What is Dealers of Hope Foundation?
Our Story
In September 2022, Erika Bogan-Mtui embarked on a profound journey to Tanzania with a heartfelt mission: to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro and raise awareness about suicide among individuals with disabilities in the United States. Motivated by the loss of close friends to mental health challenges, Erika's path crossed with that of Winford Mtui, her dedicated mountain guide, igniting an immediate bond that transcended their shared objective. Following their serendipitous encounter, Erika and Winford envisioned a shared future. By February 2023, Erika made her return to Tanzania, ready to embark on a new chapter alongside Winford. Thus, Winrica Adventures was born. Having witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by Tanzanians, the couple felt a deep calling to effect positive change within their community. Through their tour company, they aimed to instill hope and create opportunities for a brighter tomorrow. Acknowledging the prevalent lack of educational and economic prospects, Erika and Winford sprang into action. By fostering job creation and sharing valuable entrepreneurial insights, they set out to break the cycle of poverty that affects many families in Tanzania. As their business thrived, so did their influence on the lives of those around them. Through Winrica Adventures, Erika and Winford endeavored to uplift their community and pave the way for a future full of promise.
Dealers of Hope Foundation in Tanzania is not only helping individual families here in Tanzania but also empowering those with visible and invisible disabilities to push their limits. Erika, a paraplegic and full-time wheelchair user, envisions the foundation with a heart for accessibility, striving to make Tanzania tourism more inclusive. By collaborating with United States non-profit organizations, local businesses and tour operators to raise awareness about accessibility for all, they seek to enhance the Tanzanian accessible tourism sector. Their ultimate objective is to draw in a broader array of visitors globally to discover Tanzania, bringing advantages to local businesses and communities.
At Dealers of Hope Foundation, the logo embodies the essence of our mission. The semi-colon symbolizes resilience in the face of challenges, inspiring individuals to persist in pursuit of their dreams. It’s a reminder to just pause, and restart again, instead of giving up. The hands and heart are symbols of our belief that we are all better when we come together with empathy and love.
We, at Winrica Adventures, share the belief of Dealers of Hope that unity and collaboration empower us to achieve extraordinary feats.
OUR MISSION:
“To empower Tanzanian families who have been affected by visible and invisible disabilities, by meeting basic needs like sustainable and safe housing and education. By easing these burdens, Dealers of Hope will make space for these families to learn ways to empower themselves through entrepreneurship and break the generational cycles of poverty for future generations. As well as, work with local tour operators, hotels and lodges by educating about accessibility and disability etiquette to bring more revenue into the country to support those who are working, locally through accessible tourism.”
OUR VISION:
“We embrace, encourage & educate Tanzanian families empowering them, defining a vision of an achievable future for themselves and generations to come.”
“Leadership is about empowering others to achieve things they did not think possible”
Winford and Erika in September 2022, summit day on Mount Kilimanjaro
Winford and Erika Bogan-Mtui on their wedding day in March 2023.
Our Tanzania Leadership Team
Icram and his mother Amina
Victoria and her daughter Furaha
Victoria and her sons, James, Gift & Ebenizer
Queen B smiling for the camera
Faces of Hope
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Icram S.
Icram is our second recipient of hope. Raised by a single mother in one of the rural villages of Moshi, Icram was unable to go to school like his brothers and sisters. Through Dealers of Hope, he is presently second in his class, in spite of health challenges. There is still many needs that need to be met.
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Victoria M. & Family
Victoria and her family are our first recipients of hope. With four children and a husband who struggles with addiction, Victoria is living in a home that is not safe or efficient for her or the children. Through Dealers of Hope, she prays to have the necessary repairs done and help with school fees for her children.
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Queen B.
Queen B. was born with a very rare bone disorder and into a family that could not give her the life and medical attention that she requires. Queen is craving to be able to have a tutor that can help her learn at home since she is not currently able to go to school due to her disability. She has a spirit that shines brightly!
How you are helping..
By booking your Tanzanian adventure with Winrica Adventures, you are helping fund Dealers of Hope Foundation, as we donate 10% of all of our proceeds into the NGO.