Urukundo Learning Center news

We hosted our first debate competition between the Urukundo Learning Center and Bright Future Academy.

Subject: Education or money. Question: Which is more important?

Urukundo students welcomed the Bright Academy students as they arrived. Two busloads.

Our library amazed them.

Visiting the library.

Walking across campus. There were many students. They were most welcome.

Team #1 Urukundo: Education is most important.

Team #2 Bright Academy: Money is most important.

Judges. The teachers got the tough job. Both sides did a good job, but all agreed that education is essential to earning money. Money cannot buy education. Both must work together. The winner of the debate: education. Congratulations, Team #1.

Photo after the debate. Everyone had a glass of joy – a bottle of Fanta soda pop.

The rematch will happen in the near future.

Staying in shape is the priority of morning exercise. As much for the teachers as for the students. Not for Mama Arlene.

Tim’s tree

Many years ago, my then young grandson came to experience Urukundo. While here, Tim planted a very small tree sprout. It grew into a mature tree, as he has grown into a mature young man. He now serves on the International Board of Directors for the organization.

Highlight

This was the highlight of the month for me. The dancers on the last Sunday of the month were little children. I am told next week they will come and sing for me. Can’t wait.

A message from Mama

About two years ago, I was informed and sent a memo to followers that the hopemadereal.org address would no longer be valid for emails. I have been told lately that everyone did not get the memo. I am saying it again hopemadereal as an email address is not valid. This did not affect the website, only email addresses.

I love to hear from my followers. I can be emailed at brown.arlene30@gmail.com

Thank you.

Sending much love.

Mama

January Newsletter

January First. Umwaka Mushya! (Happy New Year!) A new year has begun.

On New Year's Day, I had a wonderful visit from the Urukundo Fellowship. They walked to my home to wish me a Happy New Year.

Pastor Yves came along to sing with us on this New Year's Day. I felt so blessed. What a wonderful way to start 2025 and my 95th year! Imagine that.

Gifts

Here are two gifts I received. They are different. Rather neat.

One is a thank you from a wedding.

The other is from the graduation of two of my Urukundo kids from university.

New murals

There is new art on the school wall.

This mural emphasizes sports and play.

This one focuses on education. The artist does this freehand. What talent!

Beautiful babies

We celebrate the birth of our beautiful babies. One at a time is good, but I wonder how often this supplication is transmitted to God. This question is asked in prayer.

“Dear God, you know I am poor. Why do you give me two babies at one time?” This mother loves her babies but is asking why, in a land where life is fragile, food is scarce and love is abundant. My heart aches for her.

Four babies were born on this day.

Secondary school in the works

Construction is underway at the top of the mountain for classrooms for a Secondary O Level school serving grades 7, 8 and 9. This has long been a dream.

Jan.1. Let's watch it develop together a month at a time. Our goal is to open in September 2025.

Jan. 10

Jan. 26. Leveling completed. The rocks and stones will be used for the retaining wall foundation and wall.

January visitor

Michelle Schwartzman, representative of the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) of the Susquehanna Conference in the USA, visited the Urukundo Foundation.

She gave Urukundo a plaque from Grace United Methodist Church, her home congregation in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, USA.

Sharing the love. Michelle sang along with our choir.

What a fellowship! What a peace is mine! Sharing the love.

Our faith community came to Mama’s home to welcome Michelle. Liberatha (in blue) and Michelle found they share something in common. Both are helpmates and wives of serving pastors. Pastor Jason and Pastor Yves.

Daycare

Let's play ball.

The daycare playroom has space for indoor play. Catch it, Michelle.

Michelle was a courier for Hope Made Real president Carol Falke.

Carol is always looking for travelers coming to Rwanda in order to send school supplies and clothes for newborns and toddlers that are so useful here.

In her second suitcase, Michelle brought clothes, a riding vehicle, and a push vehicle. The best gift was coloring books. Thank you, Carol and Michelle.

Daycare received a new riding vehicle. Our driver was Light (yep, that's her name). Leena waited her turn.

I think Christian was looking up to wait for the light to turn green.

Push toys are also fun. Ian is good at pushing the toy.

Out and about

Michelle visited Nyanza and the royal cows. Even for a country girl, this is a lot of cow.

Kigali City has many attractions.

Michelle also visited the home of staff member Juliette.

Meeting Juliette’s newborn son, Ricky, was first on the agenda.

Village children come out to greet our visitor.

This walk went down the mountain to the site of the water source for Urukundo and the community.

On her last day at Urukundo, Michelle as a volunteer took supplies to a new mom and her baby at the local birthing center. Her comment to me was this: “I had forgotten how small newborn babies are.” One day she will be a grandma and will remember it again.