The Sewing Center

The Sewing Center

The Heart and Sole Sewing Center was our first income generation program started in early 2016. Ten treadle sewing machines were purchased with donations collected through our GoFundMe fundraiser in December 2015. These sewing machines are manually operated through foot pedaling. This movement stimulates blood circulation in the lower extremities and is an important component of podoconiosis management. Ten women, all podoconiosis patients, were recruited to be trained by our sewing instructor, Gioselin. The project now produces a variety of products ranging from pencil cases to laptop bags that can be purchased at the Heart and Sole office headquarters in Musanze. Long-term goals of the Heart and Sole Sewing Center include increasing production levels and opening an online shop.