HOPEthiopia is an NGO based in Ethiopia and Rwanda that fosters education, physical health and social restoration. It was born from a dream by ICD Section II Fellow Dr. Ralph Pisko-Dubienski and his wife, Glenda, following their first trip to Ethiopia in 2008; they envisioned a future where the most marginalized youth, orphans, street children and those living with chronic illness could move beyond survival to become confident and fulfilled leaders in their own nation. This vision expanded to Rwanda in 2009, where the organization established the same mission to support that nation’s most vulnerable young people.
Dr. Pisko-Dubienski and Glenda recognized that the path to leadership begins with alleviating immediate physical suffering. As a dentist, he understood that chronic dental infections and constant pain can prevent young people from attending school, engaging with peers or contributing to their communities. By providing professional dental surgery and care, the organization removes this primary barrier to personal growth, restoring the health and dignity these youth need to redirect their energy toward their full potential. To turn this vision into reality, HOPEthiopia brings together international donors and professional volunteers to work side by side with local communities.
In November 2025, a HOPEthiopia team led by Fellows from Section II Canada, including Dr. Pisko-Dubienski and Dr. Colin Wiebe, combined their expertise with funds and product donations from the ICD Global Visionary Fund (GVF) — Henry Schein Cares Grant Program to deliver dental services to both remote farming villages and high-need urban districts.
Ethiopia: Providing Relief in Agricultural Villages and Busy Urban Hubs
The journey began in the Ethiopian village of Harbu Chulule, where hundreds of patients lined up at dawn. Many had lived with debilitating dental pain for years because they could neither access nor afford treatment. In this community alone, the team performed 335 extractions and 108 cleanings for 390 individuals.
The mission then moved to the Jemmo Health Centre in Addis Ababa, serving families living near the massive Koshe garbage dump, many of whom have been affected by leprosy. While the clinical work was urgent, the team also looked toward the future by training students and professors at Atlas Dental College, ensuring a new generation of local dentists is equipped with advanced skills.
Rwanda: Expanding the Reach of “HOPE for Health”
In late November, the HOPEthiopia team traveled to Rwanda, where they were joined by additional volunteers to launch the HOPE for Health initiative. In the Gahanga sector, the demand for care was overwhelming, and it was heartbreaking to turn people away at the end of the day. For those who were seen, the impact was life-changing. One resident shared, “I have been in pain for more than two years, and today, I am pain-free.”
In just four days, this expanded team treated nearly 500 patients. The outreach extended beyond surgery, with the team distributing over 1,700 toothbrushes and toothpaste sets to students at G.S. Rwabutenge, alongside hands-on hygiene lessons.
Sustaining the Mission: Why the GVF Matters
Reflecting on the impact of the ICD Global Visionary Fund (GVF) — Henry Schein Cares Grant Program, Dr. Wiebe noted how critical this support was for sustaining the clinic’s operations:
“They’ve been helping in a huge way, many, many thousands of dollars, and we could not run this clinic without them. And there are so many appreciative people here that have been treated and I wish Henry Schein and ICD had representatives here to receive the thank yous and the smiles directly from people, because it’s really awesome. And thank you so much for the supplies and the funding.”
The GVF’s ability to meet these needs was made possible by the generous donations of ICD Fellows and the ongoing support of Henry Schein. To ensure we can continue to respond to international needs and provide strategic support to organizations like HOPEthiopia, the College has launched the Building a Legacy of Impact campaign.
The GVF is a priority area of this campaign, designed to expand our support for humanitarian oral health initiatives worldwide. Please help us build this legacy of health and dignity by supporting the campaign today at icd.org/campaign.
