Message from Mama

This was my message in 2013. It is still my message in 2023. The story of Urukundo and its future is ongoing.

My message to you dear friends is this:

Love is the answer sent to us by our Lord. Share that love. Our world no longer is just in the neighborhood where we live. Everyone is our neighbor and worthy of love. Only you can give the love you have in your heart, but love is contagious. Spread it around. Open your heart, no matter what your age or ability. The Lord can and will use you if you are willing.

Mama Arlene

March newsletter

March was a month full of activities. Visitors, International Women's Day and karate promotion. I am looking forward to what April will bring.

My grandson Mason Brown and his dad Tim Brown, who were included in Februray’s newsletter, continued their visit this month.

So did my son Jerry Brown.

Saying “so long ‘ til we meet again” to some of my family and hello to more family was so special.

My daughter Patricia “Tricia” Brown, son-in-law Dale Bauman and me. I’m the short one.

Hey, I’m a mom.

It was such a pleasure for me to share Rwanda, its treasures, Urukundo Village and Urukundo Learning Center with some of my USA family.

At Urukundo Learning Center gate

Headmaster Viateur escorted our visitors. 

Walking from the library down the path to the primary classrooms is an exercise in balance.

The soccer field is the perfect place to mingle with the kids.

Spending time with the kids on the playground became a daily pleasure for Dale.

Dale climbed my mountain. In my younger days, I would have enjoyed climbing with him. This was my favorite climb several years ago.

More fun with the kids

I remember as a kid jumping rope. My dad would cut a piece of rope from my mother's clothesline. Showing my age. If you do not know the term, a clothesline is a rope or wire strung between two trees where mom hung the washed, wet clothes to dry. Yep, that was before dryers.

I would spend hours jumping rope. It was something I could do by myself. Hey, we didn’t live near other kids and my brothers thought it was a girl thing. Well, now jump rope has come to Urukundo Learning Center. Both girls and boys participate. It is a competitive sport, and I think it is great. I thank everyone who helped supply us with the needed ropes.

Dale and Tricia not only brought the ropes but Dale Introduced the new sport to the students during lunch break. Jumping rope is a fun way to exercise and competition is the name of the game. Who can jump higher and who can jump longer?

Dale takes his turn holding the rope. How high can you jump? Still determining if jumping would be a good idea. For the kids, yes. For me, no. Age does make a difference.

Education DeanTheogin and Dale help turn Double Dutch ropes. There are so many ways the ropes can be used. Our students will try them all.

Promotion

Karate has long been an ongoing sport at Urukundo. At first, it was a project for the community.

The teacher asked if they could use our basketball court Saturday mornings in good weather and Hope House when the weather did not cooperate (rain). From that beginning, karate expanded and is now taught in our school.

Earning belts is a sign of progress. There are six belt colors: white (the starting belt),orange, blue, yellow, green, brown and black (the ultimate goal). Each belt is earned. At our school, there is a celebration where the class and their achievements are recognized and belts are awarded.

I am honored to have been invited to take part in this celebration.

Karate promotion

Headmaster and special guests Patricia Brown and Mama Arlene presented the certificates.

The group photo includes examiners, instructor, karate kids, parents and special guests Patricia Brown and Dale Bauman.

More activities

Papa Dale shares storytime at the daycare.

International Women's Day

Tricia speaks with Urukundo women. What a wonderful day!

Our visitor Patricia joined the women on our staff in honoring all women. I was especially happy to honor those who work so hard to make Urukundo the place it is.

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 by women everywhere. Urukundo is proud to be a part of this day of recognizing women who serve not only our children but also the community.

Fanta (soft drink), cookies and good conversation were shared by our women employees. The men think they should also have a day. I will have to think about that.

Patricia spent time with the little ones in the daycare nursery and the Mama & Baby House

Worship

Pastor Yves and Rev. Dr. Patricia, who has been in ministry since age 23, shared in ministering.

Olive helped add Kinyarwanda words to the signs.

Rev. Dr. Patricia was the speaker for the day. Olive was the translator.

Acting out the sermon with members of the congregation was a different and an enjoyable event.

Just a great photo to share.

