August Newsletter

August is a quiet month at Urukundo.

School is not in session.

We share the special events of August with you, our followers.

A wedding, a graduation and a special visit.

The wedding

Congratulations to the newlyweds.

Marilyn Ely has been a part of the Urukundo Family from its inception and we celebrate with her as she begins a new life journey with Ward Yorks. Marilyn is a member of  Hope Made Real the International Board of Directors.

The graduation

Oliver, our dental hygienist, is making an effort to take care of not only the dental program but also looking to improve the business part of the dental program. On Aug. 3, she graduated from Mount Kenya University with a Master's in Business Administration.

Congratulations, Oliver.

The special visit

I am so very happy to welcome home Divine Uwonkunda. Divine was our first little girl in the Urukundo family. The beginning of Divine’s story is on Pages 69 and 96 of the book “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.” Divine did not stay that little girl. Her story continues in a future publication (maybe). She was not the oldest, just the first to arrive at our home for children.

Divine has grown into a fine woman who graduated from university and, to further her experiences, traveled to Germany in 2021. Her desire to become a pilot has not wavered. Her visit home to Urukundo was just that – a visit. She returns to Germany at the end of August.

Circus time

Ever the ambassador for the Urukundo Foundation, Divine brought volunteers from Germany with her.  The group works with special needs children using a circus theme.

From left: Claudi, Nellie, Christine, Claudi, and Markus. Christine’s passion is serving special needs children at a home in Kibilizi, Rwanda.

Fred was the youngest member of the group. It was a bit hard to catch Fred in a photo. Camera shy, I think.

The main purpose of the circus time group's coming to Rwanda was to support a home and school for special needs children.

Christine Kandebaua has a heart as big as forever. She represents Wir fur Ruanda (We for Rwanda), which runs the Children’s Hope Centre in Kibilizi, Rwanda. It provides children with intellectual disabilities a two-year school and remedial training program. The volunteers brought their circus time program to the Children’s Hope Centre. The kids had a wonderful time. 

Claudi shared some of her photos from the visit with special needs kids with us.

The pure joy on this smiling face is reward enough for making the trip from Germany.

Balancing on a ball is a challenge.

It is possible with a little help from your friends.

The mattress is there to catch the one who might fall. It is important to encourage the children but to ensure their safety.

Pyramid. Well, maybe.

The parachute was a big hit. Our kids at the Urukundo Learning Center enjoy a similar exercise.

Even though their visit was short and our school was not in session, they spent time at the daycare, clapping hands and having pretend tea.

They visited the school.

A classroom

The library

They took a walk near the compound.

We are so grateful they found time in their busy schedule to spend a few days at Urukundo and thank them for bringing our daughter Divine home for a short visit.

Saying goodbye was not final as we hope they will return when school is in session and share their circus talents with Urukundo Learning Center students.

More Urukundo family members return

It is always a blessing when one of my Urukundo kids comes home. Esperance Nyampinga has completed her probationary employment period and is our public relations manager.

She is one of the original 13 girls who made up Urukundo home for girls. You can read about Esperance and our adventure together on Page 210 in “Hope Made Real: The Story of Mama Arlene and the Children of Urukundo.”  Yes, she is the same girl.

An Urukundo son visited home also. Bosco made it home for an overnight visit. He graduates from Mount Kenya University this year.

Quite the handsome young man. Hey, moms are allowed to make such comments.

Worship

It is not easy for me to share this last bit of news, but it is necessary. During the week of Aug. 11, 2024, many church buildings were closed in Rwanda because it is believed they do not comply with the required ordinances. Urukundo Worship Center is one of them.

Urukundo has never been visited by the Rwanda person in charge of determining if we have met the faith-based requirements. We hope that this visit will happen soon and our building will again be a place for the faithful to meet for worship on Sunday mornings. In the meantime, we will meet, a few at a time, and spend time singing and in prayer. The early Christians did not meet in buildings. Jesus taught outdoors.

These young people were baptized Aug.17. Building closed; the church (fellowship) goes on.

Pastor Yves and Assistant Pastor Chantel made sure the newly baptized disciples had a Bible printed in their own language.

Here is Pastor Yves baptizing one of the disciples in a nearby lake.

A memory from Mama

I am not sure how many of you share a memory like this with me. I was baptized by immersion. At age 13, it was decided I should be baptized.

After revival services at Lovejoy, a town near Commodore, Pennsylvania, USA, the whole church – about 30 people – walked to a nearby creek. Brother Tom Shaw walked with me down the bank, and together we walked into the water. I was dipped under the water. Came up soaking wet and in tears. I remember the church singing “Happy Day.” What a day that was!

The girl walking into the lake with Pastor Yves in the photo reminded me of my baptism 80 years ago. For me, it wasn’t a lake. It was a creek in Pennsylvania. It was a happy day. That event in Lovejoy all those years ago started me on a path leading to Africa, Rwanda, and Urukundo where faith, hope, and love abound.

Love, Mama

July Newsletter

As usual, this newsletter begins with the last week of the previous month. My greatest joy was the arrival of my daughter Patricia on June 25 from the USA.

Rev. Dr. Patricia “Tricia” D. Brown.

Patricia was one of the founders of our NGO, Hope Made Real, and served as chair on the first board of directors.

