What is the Bright Heart Program?

The Bright Heart Program is a project conducted by the Great Hearts Afire Foundation. The founder Haydn Anthony is developing an educational program for children that is focused on basic human values and conflict resolution. This program is called The Bright Heart Project.  The program is now in the initial stage of development at the Kyazanga Modern Primary School in Uganda. When completed, it will act as the prototype for further presentations of the program.

Children entering the Bright Heart Program will be guided through the information by a local mentor.  When the program is completed the children will have earned the title of 'Bright Heart.' They will then receive documentation of their participation and be allowed to wear the Bright Heart bracelet.

The aim of the program is to foster the seven values of a Bright Heart child:

• Courage
• Compassion
• Truth
• Justice
• Freedom
• Peace

In 2007, Haydn started building a home for eight children rescued from dire conditions in Kyazanga.  In January 2008, the home opened and the children moved in.  Along with their education as Bright Hearts they will receive an academic education from the Kyazanga Primary school located on the grounds. As an exception, the children at Kyazanga are allowed to be referred to as Bright Hearts during the program development. The program is being overseen by dir. And founder Joseph Lukwago and his family who operate the Modern Primary School and the activities there.  (See www.kyazanga.org for more information.)  Since the children moved into the home and started attending school they have progressed remarkably.  When arriving they barely communicated and not all of them spoke English.  In spite of their conditions they adjusted well and are now excelling.  Some are at or near the top of their classes.  (See Bright Heart Report 2010.)  This is due to the caring and guidance of Joseph, his family and their guardian. 

It is through the dedicated work by them that the futures of many children are changing for the better. It is their contribution to a better world that attracted Haydn and the Foundation.

Hearts United Football Team

In 2010 Joseph became concerned with many troubled South in Kyazanga.  These were boys who had no jobs and were causing trouble.  He decided to start a Soccer team (soccer is called football in Africa).  He went around to some local teams and chose some of the best players to head up the new team.  The team would be called 'Hearts United Football team' and their motto would be 'LIVING AND PLAYING BY THE GREAT HEART PRINCIPLES.'  Practice started and suddenly the boys were spending their time on the field rather than making trouble.  Joseph arranged a tournament with all the other teams.  Hearts United won the trophy.

The players on the team must go through an orientation to learn the six Great Heart principles of Courage, Compassion, Truth, Justice, Freedom and Peace.  After the orientation they sign a pledge to do their best to abide by these principles.  They are being coached not only in their sport but in becoming future Great Hearts and leaders.

They will wear silicone bracelets embossed with the six principles and the name of their team.  We are thankful to Great Heart Dr. Ron Mann for donating money for the bracelets. Junior teams will be formed in the near future to involve younger boys and girls.  They will be called 'Toto Hearts United.'  They too will take the orientation and pledge.

To contribute directly to the Bright Heart Project or the soccer teams, contact Haydn.

"Bright Heart Children" and "Bright Heart Program" are trademarked by the Great Hearts Afire Foundation.