Our Story
BRINGING HOPE AND HEALING TO RWANDA
Since 2020, His Hands On Africa (HHOA) has made significant strides in transforming dental care in Rwanda. From opening the Compassion Community Dental Clinic at Nyamata District Hospital to launching multiple water projects and mobile clinics, HHOA has continually expanded its reach. By 2023, weekly outreach trips, new clinic approvals, and the purchase of the HOPE Dental Center marked major milestones. Looking ahead, HHOA remains dedicated to training the next generation of dentists, integrating faith with healing, and extending its impact beyond Rwanda’s borders to bring lasting hope and care to those in need.
2015-2019
2020-Present
2020
Tom & Lita sell their dental practice and residence in Southern California, move to Rwanda and open the now-completed Compassion Community Dental Clinic within the Nyamata District Hospital. Located in the district of Bugesera, it serves nearly 500,000 people in an area of 500 square miles.
2021
HHOA completes its first water project in the Nyarunazi village, finishes construction of the second clinic a Health Center in Ngeruka and holds their first dental training meeting attended by sixteen dentists, dental students, and assistants. HHOA conducts its first Run-for-the-1 fundraiser in memory of a Rwandan woman who passed away while making a long journey to a dental clinic to receive treatment.
2022
The Nyamata District Hospital awards HHOA with a certificate of achievement for the Best Department of the Year. In addition, HHOA completed its second water project in Rugazi located in the Eastern Province. The water station serves 510 families or approximately 3,000 people. HHOA partners with The Roots Network and Dream Medical Center bringing dental professionals from Rwanda, India, Canada, South Korea, and the U.S. to join hands and hearts for a two-day mobile clinic in Kayego, located in Gatisbo district in the Eastern Province.
2023
The HHOA team conducts weekly outreach trips to outlying areas, serving around 80 people per outreach. Additionally, HHOA completed its third water project in Karambi and obtained approval for the construction of its third clinic. And most importantly, the purchase of the building that is to become the HOPE Dental Center was completed with plans to begin renovating in early 2024.
The Future
We are excited for the road ahead as we continue transforming dental care in Rwanda. Through the HOPE Dental Center, we are training the next generation of dentists to excel in their craft and share Gospel-centered hope. Expanding beyond Rwanda, we’re multiplying our impact through mobile clinics, outreach, and partnerships. With faith at our core, every restored smile carries a message of love, grace, and renewed hope.
