Get to know Mwita and Monica Chacha!

Mwita and Monica Chacha have been around since HopeCo’s inception, and are making a lasting impact around the world. We are grateful for their service, support, and experience!

Mwita Chacha is the son of Dr. John and Regina Chacha, HopeCo’s founders. Although starting HopeCo was a family decision, Mwita paved his own path for service and involvement by going to volunteer at City of Hope even before there were finished buildings, programs, or children! His role was to create promotional videos to raise awareness and support as the ministry launched.

Monica was passionate about other cultures and serving people even at a young age. She attended Discipleship Training School through Youth With a Mission (YWAM) after high school, and spent time volunteering in Argentina. While waiting for nursing school to begin, Monica’s pastor told her about City of Hope. In January of 2009, Monica left for Tanzania to help serve for six months before college.

“It was just buildings at that point. There weren’t even any kids yet. I was part of the team that got to go out into the local communities with trusted community leaders to help identify the kids that should come to City of Hope and be that first group of children,” Monica explains.

Little did Monica or Mwita know, they would meet one another during that trip. “Mwita was in Tanzania for the year before college to help get things started and volunteer during the building phase. I showed up six months after he got there, and by March we were dating. A year later we went back to the City of Hope and got engaged. It’s been 10 years of marriage now!” Monica explains.

Mwita and Monica were there together the day that the gates opened at City of Hope, and the first group of children found their new home. They have been serving HopeCo during each season of life since then!

When they aren’t serving in East Africa, they are investing and serving their own local communities in the US. Monica is an Oncology Nurse in Georgetown and a mom of two - including a newborn! Her lengthy experience in the healthcare field has equipped her with knowledge of how to make a tangible impact on others in need. She has also spent a significant amount of time on the ground in Tanzania and has invested in learning the culture and connecting deeply with the local community.

“I dream of seeing these kids reach their full potential and really becoming leaders in Tanzania. We are already starting to see this, but I dream of seeing someone become a government official or doctor at Amani Medical Center. One thing that has always drawn me to HopeCo is that we are not just providing shelter, food, or the basic needs of life, but we are empowering and teaching leadership to these children and families,” says Monica.

Monica and Mwita Chacha at City of Hope in 2009

Mwita attended school for business but felt called to film and marketing after seeing the impact it made at City of Hope. He received his Business degree and opened his own film production company in 2011. Ever since then, Mwita has been making an impact on people’s lives through his work. Mwita’s dream for HopeCo is to see each child have the freedom to pursue their dreams and to have a purpose beyond just surviving. As a filmmaker, he wants to help open people’s eyes to new cultures, ways of life, and how they can help those who are hurting.

“I love connecting with people through storytelling. Even today in my production company, I work with countless nonprofits, but HopeCo is unique. I have seen what happens when an organization is grown organically, like my dad being from the community and hiring local staff. HopeCo was natural and it works,” Mwita explained.

Shortly before the tragic passing of Dr. Chacha, Monica and Mwita were traveling around Africa and doing freelance work for various nonprofits. During the trip, they stayed at HopeCo with Dr. Chacha for a few months and created a film telling Dr. Chacha’s story.

“I didn’t know that it was one of the last significant conversations I would have with my dad. We submitted the film to a festival and right after we heard that it won an award, we got the news of his passing. When my mom decided to keep the organization going, that film allowed people to hear his vision and what he committed his entire life to. I am committed to HopeCo because there are hundreds of children being impacted everyday because my dad had a vision. I have cousins that are growing up in mud huts, and that could have been my life if my dad didn’t follow his calling and vision. I want to share that with more people,” Mwita explains.

Dr. Chacha once said, “Helping other people brings a lot of joy in life.” Both Monica and Mwita embody servant leadership in HopeCo and in their personal lives. You can join them and make a difference by helping other people today. Become a Child Sponsor, and invest deeply in the future of a child. Support one of our programs on a monthly basis as a Hope Partner. There is a place for you to serve and engage at HopeCo!