About Us
Bringing Hope to All
International Hope of Care (IHC) is a Canadian-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged individuals worldwide, with a particular focus on developing countries.
Founded by a Christian Canadian couple of Tanzanian heritage, Mrs. Sophia Owenya and Mr. Cuthbert Owenya, along with their family friend Mary Aganze, IHC strives to enhance the lives of underserved populations by providing medical equipment, supporting healthcare initiatives, and advancing educational opportunities for orphans, women survivors of gender-based violence, senior citizens and children with special needs.
Our unwavering commitment is to foster sustainable growth, dignity, and brighter futures for the most vulnerable communities.
Our Vision
To create a world where all individuals thrive in inclusive, self-sustaining communities with equitable access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for a prosperous future.
To do this, IHC is dedicated to expanding its humanitarian efforts through government and private funding, increasing the reach of its programs, and strengthening international partnerships to create lasting change in the lives of the underserved.
Our Mission
IHC is dedicated to empowering and uplifting underserved communities globally.
Through strategic collaboration with local institutions, we deliver sustainable healthcare solutions, foster inclusive education, and provide essential resources that instill dignity, independence, and transformative, long-lasting change.
Our Story
For over 20 years...
Sophia and Cuthbert Owenya have been deeply committed to humanitarian work, initially self-funding their efforts alongside support from close friends and local organizations.
Their mission began with a passion for helping underserved communities in Northern Tanzania and gradually expanded as the needs grew.
Our Impact in Tanzania
Delivered Critical Medical Supplies
Shipped three 40-foot containers filled with essential medical equipment to Tanzanian hospitals in partnership with World Medical Relief USA. Additionally, they have sent medical supplies and children's clothing through a collaboration with the Lutheran Women's Missionary League Canada (LWMLC), significantly improving healthcare access. During mission trips, they have also personally transported parcels of medical supplies to rural dispensaries to address urgent medical needs.
Provided Educational Support
Covered school tuition, supplies, and accommodations for students from low-income families, ensuring they have access to quality education.
Empowered Individuals with Disabilities
Provided school supplies, snacks, and workshops to train teachers on inclusive education for children with special needs. Their support extends from preschool to elementary levels in mainstream schools, as well as specialized institutions for students with complex disabilities.
Funded Health Insurance for Seniors
Covered annual medical insurance for elderly individuals who cannot afford healthcare, ensuring they receive necessary medical treatment.
Supported Widows and Abuse Survivors
Provided financial assistance to help widows and survivors of domestic abuse send their children to school and rebuild their lives.
Established School Lunch Programs
Funded nutritious meal programs for students, increasing school attendance and serving as a motivator for parents to keep their children in school.
See the change.
Be the change.
Our Support in Canada
Providing Shelter for Abused Women
Opening their home to women escaping domestic violence, offering them a safe place to stay until they secure social housing. Even after they move out, they continue to support them as mentors and family figures.
Caring for Individuals with Health Issues
Providing full accommodation and care in their home for individuals with severe health conditions, such as stroke survivors, until they receive government support. They remain long-term advocates and support systems for these individuals even after they transition to extended care.
Fundraising & Community Engagement
Actively collaborating with local nonprofit founders to raise funds for various causes. They contribute by organizing fundraising events, preparing Tanzanian cuisine, providing entertainment, serving as emcees, event speakers, and offering logistical support to help both international and local initiatives.
Sophia Owenya's International Volunteer Work
In addition to her work with IHC, Sophia Owenya has volunteered with international humanitarian organizations, using her language skills to support global mission efforts.
Compassion International
Tanzania & Rwanda — 2011
Served as a volunteer translator from English to Swahili, facilitating communication between program staff and local communities in child sponsorship, education, and healthcare initiatives.
Specialists Without Borders
Rwanda — 2011
Volunteered as a translator from English to Swahili, assisting medical professionals in providing healthcare services to underserved communities by ensuring accurate communication between doctors and patients.
Present: Building a Sustainable Future
As the demand for support in Tanzania and Canada grew beyond what they could personally sustain, Sophia and Cuthbert formally registered International Hope of Care (IHC) in 2025 as a nonprofit organization.
This transition allows them to expand their reach, secure external funding, and continue transforming lives through education, healthcare, and community support.
The next 20 years starts now.
Hope never stops. Be a part of it.
Our Founder
As the visionary behind IHC, Sophia has devoted over 20 years to mission work, driven by her deep commitment to serving underprivileged communities. Her leadership and passion have been instrumental in transforming individual outreach efforts into a structured, sustainable nonprofit organization that continues to expand its impact.
