Our May newsletter begins with Urukundo Learning Center. We proudly salute Marie Merci Kamikazi, representing Urukundo Learning Center in the National Writing Competition. Marie Merci, a Primary 5 student, won a place in the National Writing Competition for primary students.
Headmaster Viateur and her dad accompanied her to Kigali for the presentation. As the winner representing our school, she received a special gift from the foundation for work well done.
May 2024 has seen a change in the weather pattern. Rain, although necessary, can cause problems when it does not conform as expected.
Here’s what unexpected devastating wind and rain storms can do to homes in Rwanda. I see the devastation and compare it to the damage done by tornadoes in the USA. We do have much in common.
Torrential rain storms cause mudbrick homes to crumble. Standing in front of what is left of his house with Pastor Yves, Claver, left, one of our church family, admitted he needs help. Pastor Yves and his fellow Christians will help him and his family rebuild their home.
Pastor Yves with Claver and his son.
Carol Falke, Hope Made Real president, returned to her USA family after a very fruitful time volunteering at the Urukundo Learning Center. Follow Carol on Facebook. Her photos and comments tell the story of Urukundo Learning Center and how volunteers can participate in enriching the lives of children in Rwanda.
Being the gentleman, Director Jean Marie assisted Carol by pushing the luggage up the ramp at the airport. Carol appreciated the help. Safe travels, Carol.
Read about Tresor Cyubahiro, right, in Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo” Page 85, “Hungering for Education.”
Tresor, one of Mama’s Rwandan sons, graduated from Arizona State University with honors.
After graduating, Tresor interned in California, where he met and became friends with Sasa Arsic from Switzerland. Tresor shared his story of his home in Urukundo and the wonders of his beautiful country, Rwanda. Sasa heads an NGO named “The Lucky Wagon.” His friendship with Tresor resulted in his NGO sending a team of five to Urukundo to see what it was all about.
This group of five arrived at 12:05 midnight on May 17 for pickup at the airport. Oswald, our minibus driver, and Esperance, our public relations person, brought them to Urukundo.
All five boarding the minibus: Sasa Arsic, Michael, Katarina, Frederick and Kevin.
After breakfast with Mama, it's time to visit the Learning Center and meet the kids.
The gate is a good place to start.
Little kids greeted with love.
Older kids reached out a hand.
The volunteers also helped in the classroom.
Giving a helping hand in class. It could be math or spelling.
Sasa shared reading time with the kids in the library.
In the activity room adjoining the library, it is creative time with Legos.
The volunteers also helped in the daycare.
Katarina learned how to secure an infant and continue to care for others. Hey, Rwanda mamas do it all the time. It works. Anitha, daycare manager, instructed.
It was fun to get down on the mat and be kids again. Great photo.
The daycare photo op. Kids love sunglasses.
It's a girl thing.
There also was time for play.
Selfies are such fun.
Ready for sports. Anyone for foote ball (soccer)?
The group visited the farm.
Really, there is milk coming from this faucet. Stand still, cow.
Baby calf born while they were here. I did not prearrange this. At Urukundo, things just happen.
Old McDonald had a farm, but I bet his cows did not have horns like the king's cows at King's Palace in Rwanda. King’s cows are more picturesque than Urukundo’s cows.
Mama to baby above. She is beautiful but has no big horns.
Ollie found a new friend.
Volunteer Fred painted kitchen windows. There is more work to be done. Thank you, Fred.
Photo of kitchen exterior now. Looking good.
Looks like one long building. Transporting food will be much easier now.
A box arrived from the USA. I was so excited to receive it. These are the contents of the box after unpacking. Beautiful crocheted newborn sweater sets, hats and lots of goodies.
I sat down to send a thank you to the sender, Margie Krogh. I always start by saying “Thank you for your package sent (the date it was sent). I looked at the date and could not believe my eyes. This was not possible. I looked again. The date sent was indeed June 14, 2021.
Not sure the journey this box took, but for sure South Africa was in there. Three years is a long time to travel, even for a box of goodies. Glad there was nothing perishable.
The Mama & Baby Project is growing, It has gone beyond newborns. Caring for the children in our community is important. We can not turn our backs on the needs of other little children in the community.
Through the Urukundo Worship Center and the Mama & Baby Project, our outreach has expanded to include toddlers and preschoolers.
A day of Remembering the Genocide for students and teachers in Primary 5 and 6 was hosted by the Cyeza sector on May 24. The HMR House was chosen for the event. Hundreds of children from many schools in the area were invited and attended.
It was our honor to serve this sector event.
I so appreciate comments from newsletter readers. If you have a minute, let me know you read the newsletter.
I also appreciate messages from visitors. These are two of the five messages received from our Switzerland visitors upon their departure.
Let me share them with you.
Sasa wrote:
I am so glad I met Tresor. Without this blessed encounter, none of these beautiful memories would have been created. Thank you, Mama Arlene, Esperance, Jean Marie, Seraphine, and all the staff and the amazing children at Urukundo.
Sasa, president of The Lucky Wagon ❤️
Kevin wrote:
Merci pour tout! Votre accueil, générosité et l'amour que vous donnez à ces enfants hauts a beaucoup touché. 💗 On ne vous oubliera pas.
Kevin
No idea what he said. I am sure it was complimentary.
See you next month.
Much love,
Mama Arlene
The month that starts out as a day for fooling your friends and family (April Fools’ Day) is no joke in Rwanda.
We mean business.
That business is to share the further progress of the kitchen with you
March 29
April 22
April 26
Now the internal work will be the focus. Decisions must be made on walls, floors, painting, workspace, utilities, etc. What equipment best fits our purpose? Domestic or industrial? There are three work centers in any kitchen. Storage area for bulk and fresh foods; the sink (water) area; and the cooking area. In our building, we also must have an office for the kitchen manager and a dressing room where workers can change into clean work clothing, saving wear and tear on their regular clothing. This building is big enough for all.
More on the kitchen progress in May. Stay tuned.
Our 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser has reached the time when its parts are worn, and it is no longer economically sound to maintain.
Decision made.
Urukundo has a new-to-us vehicle.
It is a Toyota RAV4. Gas mileage is better; tires are less expensive. It will be used for short runs and two-person transport. I would have preferred a blue one, but silver is ok.
A special volunteer team has committed to raising funds to pay for a minibus that would hold up to 12 people and luggage for picking up volunteers at the airport. We are grateful for that promise.
Carol Falke, president of the Hope Made Real International Board, was the first to be picked up in the new RAV4.
Carol arrived at Urukundo bag and baggage on April 14. We look forward to her visit every year. This is Year 13. She missed one year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. She brings lots of goodies for the village and the school.
This is a gift that keeps on giving.
The Lower Merion Soccer Club in Pennsylvania, USA, shared their shirts with our kids. They really look good.
What is the old saying? “He'd give you the shirt off his back.” They did it. Thanks, guys.