Added blessing

Imagine having one of my Rwandan daughters Lilliane and one of my American daughters Patricia visiting their mom, me. How great is that?

Patricia brought three other volunteers with her. From left, Mama, Susan and Randy Herbst, Rev. Dr. Patricia Brown and Dr. Debra Spatz, who is a surgeon.

Volunteers Susan and Randy Herbst celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary at Urukundo.

Flowers, champagne, a card and cake with a sparkler.

Our admin staff and team members enjoyed the celebration.

Mama, Director Jean Marie, Susan, Randy, Patricia, Debra, Libby, Julie, Benjamin and Esperance. Happy seventh anniversary, Susan and Randy!

Headmaster Viateur, teachers and preschool students welcome three of our volunteers to the opening exercise at the Urukundo Learning Center.

Getting involved.

Students gave Dr. Debra instructions on drumming. Our students are good teachers.

Library

Sharing time includes reading with our students. English is their second language, and they learn by listening.

Daycare

Randy, Susan and the children had fun together.

Worship

Pastor Patricia was invited to present at worship. Teamwork is what it is all about.

Randy, Patricia, Susan, Desire (interpreter) and Pastor Yves

Worship was special as Rev. Patricia, with help from many in the congregation, taught about following Jesus and becoming fishers of people.

Tricia and Claudine shared time together while sitting on the flower garden wall at Mama's residence.

Trip to Akagera (2 days, 1 night)

Debra, Randy and Susan journeyed to Akagera.

I am told these hippos are dangerous on land. Glad they are in the lake at Akagera.

Day trip to Kigali City

The volunteers visited the car-free district of Kigali City.

Back at Urukundo

Patricia, Debra and Susan sorted and folded clothing in the incoming donations room.

Farm and cowboy

Cowboy Randy. Hey, cowboys in Rwanda do milk cows.

Kitchen

Volunteer Susan helped in the kitchen. Peeling and chopping duties are shared with Seraphina.

The new tables are the right height and are easier to keep clean.

Dental

Part of Tricia’s mission was to deliver new trays for the Dental Clinic.  The trays were donated to Urukundo Dental Clinic by Tricia’s dentist, Lisa Fonas in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. We are grateful.

Dentist Rene and assistant Rahab inspect the new tray sleeves. What a blessing!

Dental personnel Oliver and Rahab help Patricia unload trays from the suitcase. The suitcases are returned to the sender in hopes they will come back in the future filled with precious, needed items.

Graduation 2024

Sing along with me. No, it is not “The 12 Days of Christmas.” It is the “12 Events of Graduation.”

On the day of graduation, our school presented to us:

One group parading. Preschool leads the procession to the celebration.

Two models strutting. Not only are they kindergarten graduates, but the Tom Nunnally Sewing Center students made what they are wearing.

Three strong men. The karate instructor makes three.

Four judges judging. Debating is a big deal in our school. The debate was about homework. Is it good or should it be eliminated?

Five friends donated. The Jacksons are from Reston, Virginia, USA, and have been my friends and supporters of Urukundo Learning Center and Foundation for many years. Thanks, Mary, Bill and sons.

Six sewers sewing. They made the outfits they are wearing.

Seven kids reciting. The French Club speaking French thrilled their parents and grandparents.

Eight celebrating. The outstanding student in this year's sewing and tailoring class is 21-year-old Lean Kwizera. He is the recipient of a sewing machine presented by Forest Hills Rotary Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, in loving memory of Tom Nunnally, a true Rotarian and founder of the sewing school that bears his name. In the photo are Lean’s three sisters; a parent presenter; Lean; Mama; Danial Habimana, director of education for the district; and Headmaster Viateur Ngiruwonsanga standing to honor him as he receives his award.  We wish him well as he begins a new journey in the workforce.

All students received equipment to begin their sewing careers.

Thank you, Forest Hills Rotary.

Nine drummers drumming. Drumming is awesome.

Ten dancers dancing. Our traditional dancers class demonstrates their dancing skills for parents and guests.

Eleven graduates singing.  Look out, Primary 1. The kindergarteners are full of energy and hope.

Twelve students demonstrating. The Karate Club at Urukundo Learning Center has grown from just a few to many.  Both boys and girls.  Love those belts.

The graduation presentation ended with an excerpt from a poem written by a Primary 6 student, who read it at graduation. In Rwanda, a poem is simply a talk.

This is the message I received:

Mama, you should use this part of the poem in the newsletter.
Esperance.

Here’s the poem:

Mummy built the Urukundo Foundation because she loved children. This one we all see, therefore no child should feel disgusted.
Instead, all children should say Hallelujah.
I'd like to express my gratitude to our loving mother, who greets everyone with a warm hug. She helps the poor and orphans. Help me thank this parent.

Message from Mama

July is a month of celebration in both the USA and Rwanda. We have this in common. July 4 is Liberation Day in Rwanda and Independence Day in the USA. They are celebrated differently, but in both countries the day is important. I miss the firecrackers, fireworks and hoopla in the USA but enjoy the quiet celebration in Rwanda at this time in my life. God bless the USA, and God bless Rwanda.

Kids of all ages enjoy the summer break and prepare for the 2024-25 school year. At the Urukundo Learning Center, our motto is: “ Education is the light.” Do your best and make your light shine bright.

Mama