Urukundo’s music program is No. 1 in the whole country!
We won the National Music Competition on May 23.
Here’s the team before the finals.
And after winning.
Yes, I am shouting the terrific news.
Our composition (poem) came in fourth.
Congratulations to all who participated.
Mama
Every year, all of Rwanda observes 100 days of genocide commemoration from April 7 to July 4, with events taking place nationwide. In schools, events are organized to remember the students, teachers, and leaders who were killed in the genocide against the Tutsi in 1994.These events are organized at the sector level by setting up different sites where people come together to honor those who lost their lives during that painful time.
During the commemoration, students hear testimonies from survivors about the genocide period, which help students learn about the history and the importance of unity and reconciliation. Students also prepare sketches and poems to share with others as a way of remembering the victims and educating the community.
This day helps young people learn from the country's history. It helps them to understand history well and supports the fight against the ideology of genocide. This also helps survivors to be strong and prepares students for a better future without genocide and its ideology.
The Cyeza Sector chose Urukundo Learning Center for students to participate in a day of remembrance, known as Kwibuka 32, which means “to remember” in Kinyarwanda. The number reflects that this is the 32nd anniversary.
Students walked to Hope Made Real House for a day of remembrance.
Primary 5 and 6 students from three schools came together at Urukundo Learning Center to honor those who died in the genocide.
Candles were lit in tribute.
Each school hung its 32nd-year remembrance banner.
Just saying hello.
I hope you all are well. I am fine, and Urukundo is doing well.
This year, on July 11, the foundation will celebrate its 20th anniversary. Imagine that!
I came as a woman with a mission, intending to remain for seven years. Now 20 years have gone by. I am where I am intended to be. God in charge.
My, how time flies! The foundation grew from a home for 13 girls to a home for 52 girls and boys, a school for 1,200 children, and a place of employment for 118 Rwandan citizens.
I am honored and pleased to say thank you to the many who have made Urukundo possible with your donations. Stay well, be happy, and share the love.
With love from your friend in Rwanda,
Mama Arlene
Accreditation and loss
Urukundo Learning Secondary School is accredited.
This is a “Hope Made Real.” Thanks to Urukundo’s dear friend Barbara Campbell and many other donors, the school is ready to receive students. The dedication will take place Saturday, July 11. Classes will start in September.
Barbara traveled from New Jersey, USA, to visit Urukundo in September 2024. She met the children and staff and fell in love with the babies in daycare and the foundation. She saw our need for a Secondary School and acted.
Her gift to build the Secondary School came from her heart. She planned to come back for the opening of the school. That cannot happen. Barbara passed away on April 12.
I know she will be with us in spirit on July 11 for the dedication. Remembering how much she loved the children warms my heart.
A stone in her memory will be placed on the wall of the Learning Center.
Thanks to our generous donors, funds were raised, electric sewing machines were purchased, and machines and work tables assembled. They are ready for the teaching program at our Tom Nunnally Sewing Center.
Students looked a little perplexed viewing the new machines.
Sitting and ready to learn. What a blessing! Thank you, donors. Your gift is appreciated.
The project of installing tile halfway up the walls was started in February 2024 by a team from Hebron Church of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The project was to place wall tile in all rooms where messy, little hands could reach. This would make keeping the area clean easier. Washing is better than painting every year. Well, with one room completed by the volunteers, it became apparent that the project was very beneficial and every room needed the same treatment. It took two years, but it has been accomplished.
Nursery, cradle roll.
Small serving kitchen
Nap time quarters for 3-year-olds.
Even the trim is painted above the tiles. I think it looks great, and the kids and aunties love it.
Urukundo daycare aunties were presented with new clothes designed by the students at the Tom Nunnally Sewing Center. Decorative trim was created on the new electric sewing machines.
Looking good!
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.
