About Shining Hearts Africa
A Ugandan registered nonprofit organisation working alongside underserved communities to improve wellbeing and create opportunity.
Who we are
Shining Hearts Africa is a Ugandan registered nonprofit organisation committed to improving the wellbeing and opportunities of underserved communities through practical, community-based development initiatives.
We work with individuals, families, community leaders, institutions and development partners to identify challenges and develop solutions that respond to community realities.
Our work focuses on education, health, youth development, women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, livelihoods and community wellbeing. These areas are connected: a girl who can manage her period with dignity can stay in school, and a young person with guidance and skills can contribute to their family and community.
Vision and mission
Our vision
A society in which every individual has the opportunity, dignity and support needed to live a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.
Our mission
To improve the wellbeing of underserved communities through inclusive development programmes, strategic partnerships, community engagement and sustainable solutions that create opportunities for individuals and families.
Our core values
Six commitments that shape how we work with communities, partners and each other.
Human dignity
Every person we work with is treated with respect, and their privacy and voice are protected.
Integrity
We are honest about what we have done, what we are planning and what we still need.
Inclusion
Women, young people and persons with disabilities are part of the conversation, not an afterthought.
Community participation
Communities help identify problems and shape the solutions that affect them.
Responsibility
We take care with the resources, trust and relationships placed in our hands.
Sustainability
We favour solutions that communities can carry forward long after a single activity ends.
Leadership
Asaaba Frank Famack
Director
Asaaba Frank Famack leads Shining Hearts Africa as its Director. He provides leadership across the organisation’s community development work, its mentorship activities, the development of the organisation itself, and the mobilisation of partnerships with institutions, businesses and supporters.
Partners, funders and institutions interested in working with Shining Hearts Africa are welcome to contact him directly.
Where we work
Uganda is our primary country of operation, and our work is rooted in Ugandan communities.
Kalangala District
Island communities on Lake Victoria where we have particular experience and continuing interest.
Wakiso District
Communities in the district surrounding Kampala where we have particular experience and continuing interest.
We focus on underserved communities where access to health information, menstrual products, practical learning, mobility support and income opportunities is limited.
Beyond Uganda, we have regional interests and collaborations across East Africa, including Tanzania, where we are developing a collaboration with Brighter Beyond Borders on practical science education, and Kenya. We expect our reach to grow carefully, as partnerships and resources allow.
Our development philosophy
We believe the people closest to a problem understand it best. Our role is to listen, connect communities with resources and partners, and support solutions that communities can sustain themselves.
We would rather start with something small that works than promise something large that cannot be delivered.
Listen first
We understand community needs through engagement and consultation before deciding what to do.
Work with, not for
We work with local people and institutions rather than imposing solutions from outside.
Start small, then grow
We begin with achievable activities and expand as resources become available.
Build partnerships
We bring in partners who contribute technical knowledge, financial resources and practical expertise.
Measure and report
We monitor activities and document results to strengthen accountability.
Our commitment to accountability
Trust is earned through how we work, not through what we claim. Partners and communities can hold us to these commitments.
Honest reporting
We publish only figures we can verify, and we clearly distinguish ongoing work from plans and proposals.
Documenting results
We monitor our activities and document what happens, so that we and our partners can learn and improve.
Careful use of resources
Support given for a purpose is used for that purpose, and we are open with partners about how it is used.
Protecting dignity and privacy
We do not publish sensitive information about the people we work with, and we do not publish identifiable images of children without appropriate consent.
Work with us
If our approach reflects what you care about, we would like to hear from you.