Secondary School update

The Secondary School building is moving from blue pillars to beige. The color change differentiates the Secondary School from the Primary School. Not sure I am happy with that. It may take some getting used to.

Inside work on laboratories for physics, chemistry, and biology is being completed. The Secondary O Level School will serve grades 7, 8 and 9. We apply for certification Feb. 1, 2026.  It has been a process but a worthwhile one.

Celebration of books

It has been my goal for a long time to supply textbooks for every grade level from Primary 1 to Primary 6. Each year, we have been able to purchase textbooks for one entire class, starting with P6. My goal was reached this year. Thanks to everyone who donated a monetary gift for my 95th birthday in the USA to be used to purchase textbooks for P1, P2, and P3. Every child in grades P1 through P6 now has his or her own textbooks.

Books received in bulk.

Primary 1

Primary 2

Primary 3

My goal has been reached. Thanks again to so many who made this possible.  A special thank you to all those who wished me a happy birthday by sending a donation to Urukundo/Hope Made Real for purchasing textbooks for the remaining classes in need. These gifts were the best because they helped me reach a very important goal.  Happy birthday to me.

Message from Mama

I am sharing this message I received from a recent retiree, Diane Mustrull, now retired coverage editor, for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Not verbatim but close.

“I remain so very inspired by my visit to Rwanda and Urukundo. I've leaned into memories of a central Pennsylvania grandmother I interviewed after first meeting her on a trip to Rwanda in 2015. My stories on her can be found in the Inquirer archives. When I first met Arlene Brown, she was 84 and running a Home for Children and a school she founded after retirement, and in her 70s, on 10 mountainside acres about an hour outside Rwanda's capital, Kigali.

“Urukundo – which means love in Kinyarwanda, an impossible language – is the call to purpose Mama Arlene answered when she retired after years as a nurse and then a 21-year floor leader at GTE Sylvania in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA.

“She had had an epiphany at 65. She believed that there was more to retirement than travel. A couple of mission trips to Africa working with children orphaned by the genocide in Rwanda convinced her of that, sparking what became the decision to leave Williamsport behind and ultimately build Urukundo Learning Center.

“When I asked her what she hoped would be her legacy besides the school and the children she nurtured and educated, she said, ‘I want people who are retiring to value themselves. You can retire from the workforce. Don't retire from life. You've got too much to offer.’"

Thank you, Diane.  You do Urukundo and me honor.

Love,

Mama

December newsletter

December was a super month.

I was blessed with a visit from several of my grown kids. They included, from left, Amin, Esperance, Claude #1, Serephine, Lucy, Divine (home from Germany), and Claude #2.

What an awesome group! Lots of help for the community Christmas party.

A mat was added to the play area in Mama’s residence.

The tile floor is easy to clean but a bit cold on the little bottoms. Babies are happier sitting and crawling on a mat.

OK, so some babies like the tile floor.

Legos are good for all ages.

Well, they really are plastic baby link rings, but the girls decided they are earrings. I admit it works. Playing with the doll babies is also a great way to pretend.

Learning Center competition

Once a quarter, our school holds a competition. This quarter, the competitors were fifth-grade students. The subjects were Rwandan economy, culture, civics, and general knowledge.

In the front rows, Primary 1 students attended the competition for the first time. They were well-behaved and attentive. They came for one hour. It was amazing to watch these younger students respond.

Dance was in the cultural competition.

In addition to groups, Individuals also competed in the dance competition.

The competition on the economy looked at entrepreneurship and how open markets provide products for home consumers.

You can purchase tomatoes, potatoes, pineapples, cucumbers, and many other products in the shops.

In addition to goat, beef, rabbit, chicken, and pork, fish, which is my favorite, is also available in shops in Rwanda. Fishing adds to the economy of Rwanda. Our young man shows the equipment needed for catching fish.Participants used magnets to demonstrate fishing in the competition.

The overland trucking industry plays a big part in our economy, as Rwanda is a landlocked country. Trucks carry food, animals, furniture, petrol, charcoal, etc, over and around the Thousand Hills and volcanic mountains. Trucks are used to transport food and materials in hard-to-reach areas. We appreciate the drivers who keep our roads safe.

The medical profession contributes to the economy in Rwanda.

The general knowledge part of the competition had written questions and answers.

Contestants

The written questions called for quick thinking. Sample questions:

  1. Who composed the National Anthem of Rwanda?

  2. What do we call the head of a province in Rwanda?

  3. It is one of Rwanda's national symbols. It has seven features. What is it?

  4. What records both wind strength and direction in Rwanda?

  5. Can you name the 30 districts in Rwanda?

  6. Name the president of Rwanda.

  7. Can you name the three neighboring countries of Rwanda?

If you want the answers, Google the questions.

Winners of the competitions

Headmaster Viateur stood by as the guest of honor (me) gave a brief talk. I am honored, but not good at this.

Growing music program

At the competition, the school chorus and band were on the platform. With this many students in music, you can see why Urukundo needs a music facility.

We are moving forward with making Hillside House our location for fostering music in the lives of Urukundo students.

I have a matching grant of $7,500 for this project. If you are able to donate, the matching grant will match your donation up to $7,500. Contributions are much appreciated.

The existing building requires soundproofing and air conditioning. The work is in progress. January’s newsletter will feature the work as it is being done.

Good neighbors

Urukundo Worship Center and Foundation reach out to our neighbors.

We are sharing with the community in this season of peace, love, and goodwill to all. Wherever you are and what little you may have, love your neighbor and share with them.

A new jacket and dress are a blessing to the giver and the child who receives it.

A happy birthday

On Dec. 6, my first birthday surprise arrived.

Flowers from John, known as Johnny when he was a young boy.

John has brought me flowers since he was a 3-year-old.

He is my flower child.

On my special day, Dec. 9, in the early morning, I received a special pair of socks.

I love the gift of socks and their message.

The Birthday #95 party

Every year I say “no party” and every year it happens. It is time I stop saying “no party” and just enjoy the love.

Headmaster Viateur (pink shirt) led the happy birthday song.

Music Director Emmanuel played “Happy Birthday” on our newly acquired saxophone. He learned to play it for this occasion. I was honored.

The farm boys brought a gift. Lots of eggs.

Other gifts came in a big box.

The peace basket plaque is beautiful, and the nativity is very special to me.

Top of the cake. Love the roses.

Cake, sparklers, and joy.

A toast. Salute to the beginning of Year # 96.