A drone airport

Did you ever visit a Zipline drone airport? The drone has been a lifesaver to the residents of Rwanda. Rwanda is “the land of a thousand hills.” The mountainous terrain that Rwanda is famous for making saving lives in many outreaches almost impossible. In frightening emergencies, people died who could have been saved had they received blood or needed medication in time. The drone has changed all that in Rwanda. What once took hours can now be delivered in minutes.

This is one of the many attractions enjoyed by guests visiting Urukundo Villager and Learning Center. It is located in Muhanga, less than a mile from Urukundo Village and Learning Center.

An added educational attraction.

Message from Mama

I read somewhere that March contains the first day of spring. I am glad it happens every year at the same time. Spring marks the rebirth of Mama Nature. So, OK, that is great. Flowers bloom, trees get new leaves, mama bears emerge from a long winter's nap and everywhere the miracles called spring happen. Enjoy spring for summer is close behind.

I miss spring in Pennsylvania. 

Love, Mama

A new wrinkle at Urukundo Foundation.

Due to our hopes and requests from our visitors, Urukundo is now offering a package to acquaint our visitors with the culture and countryside of Rwanda.

This 3-day package is a good one. One & two-day packages are also available.

URUKUNDO TOUR MARCH 2023
Day 1 — Nyanza & Huye Museums visit
Day 2 — Kigali city tour + Genocide Memorial
Day 3 — Akagera Safari Game Drive
 
INCLUSIONS
3 days 4x4 safari car hire
2 nights 2 rooms b & b
All Museums fees + Royal cows
All Akagera park permits
All Akagera packed lunches
Accompanying Guide 3 days
All taxes & handling fees
TOTAL PRICE = ...

Some of what you will experience.

Kings Palace

Kings Palace

Royal Cows

Animals in their natural habitat

Also available:

  • Muhanga, zipline drone airport.

  • Nyungwe Rain Forest - is undoubtedly the most floristically rich forest in Rwanda.

  • Gorilla Tracking - The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat. There is an age limit for this event.

Other safari and excursions are open upon request.

February Newsletter

Our greatest loves are the children who come to Urukundo Learning Center and the babies in the daycare. The little ones must be in a pleasant environment. The daycare occupies the former Dental Clinic (which has moved to a new location) and the original girls’ home. We now have more space for very young children (ages 3 months to 3 years). With the added space, we looked at the daycare with new eyes. How could we make it better at a low cost?

A decision was made to make it bright by adding colors and providing more space to play. We needed a more kid-friendly environment. Amazing what a little paint, a roller or a brush, and a willing worker can do!

Brown cribs came outside to be painted.

Now in the crib area are pretty cribs and beautiful children..What a wonderful difference a little color can make for children!

Then came the beds.

Pink, blue, yellow, and lavender are wonderful colors.

Cupboards, tables, and benches have a new personality.

After brightening the furniture, we painted the interior walls and added what we hope will be pleasant to the eye and educational for our young learners.

Then it was  time to decorate the walls.

The art on the walls indicates the activity that takes place in the room.

Artists worked freehand. One sketched; the other filled in the  pictures. Great teamwork!

The finished products are beautiful walls.

Sleep-inducing – we hope – cribs.

Older children's naptime

The art in the dining room features strawberries, bananas, passion fruit, apple, orange pineapple, papaya, and avocado.

Cabbage, pepper, and cucumbers.

Potatoes, green beans, and corn.

Cup, bowl, spoon, plate with food, glass with juice, children eating, bowl of food, pitcher, fork, spoon, and cooking pot.

Now wander through the door to the play area with me.

I love it all, but the animals are my favorite.

African animals (They joined Winnie the Pooh, already on the door.)

Vehicles

Moto and driver; helicopter; schoolhouse; and children at  play.

Awesome kids’ play area.

An added attraction is this beautiful and sturdy doll house.

Play to learn

This month's play-to-learn project is construction. Construction is often thought of as a kind of a guy thing.

I am Kelia. I am going to be a builder when I grow up. My friend Atete also wants to build.

I am Atete. I am a girl. I will be a builder one day.

Someday I will build big buildings. Now we build with Legos, Duplos, and nuts and bolts.

Nuts-and-bolts construction sets are useful to learn how to use tools.

Hard hats are important when you work in construction. Doesn’t matter if they are on wrong; they still cover the head.