Babies continue to bless our lives.
Mama & Baby project is so appreciated.
Dental news
Introducing the family of Willars, our new hire. He is a family man for sure.
Ornella, Mom Julienne, Armel, Audrey, baby Noble, and dad Wellars, now the second dental hygienist at Urukundo Dental Clinic.
Beautiful family.
Noble on my lap.
Sewing Center News
The story of the Sewing Center is in my book, “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo” on Page 216.
A success story to be shared. For Urukundo, the Sewing Center is an example of Hope Made Real.
A pleasure for my day. I received in my office a smiling young woman and an invitation to her wedding.
Marie Claire Cyuzuzo graduated in 2015. This was our first graduating class. She received the Tom Nunnally Award for Excellence, which awarded a sewing machine.
After graduation, Marie Claire went to work using her machine and made enough profit to buy two cows for her family. A year later, she bought a second machine and gave it to a young woman who could not afford to purchase a machine. Paying it forward. She then hired that person to work with her as her first employee.
Her goal after her wedding is to work hard, add more sewing machines and expand her business.
In her own words: “I thank Urukundo Sewing Center for the great education they gave me and Urukundo Foundation in general for the basics they have given me to start my life, including the sewing machine I got as an award.”
Class of 2015. Started with four students and in just a day grew to five. Marie Claire is the last student on the right, next to the gentleman tailor.
Marie Claire and our head teacher, Theresa Mukabanana.
Baptisms
An important day in the life of two of Urukundo’s children. John and Livine were baptized on Aug. 21. This was a very special day for them.
John’s foster parents share love and support. His foster mom, Josephine, is on Urukundo’s staff in the day care.
Livine’s foster mom Juliette shares her joy on this day. Juliette is human resource director at Urukundo.
We are so grateful to the staff members who stepped up and became foster parents for several of our kids.
Sunday surprise
In worship on Sunday, Aug. 22, this dear woman went up front and asked for prayers for the birth of her long-awaited first baby.
Pastor took one look at her face, gave a quick prayer and said, “Go to the birthing center now.” She went quickly. She gave birth 30 minutes later.
Everyone at church counts it as a miracle. I call it a close call.
After the service Pastor Yves visited the newborn. Thank God the birthing center is just across the road from our house of worship.
A bit of humor
Love this photo. It appeared on my camera unexpectedly.
What could he be thinking? If the shoe fits, wear it. Put your best foot forward. Naw!!!
Claude’s message was this: “Look at my new shoes for school, Mom.” I looked. He calls them his basketball shoes.
A message from Mama
When you read this newsletter, I will be in the USA.
As I journey forth to share the story of Urukundo, it is my hope that hearts will open and our goals will be achieved. One of those goals is to have a Sports House (gymnasium) for the Urukundo Learning Center. Can you help make it happen?
Reminder:
Donations can be sent to
Hope Made Real
PO Box 3222
Williamsport, PA 17701
July Newsletter
I am sharing my itinerary for my USA trip from Sept. 2 to Dec. 5.
Check at bottom of this newsletter for details.
Some additional meetings or personal invitations can be added on open dates. If you would like to schedule, please contact me at arlene@hopemadegreal.org or Patricia Brown at pdbrown@spiritworks.org, 412-999-1912.
Hope to see many of you at these events.
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.