An adult computer class in progress. Our managers must have the computer skills necessary to complete their jobs.
Managers Libby, Delphine and Anitha are apt students. Urukundo’s Director Jean Marie Ntwari teaches the class. Just one of his many responsibilities.
There are still three buildings on the property constructed of mud bricks. They are the kitchen, the Mama & Baby Project house, and the house used for storage. Mud brick buildings have no foundation and the walls crumble with time. These buildings were on the property when Urukundo purchased the land. We upgraded them with paint and repairs, but, needless to say, they are in bad condition and have to be removed. Demolition is in progress.
Demolition in progress on April 5, 2023
The cobbled roof is gone, and doors and windows removed (to be used elsewhere). In short order, the building will be no more. The roof tiles will be sold. Sorry to see this building go but necessary. It has had many lives. It was the original Mama & Baby Project house, then used as a guest house, after that a home for little boys, and last year we used it as the Christmas house (a space where we wrapped and stored Christmas gifts for all the Urukundo and community children).
The original view
The view after removing the mud brick houses. It opens up the view. It is time to finish upgrading the kitchen, which is the small light green building at the far end of HMR House. Our plan for this piece of land is to have a lawn garden with trees and flowers. A place where visitors can enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, Fanta and each other. It will be interesting to see what the future holds.
Marilyn Ely and Carol Falke
Marilyn and Carol are members of the Hope Made Real International Board of Directors. Carol is president of the board, and Marilyn is treasurer. They have been yearly volunteers at Urukundo. That is until covid struck. Carol returned in 2022 after covid restrictions were lifted. Not so for Marilyn. Carol and Marilyn were scheduled to come together in 2022, but days before their departure date Marilyn tested positive for covid and did not accompany Carol. Sad to say, Marilyn stayed home in the USA. We missed her and were happy to welcome both Carol and Marilyn in 2023.
Carol teaching a 1-year-old to motor. No pedals, just foot power.
It worked.
Learning to walk with the aid of a vehicle on wheels. This little one is on all fours when the vehicle is in use elsewhere. Our daycare is an amazing place for learning motor skills. Thanks to gifts from donors.
Carol and Marilyn spent many hours in the Learning Center library.
Benjamin Western
Benjamin visited Urukundo in 2017.
Our kids were home then. Love the photo.
This time, his purpose was to photograph and record Urukundo for a documentary. This should be interesting. I will keep you informed on the progress of this venture.
Benjamin and his camera on a visit to the Sewing Center.
The Sewing Center has a new location. Update in May’s newsletter.
No documentary would be complete without visiting the Urukundo Learning Center.
Walking the walk with visitors Marilyn, Carol and Benjamin were Headmaster Viateur and Dean Anuarite.
An interesting visit was to the Music Center.
Both choral and instrumental music were performed.
The library and our visitors got his attention.
The daycare was next on his list.
His equipment was fascinating for the older kids.
Better watch that tripod, Benjamin! You may have an assistant someday from Urukundo. Bruno is more than curious and is investigating further.
During their visit, our visitors – Carol, Marilyn and Benjamin – explored the Zipline airport, the location of the spectacular drone medical service to Rwanda. Our twin Kenny was home at the time and journeyed with them. It was a great experience for him.
Hearing from the expert.
It was a pleasant surprise to have Kenny drop in on his way back to secondary school.
Benjamin and Kenny became good friends.
My favorite baby photo for April.
The Mama & Baby Project is a blessing to so many newborns and mamas.
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 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.
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.
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.
Papa Dale shares storytime at the daycare.
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
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.
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.
