570-322-5054.

Wed., Nov. 10 Friends Church, 137 S. Third St., Hughesville, PA 17737. Luncheon. Contact to register: Jeanne Willis, jtwillis1@comcast.net, 570-447-7486.

Sat., Nov. 13 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. 5:30 p.m. service. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.

Sun., Nov. 14 St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Contact: Pastor Lenora Hosier, lhosier@susumc.org, 570-326-5569.

Nov. 15-19 International Education Week, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Center for Global Engagement with University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the UMB Office of Global Health. Meetings with UMB's schools of dentistry, nursing and medicine. Contact: Valli Meeks: valli.meeks@gmail.com, 484-919-0904.

Sun., Nov. 21 Crossroads Church, 1454 PA-44, Jersey Shore, PA 17740. Update during 10 a.m. Sunday service. Also a display table and meet-and greet. Contact: George Morton, gjmorton@comcast.net, 570-220-3621.

Sun., Dec. 5 Depart USA for Rwanda

A note from Mama

These two men believed in education.

Nelson Mandela:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Benjamin Franklin:

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

My sentiments exactly. Amazing. These two very wise men agree with me. Wow.

Mama

Sharing my joy

If you have not heard, I am happy to announce that I am coming to the U.S. on Sept. 2 and will be in the U.S. through the first week of December. During this time, I’m looking forward to meeting with family and friends in their homes or meeting spaces to give a book talk on my newly published book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.”

A book talk is a short, informal presentation that engages the listeners to enter into the fun, suspense, and adventures of myself and the children. I would love to share my story. A conversational question-and-answer time follows. I hope that long-time supporters will gain deeper insights into my life and the development of the foundation. Those new to Urukundo will have their curiosity ignited. The aim is for everyone to be challenged and empowered to live their best life.

In addition, I welcome the opportunity to take part in your Sunday morning services to share Urukundo and its story of love.

I also am available to come as a guest speaker at your event. Together we can plan a presentation that best suits your audience.

Copies of the paperback book can be mailed directly at cost from Amazon or Book Baby through Mama Arlene’s account to be billed directly to those hosting. Contact her daughter, Patricia D. Brown, for the account information.

To submit your request, please contact Patricia D. Brown, 412-999-1912, pdbrown@spiritworks.org or www.spiritworks.org.

Get your request in ASAP. Mama

Update on the residence and guesthouse

Metal roofing sheets arrived on Friday, May 28.

Lovely vision. Yes, Yes!

Beautiful plant

This plant in my front yard never ceases to amaze me. We denude it each Easter. It serves us for Palm Sunday. It bounces back with new growth differently each year.

The plant last year.

This year. Can’t wait to see what it does next year.

Special visitors

As a mom, it’s hard to believe my kids are old enough to think of marriage although I know it is true. Tresor brought his girlfriend Sandra home to introduce her to me and the Urukundo family,

My memories of Tresor are in my book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo” on pages 85-86.

Older brothers Tresor and Amin with older sister Seraphine posed for a photo with the younger generation: John, Claudine, Sarah, Benita, and Soso.

Amin hides his eyes as big brother Tresor steals the show. It was so great to have Amin, Seraphine, and Tresor spend some quality time with the younger set.

Day care

Foote ball at an early age.

Day care kids need more balls to practice with. Are there such things as little soccer balls?

The blue ball collapses when you step on it. See the photo below.

Boy in red and white sweater with his foot on the blue ball. Oh well, it bounces back.

Hopemadereal House a multi-purpose center

Yep, the new building has a name. Say it fast. It sounds OK that way.

Now that we have a building large enough to accommodate all students at the school, a special assembly is called each Friday and an event takes place. Hopemadereal House is the auditorium for this event.

First school presentation in the new building. This group was only Primary 4, 5, and 6. The competition was a spelling contest and a reading contest in English.

The second week’s event featured the school orchestra and chorus.

We’re so proud of both.

This assembly hosted both a spelling contest and a reading contest in Kinyarwanda. All 1,020 kids were present, and there is room for more. I am told the next assembly will be in French. Kinyarwanda, French and English are taught in our primary school.