Empowering Ethical Leaders
to Transform Communities
Shima Leadership Academies Foundation empowers children, youth, and young professionals to become compassionate, innovative leaders by expanding access to quality education, mentorship, and transformative learning opportunities—regardless of background or circumstance.
5,000+
Children & Youth Empowered
Turning Potential into Purpose
The Shima Leadership Academies Foundation addresses systemic inequalities that limit access to quality education, care, and leadership opportunities. Our programs support children and young people from early childhood through young adulthood to grow, lead, and thrive.
Lluna Leadership Camps
Year-round immersive camps for girls and boys that blend ethical leadership training, mentorship, and hands-on projects—supporting learners from primary to tertiary education.
Early Childhood Education
We expand access to quality, affordable childcare—supporting families, creating dignified employment for caregivers, and ensuring children receive nurturing early learning experiences.
Climate Action
Through community-led initiatives, we equip young people with practical skills to address environmental challenges and implement local solutions to the climate crisis.
Leadership Summits
Annual national and local convenings that bring together practitioners, educators, and emerging leaders to collaborate, learn, and strengthen impact for young people.
Creating Measurable Change
Since 2017, The Shima Foundation has worked alongside communities to remove barriers to education, leadership, and opportunity—ensuring children and young people can reach their full potential.
5,000+
Children & youth reached through education, mentorship, and leadership programs
300+
Teachers, caregivers, and practitioners trained and supported
20+
Communities engaged through local leadership and climate action initiatives
7+
Years of sustained impact advancing ethical and inclusive leadership
Beyond the Numbers
Our impact goes beyond statistics. Through experiential learning, mentorship, and community partnerships, we nurture confidence, agency, and ethical leadership in children and young people—especially girls and young women.
From early childhood care to youth leadership development, our work strengthens local ecosystems so communities can sustainably address challenges such as unemployment, inequality, climate change, and social exclusion.
“When young people are given access to quality education, mentorship, and ethical leadership opportunities, they don’t just change their own lives— they transform their communities.”
— Shima Foundation ApproachGrounded in Values. Guided by Purpose.
At The Shima Foundation, our mission and vision shape everything we do—ensuring our work is ethical, inclusive, and rooted in service to communities.
Our Mission
To empower children, youth, and young professionals with the skills, values, and opportunities needed to become ethical, innovative, and compassionate leaders who drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Our Vision
A world where every child and young person—regardless of background— has access to quality education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, fostering a generation of changemakers committed to integrity, service, and sustainable impact.
Our Core Values
Integrity
We lead by example, prioritizing honesty, accountability, and ethical decision-making in every action we take.
Empathy
We listen deeply, respect diverse perspectives, and champion inclusive leadership that values every voice.
Innovation
We embrace creativity and adaptability to develop practical solutions to complex social and environmental challenges.
Collaboration
We believe meaningful change happens when communities, partners, and leaders work together toward shared goals.
Service
We measure success by the positive, lasting impact we create in the lives of children, young people, and their communities.
Programs Designed for Lasting Impact
The Shima delivers immersive, inclusive programs that support children and young people at every stage of their development—from early childhood to young adulthood.
Lluna Leadership Camps (Girls & Boys)
Lluna Camps are year-round leadership development programs that blend ethical decision-making, mentorship, and experiential learning. The camps are designed for children and young people in primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Participants engage in group mentorship, hands-on community projects, and personalized guidance while connecting with seasoned leaders across diverse professional fields.
- • Ethical leadership & values-based decision making
- • Mentorship and career exposure
- • Confidence, agency, and critical thinking skills
Who it serves
Girls and boys across primary, secondary, and tertiary education levels, particularly those with limited access to leadership and mentorship opportunities.
Program Focus
Quality, affordable childcare that supports families, creates dignified employment for caregivers, and ensures children thrive during their most critical developmental years.
Early Childhood Education & Care
Our Early Childhood Education program focuses on improving access to quality, affordable childcare while strengthening the skills and livelihoods of childcare workers.
By supporting parents to access employment, training caregivers, and creating safe learning environments for children, we strengthen families and local economies simultaneously.
- • Quality early learning environments
- • Training and employment for childcare workers
- • Support for working families
Climate Action & Environmental Leadership
Through grassroots climate action initiatives, we work with communities and young leaders to address local environmental challenges using practical, community-driven solutions.
Participants build leadership skills while learning how to respond to the climate crisis through conservation, advocacy, and sustainable practices.
- • Youth-led environmental initiatives
- • Community climate education
- • Practical solutions for local challenges
Why it matters
Young people are at the forefront of climate impacts. This program equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead sustainable change within their communities.
Annual Convenings
National and local summits that convene practitioners, educators, and emerging leaders to share learning, strengthen networks, and co-create solutions for young people.
Local & National Leadership Summits
Our Leadership Summits provide a platform for learning, collaboration, and collective action across sectors working with and for young people.
These convenings strengthen the capacity of practitioners while fostering partnerships that extend impact beyond individual programs.
- • Knowledge sharing & peer learning
- • Cross-sector collaboration
- • Strengthened leadership ecosystems
Join Us in Building Ethical Leadership
The Shima partners with individuals, organizations, and communities who believe in the power of education, mentorship, and service to create lasting change.