Inspiring children to care for the animals, the planet and their health
Project Kindheart is Viva! Uganda’s ambitious school-based initiative, delivered by our expert staff and dedicated volunteers to inspire a kinder, healthier, and more compassionate generation. Through engaging school visits, we educate children and young people about animal welfare, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and plant-based health.
What began as a small programme in Kabale has rapidly grown into a multi-region initiative reaching schools in Kabale, Kampala, Wakiso, and Jinja. By working closely with teachers and school leaders, Project Kindheart is helping embed compassion, sustainability, and healthy food choices into both school and home life.
Project Kindheart has now become Viva! Uganda’s largest school engagement campaign, reaching 17,813 learners across 78 schools — including 32 primary and 46 secondary schools. Alongside this, we have distributed 5,100 exercise books carrying messages of kindness and 450 Kindheart T-shirts to students so they can share their compassion wherever they go.
What we do
Through interactive and engaging sessions, we:
- Lead discussions on kindness to animals, animal sentience, and welfare
- Raise awareness about wildlife conservation and environmental protection
- Promote plant-based health and nutrition
- Encourage students to reflect on their choices and their impact on animals, people, and the planet
Our sessions are highly participatory, with students asking questions, sharing ideas, and engaging in meaningful conversations about how they can create a kinder world.
Hands-on learning through food
A key highlight of Project Kindheart is our interactive plant-based cooking sessions.
Students and teachers learn how to prepare simple, affordable, and nutritious meals using locally available ingredients. Students actively take part in cooking — chopping vegetables, preparing dough, and creating their own meals — building confidence and practical life skills.
These sessions help students discover that healthy, meat-free food can be delicious, accessible, and easy to prepare at home. They also strengthen understanding of nutrition, including the importance of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein from plant-based foods.
Our reach and growth
Project Kindheart has been delivered across multiple regions:
- Kabale – where the project first launched and built strong foundations, reaching over 30 schools and thousands of students
- Kampala and Wakiso – expanding into urban schools and engaging new audiences
- Jinja – reaching over 4,000 students in a short period, with particularly high enthusiasm and participation
- Return to Kabale – deepening impact through follow-up visits, smaller group engagement, and the introduction of cooking sessions
This expansion has allowed us to adapt our approach to different school environments while maintaining a consistent message of compassion and sustainability.
Impact
Across the schools we have worked with, we have seen:
- Increased awareness of animal welfare, nutrition, and environmental issues
- Greater empathy towards animals, especially those in students’ own homes
- Improved understanding of healthy eating and plant-based nutrition
- Development of practical cooking skills and confidence
- Strong teacher engagement, with interest in integrating these topics into lessons
Students are not only learning — they are engaging, participating, and sharing these lessons with their families and communities.
Looking ahead
Project Kindheart continues to grow as we work to embed compassion, kindness, and respect for animals and the environment into Uganda’s education system.
By combining education, practical skills, and positive messaging, we are helping nurture a generation that understands the connection between health, food, animals, and the planet — and feels empowered to make kinder choices.
