What we do

At Hope for Refugees International, our goal is simple yet profound: to extend a compassionate hand to those who have been displaced by conflict, persecution, and hardship with a commitment to improving access to immigration and settlement services, improving health care including Mental Health, essential Sexual Reproductive Health Services and HIV/AIDS services, achieving gender equality, defeating poverty, fighting inequality and climate change and advancing social justice.

We are driven by an unwavering belief in humanity, human rights, equity, inclusion, diversity, and the inherent dignity and resilience of Black African and LGBTQ+ refugees and the world’s most vulnerable populations, regardless of their background or circumstances. 


Why We Do What We Do

Hope for Refugees International was founded on the belief that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and have the opportunity to lead a life free from fear and adversity. Displacement often results in the loss of homes, dreams, and belonging, making our mission more critical than ever.

Our commitment is to uphold the principles of humanity, equity, and human rights by providing essential settlement, humanitarian, and advocacy support to Black African and LGBTQ+ refugees and the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations in Canada and globally. We focus on program areas that align with our core values, including enhancing access to immigration, refugees, and newcomer settlement services, improving access to health care (essential Sexual Reproductive Health Services and HIV/AIDS services), achieving gender equality, defeating poverty, fighting inequality and climate change, and advancing social justice among vulnerable black and LGBTQ+ refugee populations in Canada and globally. 

We understand that to create a more equitable and inclusive world, we must tackle these pressing global issues head-on, break down barriers and create pathways for a brighter future for refugees and the world’s most vulnerable and marginalized populations in Canada and globally.

Our Board of Trustees

Pastor Eddie Jjumba

Eddie Jjumba (He/Him)

Chairperson Board of Trustees

Annah Nassimbwa (She/Her)

Member

Mary Kinyanjui

Member

Our Staff

Lilian Aine Tusiime (She/Her)

Executive Director

Patrick King Mwesigye (He/Him)

Founder and Programs Director

Sydney Rashid (He/Him)

Community Engagement Coordinator

Martha Mugulusi (She/Her)

Coordinator Newcomer Services 

María José Puyol (She/Her)

Coordinator Marketing and Communications 

Susan Njue Karimi (She/Her)

Case Worker


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OUR MISSION

Through our unwavering commitment to humanity, we strive to create a world where every refugee can rebuild their life with dignity, and where our collective compassion knows no borders.

OUR VISION

We seek to create a world where refugees and displaced persons are not defined by their circumstances but are empowered to rebuild their lives, where humanity, dignity, and equality prevail, and where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.

OUR GOAL

To extend a compassionate hand to those who have been displaced by conflict, persecution, and hardship with a commitment to improving health care, achieving gender equality, defeating poverty, fighting inequality and climate change and advancing social justice.