A sight to behold! Our new Secondary School, which will open in September, will serve students in grades 7, 8 and 9.
Last but not least: rainwater harvest tanks.
The tanks prevent damage from excess rain and supply water for cleaning and the bathrooms.
Mama JoeJoe (Merry Grace) and Jolly, both former employees who moved on to career changes, came by to say hello and see the progress made at Urukundo. It was my pleasure to spend some time with these remarkable women.
Our kids have begun the final term of the 2025-26 school year. Preparing for national exams and graduation is a big deal for them and our staff. Every year, the graduation presentation is outstanding. We are blessed with the many talents of our students and our teaching staff. This year's ceremony on July 11 will be very special. We will mark the Urukundo Foundation's 20th anniversary; honor graduates from kindergarten, Primary 6 and the Tom Nunnally Sewing Center; and dedicate Urukundo's first Secondary School.
It is awesome to me that my commitment to serve for six years has now become 23 years. The foundation was recognized officially in 2006. It functioned successfully for three years before becoming official. Thanks to our generous donors and a devoted staff, we have survived and flourished for 20 years. There is much to celebrate. Join us in person or in your hearts.
Thank you.
Much love,
Mama
March, March, March. You know what, I do not march well anymore. I do welcome the month of March because it is the promise of spring around the world. Daffodils show the color of sunrise, and trees begin to bud, robins sing, and life goes on.
I am happy to report that after several tries, our visitors in February returned home safe and sound.
This message from them but not verbatim:
We have arrived back home.
Once again, thank you for your hospitality. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I will miss all those who cooked and served our food, did our laundry, drove us everywhere, showed us the classes, and made us coffee every day.
The children are delightful and on their way to being educated and responsible people. Your headmaster and teachers are engaged and have a great rapport with the students. The buildings and supplies are wonderful, and we enjoyed playing the math games.
Thanks again. What an experience!
Love from West Virginia
In 2023, my American daughter Patricia and I traveled to New Mexico to be present at the wedding of my Rwandan daughter Solange to Mark.
Now in 2026, Patricia has returned to New Mexico to visit her Rwandan sister Solange. So sorry I could not be with them
From left, Mark, Solange, Patricia and Patricia’s husband Dale.
Daycare babies visited the Hillside House of Music.
An awesome sight for little eyes to behold!
Head teacher Emanuel engaged with the under-4-year-olds.
Future musicians
The bells we have are the perfect size for little hands.
Preschool kids also love the music program.
Students from the Tom Nunnally Sewing Center arrived at the gate.
Head teacher Epiphanie led her students.
Greeting Mama. I do like the hugs received.
They shared that they would like classes with electric machines to learn on.
Rwanda now has sufficient electricity, and so the places that hire our students ask if they can operate electric machines. When they say no, the job goes to another person who can.
Our sewing school needs machines that run on electricity. We are looking to purchase electric machines (funding needed) to better equip our students for the job market. I decided, thanks to a donation from Lace Ladies in the UK, to purchase a sample machine. Several machines were evaluated. This machine was chosen. It comes as a unit that includes the work table. It is a beautiful, top-quality machine.
We hope to purchase 14 such machines. Funding appreciated. Basic sewing skills will be taught using the treadle machines, and advanced sewing will be taught using the electric machines. Advancement means better equipment.
A photo with Mama completed their visit.
We are winners in boys basketball, music, and poem.
National Board President Oswald and Executive Secretary Eric congratulate the winning teams. First position in boys basketball, music, and poem (composition). Quite an accomplishment!
Our boys basketball team won the district title and will advance to compete for the province title. The trophy is special. Coach Olivier is proud of his boys with good reason. They are the best!
The administration treated the team and coaches to Fanta and cookies in celebration.
Music director Emanuel and the winning team.
Our music and poem (composition) team won first place again and moved to the next level. I'm unclear on how this works, but I am not confused that they are in first position. The next competition level is in April. These kids are winners on and off the field of competition.
International Women’s Day was celebrated at Urukundo.
Some even enjoyed my puzzle table.
The puzzle was Noah’s Ark. Not an easy one.
Our Love Foundation and Worship Center care for our neighbors.
Mamas and babies receive our love and help.
Mathematics Competition Day took place for Primary Level 1 through 6.
School competitions prepare our students. Math is such an important subject. Every facet of life uses math in one form or another. Covered in the competition are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, whole numbers, and fractions. Both mental and written math were included.
Students gathered to witness and support this competition.
Assembly for competition.
Individual students responded to math questions using their mental capacity. Then a group also answered on the spot.
Written quiz
Computer programs became a part of the testing in this competition.
Our Primary 6 kids did very well. The computers, a gift from our donors, have made a difference in the lives of our students. We can compete.
Handprint art by the baby class at the preschool.
My walk-around was well-timed. The three baby classes were doing an art project. Love those little hands.
