Our Founder

Early Life & Inspiration

Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, formerly Mercy Alive Africa, was founded in 2007 by Hajara Namuyanja. Her journey in charity work began in 2005, inspired by her late grandmother, who raised her after her mother died when she was an infant.

By age 12, Hajara was assisting women's groups as a translator and errand runner, helping protect illiterate women from fraud and guiding them on finances and land matters. These early experiences laid the foundation for her later initiatives, including promoting a reading culture among community children.

Hajara attributes her dedication to her grandmother’s selflessness and determination. She reflects, “I draw my inspiration from my late grandmother… Her influence drives me to do better so that I can emulate every principle she lived by.

Connecting with Street Children

Hajara first encountered street children in 2005 at a supermarket balcony in downtown Kampala, when a few boys demanded the food she was carrying. What began as a tense encounter grew into a meaningful relationship, inspiring the creation of her ministry. Though still a student, she began by providing food and answering the children’s questions.

As more children sought her out, Hajara realized they needed more than temporary relief. She developed programs offering not only meals, but also shelter, counseling, and education. Her commitment transformed a chance encounter into a lifelong mission, opening doors to hope and opportunity for countless street children and inspiring others through compassion and service.

Education at the Core

Feeling called to help, Hajara began collecting clothes, securing leftover food, and balancing home chores to support her growing ministry. The challenges were immense: the children often fought, stole, and competed for resources. Despite her small size, Hajara bravely intervened, sometimes ending up bruised herself.

As her bond with the children deepened, she realized the need for structure, establishing rules and turning her efforts into her “biggest class.” Though friends and family disapproved, Hajara remained committed, guided by her grandmother’s principles.

She continued reading sessions with support from her school and the grandmothers of street children, expanding the program. Concerned about their health, Hajara would discreetly obtain medications from the school nurse to care for the children, demonstrating her unwavering dedication.

Empowerment & Lasting Change

Despite being a child herself, Hajara took on the needs of street children, offering help at school or at home whenever they needed it. Her courage was remarkable; early in her journey, she was even arrested with the children during a street raid and spent a night in jail. This experience led her grandmother to open her home as a safe space for Hajara’s programs.

Hajara remained steadfast in her mission, and some of the children she helped have since transformed, demonstrating the impact of giving them a chance. As the founder of Save Sunshine Shelter Kids, she envisions a future where every child in Uganda has a safe refuge, guidance, and hope. Her dedication fuels a sanctuary where children can heal, dream, and reach their potential, restoring dignity, resilience, and joy to the most vulnerable.