Our Founder
Nurtured by Compassion: The Beginning of Hajara's Mission
Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, originally known as Mercy Alive Africa, was founded in 2007 by Hajara Namuyanja. Hajara’s journey into charity work began in 2005, inspired by the compassionate example of her late grandmother, who took her in after the sudden death of her mother when she was just an infant.
By the age of 12, Hajara was already helping women's groups, serving as both a translator and an errand runner. Her role was crucial, as many of these women were illiterate and relied on her to translate vital documents, protect them from fraud, and help them understand their finances and land titles.
Hajara’s early experience in helping women laid the foundation for the many initiatives she would later create, including efforts to develop a reading culture among community children. She often credits her grandmother's selflessness and determination as the driving forces behind her own dedication to serving others.
"I draw my inspiration from my late grandmother due to her selflessness and determination in raising me and sheltering me as a child. She served many people without minding where they came from, and I observed her carrying herself with the best principles. Her influence drives me to do better so that I can emulate every principle she lived by," Hajara reflects.
Building Bridges: Hajara's Initial Connection with Street Kids
Hajara’s first encounter with street children occurred in 2005 at a supermarket balcony in downtown Kampala, a common gathering place for these kids. One evening, a few boys approached her, demanding the food she was carrying. This initial, forceful encounter unexpectedly blossomed into a deep and meaningful relationship, ultimately leading to the creation of her ministry. Though she was still a student at the time and had no specific plan for helping the street children, Hajara’s relationship with them continued to grow. Initially, she focused on providing them with food and answering their questions.
However, as the number of children increased, she realized the need for more structured support. The joy of the street children was immeasurable as they found someone who not only provided for them but also played with them without fear. As Hajara continued to engage with the street children, she discovered that their needs went far beyond food and temporary relief. Each child carried their own story of hardship, loss, and resilience. Recognizing the importance of education and a safe environment, she began to develop programs that offered not just meals, but also shelter, counseling, and educational support. Hajara's commitment to these children became a driving force in her life, transforming her initial encounter into a lifelong mission.
Through her unwavering dedication and empathy, Hajara has opened doors to hope and opportunity for countless street children, helping them reclaim their futures and become productive members of society. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that compassion can ignite change and inspire others to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of kindness and support for those in need.
Bridging the Gap: Hajara's Commitment to Healing and Education
Responding to what she felt was a calling, Hajara began collecting clothes, befriending cooks to secure leftovers, and balancing her home chores to support her growing ministry. However, the challenges were immense. The children often fought with knives, stole from one another, and competed fiercely for what she brought. Despite being physically smaller than many of them, Hajara would bravely step in to break up fights, often ending up with bruises herself.
The bond that began with reading soon deepened, leading Hajara to realize the enormity of her responsibility. She had to establish guidelines to manage the children's behavior, turning her efforts into her "biggest class." Unfortunately, her dedication to the street children led to isolation from friends and relatives who disapproved of her association with them. Yet, Hajara remained committed, driven by the principles her grandmother had instilled in her.
Hajara continued her reading sessions with the children, seeking help from her school and the growing number of grandmothers of street children. This had a significant impact on the fledgling program. The reading culture expanded not only with the rising number of children but also in terms of responsibility, particularly concerning the children's poor health, which was Hajara's greatest challenge. To get medications for the children during school, Hajara would present their symptoms to the school nurse as if they were her own, then secretly take the medicine to them.
Creating Change: Hajara’s Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Advocacy Through Love and Determination
Despite being a child herself, Hajara took on the needs of others, driven by her optimism to create a better future for the street children. Her bond with them grew, and they knew where to find her at school or at home if they ever needed urgent help. Hajara is undeniably one of the strongest and bravest individuals, especially considering what she endured at such a young age. Early in her journey, she was arrested along with the street children while reading to them, spending a night in jail.
This occurred during street raids, and she was taken to a cell with the children, facing trauma and misery before being transferred to a remand home the next morning. This experience prompted her grandmother to offer her home as a safe space for Hajara's programs to prevent such incidents from happening again. Despite these challenges, Hajara remained committed to her mission. Two of the boys she was arrested with have since transformed, showcasing the power of giving children a chance to change. Hajara is a passionate visionary, making Save Sunshine Shelter Kids unique. Her ambition is to ensure that every street child and those in dire situations in Uganda have a safe refuge and a place where they can feel alive again.
She envisions a future where no child is left without hope, where every child has access to warmth, guidance, and the chance to rebuild their lives. This unwavering dedication fuels Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, creating a sanctuary for children to heal, dream, and realize their potential. Through her compassion and commitment, she aspires not only to rescue but to empower children, offering them the tools and love they need to shape a brighter future. This vision is the heart of Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, guiding every effort to restore dignity, resilience, and joy to the lives of Uganda’s most vulnerable children.
