Kendra Scott Event

Use code GIVEBACK-KNCPP online at www.kendrascott.com

Code is valid 12/18/25 – 12/19/25

Together, we can make a difference, one beautiful piece of jewelry at a time. ❤️

Christmas will be here before you know it! We have the perfect opportunity for you to thrill your loved ones, or treat yourself, and give back at the same time.
Join us for a special Kendra Scott event supporting Heart and Sole Africa. During this event, 20% of your purchases will be donated to HASA, helping us continue to raise awareness and serve individuals affected by podoconiosis in Rwanda.
Location: Kendra Scott, Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio
Date: Thursday, December 18
Time: 4:00 to 6:00 pm
Can’t make it in person?
Use code GIVEBACK-KNCPP online at www.kendrascott.com
Code is valid 12/18/25 – 12/19/25
Together, we can make a difference, one beautiful piece of jewelry at a time. ❤️
 

New Research Article

📘 New Research Alert
We’re excited to share a new research article from Dr. Jean Paul Bikorimana and colleagues titled “Individual identities and stigma inequalities: insights from the experiences of people affected by podoconiosis in Rwanda.”
This study explores how individual identities, such as gender, class, age, location and physical ability shape the stigma experienced by people living with podoconiosis. The findings highlight the importance of understanding stigma not only as a health issue, but as a social and human rights concern—calling for improved policies and practices to reduce podoconiosis stigma-related disparities.
👉 Read the full article here:

Finance Manager

Meet Ingabire Aline – Finance and Human Resource Manager at Heart and Sole Africa (HASA).
Heart and Sole Africa is proud to introduce Ingabire Aline, our Finance and Human Resource Manager. Aline joined HASA in 2023, bringing with her a strong background in financial management and a passion for organizational excellence.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with honors in Finance, from the University of Rwanda in 2019. Currently, Aline is working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)—a reflection of her commitment to continued professional growth and integrity in financial stewardship.
Aline plays a vital role in ensuring that HASA’s operations run smoothly and sustainably, supporting our mission to improve the lives of individuals affected by podoconiosis in Rwanda.
We are grateful for her dedication, professionalism, and heart for service! ❤️

Integrating Podo Management in Rwanda

Clinicians from Kinyinya and Nyamasheke Health Centers have attended several training sessions with HASA over the last few years, and they are now Certified Podoconiosis Management Instructors. This is one small step towards integrating podoconiosis management services into the health care system in Rwanda. A new video highlighting work from the previous year, and revealing future plans for HASA is coming in November. Until then, you can learn more from our website:

Our Clinic Manager

Our Clinic Manager at Heart and Sole Africa (HASA), is NKURUNZIZA François. He joined HASA in March 2025. François has a bachelor’s degree in Nursing, and will complete a Master’s Degree of Public Health (Global Health option) from Mount Kigali University/Rwanda in December 2025. He has nearly 20 years of experience in clinical services, health facility management, and community health. He has worked in tuberculosis care and treatment, and HIV/AIDS treatment, including providing antiretroviral therapy and collaborating with community health workers to support home-based care. François recently completed Podociniosis Management Certification with HASA. He is dedicated to providing compassionate services, patient-centered care and strengthening integration of community and facility-based health services for patients affected by podoconiosis.

1st Nodule Removal Surgery in Rwanda

On February 4, 2025, HASA founder, Dr. Tonya Huston, PT, DPT and Dr. Cindy Robinett, PT, DPT had the privilege of facilitating and observing the first ever podoconiosis nodule removal surgery in Rwanda. This was made possible by many partners including doctors at Butaro Hospital and University of Global Health Equity. When Tonya was back in Rwanda in August, she was able to check the patient’s progress. Her left foot is fully healed, and it is much more comfortable for her to wear a shoe now. She is very thankful to HASA for the help she has received, and she is hoping she can have her right foot done now!
This kind of surgery will change a life, but the surgery and post-op care is expensive. Won’t you help us provide life changing medical care to these marginalized individuals?
How about signing up for a monthly donation of $25.00 (less than the cost of a meal out with a friend). You can sign up here:

Sewing Team

Today’s spotlight is on our talented sewing team: Sophia, Joslyne, Providence, and Seraphine. They make our signature heart bags to help spread the message that, with your support, podoconiosis can be eradicated in Rwanda.

 

Dr. Bikorimana

Today, HASA is highlighting the accomplishments of Dr. Jean Paul Bikorimana. Dr. Bikorimana joined HASA in 2013 as Program Director. In this role, he directed all programs and initiated clinical compression and wound care protocols. During this time he obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health with specialization in Epidemiology and Disease Control from Mount Kenya University-Rwanda. In 2019, he continued his education at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the United Kingdom. He graduated in 2024 with a Doctor of Philosophy [PhD] in Global Health/Medical Anthropology. He continues to work with HASA as an independent consultant helping us implement compression management programs at health care centers throughout Rwanda.
He is pictured below giving a presentation at The 2nd International Podoconiosis Conference which was held in January, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. His presentation was titled: Achievements, Challenges, and Recommendations: Lessons learned from implementing podoconiosis services in public health centers in Rwanda. Dr. Bikorimana won best implementation presentation for his passionate sharing of information, and call to action to conference attendees. Dr. Bikorimana has published several research papers.

New Podo Management Instructors

Congratulations to the first ever Certified Podoconiosis Management Instructors recently trained in Rwanda. Many thanks to our colleagues, Tom Zee, Herry DeRich, (and absent but supportive, Marjan Steenks), and executive director, Tonya Huston, who provided their knowledge and expertise for this training. This initiative is vital as we look to expand podoconiosis treatment throughout Rwanda.