#FacesUp

We didn’t become what we once dreamed of. We became what our communities needed. A footballer. A pilot. A doctor. A TV host. A soldier. A netballer. An artist. Those were the dreams. But somewhere along the way, reality asked of us something different. “Who will show up for these children?” So we did. Not by abandoning our dreams, but by evolving them. Today, we build spaces where children: * feel safe * feel seen * and find their voice Different paths. Same purpose. Swipe through. These are the people doing the work, every single day. A team we are proud of and celebrate every day. In 1 of 2 segments, these are the faces of faces up. #FacesUp #impactteam

Segment 2: #FacesUp #impactteam

We didn’t become what we once dreamed of. We became what our communities needed. A footballer. A pilot. A doctor. A TV host. A soldier. A netballer. An artist. Those were the dreams. But somewhere along the way, reality asked of us something different. “Who will show up for these children?” So we did. Not by abandoning our dreams, but by evolving them. Today, we build spaces where children: * feel safe * feel seen * and find their voice Different paths. Same purpose. Swipe through. These are the people doing the work, every single day. A team we are proud of and celebrate every day. In 1 of 2 segments, these are the faces of faces up. #FacesUp #impactteam

Part 2 of the slides: Curious to support what works, we are glad to have a conversation with you. lnkd.in/d5iqaTyU #FacesUp #ArtforChange #artbasedmhpss

Last year in September, we rolled out art as therapy sessions for children with physical and intellectual disabilities @abilityksph_Ug . We came in excited. But in the first sessions, in a new space, we didn't see what we hoped for, the change we wanted to make. Some children struggled to start or complete activities. Others were present, but disengaged. Because adaptbility is one of our core values, we leaned into the abilities of the learners. The evaluator on our team stayed consistent, tracking small shifts, session by session. While we acknowledge the efforts of other partners who support these children, our focus stayed on what happens within the art sessions. Today: * More children start and complete activities * Participation has increased * Those who once observed and did nothing, now take the initiative to start. * Engagement is sustained, the number of participants has remained constant, and sometimes increases. * Children now look forward to the next session - one asked if we would change instead of coming twice a month, to come every week. These shifts mark a critical transition, from passive presence to active engagement, the point at which learning becomes possible. These are measurable and observable shifts in engagement, an essential indicator of learning, participation, and long-term educational outcomes. At KSPH, #art is not replacing existing support. It is strengthening it. These shifts represent the earliest, most critical return on investment, because of the investment of our partners such as ; @Global4Children , @Some1ElsesChild and @Paceable Foundation whose support makes this work possible. Slowly, slowly, children are getting ready to learn. This is not an extra program. This is foundational. → Follow the slides to see the difference between the first sessions, and now. Curious to support what works, we are glad to have a conversation with you. lnkd.in/d5iqaTyU #FacesUp #ArtforChange #artbasedmhpss

Photo taken by @AlenzyArtss 10 days ago, this is the group photo of us @facesupuganda meeting up with our guests Virgile, Wangari and Divine from @SegalFoundation ! 😁

A few days ago, we hosted the incredible team from the @SegalFoundation , a team in this space that needs no introduction. And this wasn’t just a visit. It was a conversation. A deep one. Virgile Bahujimihigo, Wangari N., and Divine Munezero leaned into the work with curiosity, and we shared about: What drives us. What we’re building. And what it really looks like on the ground. • Art sessions with juveniles, where young people begin to reflect, express, and rebuild identity • Spaces with children with disabilities, where participation replaces limitation • Work with refugee communities, where creativity restores agency and dignity • And Art for Educators, our push to move beyond programs and into systems Because for us, this is the work: Heal → Learn → Earn → Thrive We also shared how we measure impact, not just numbers, but real shifts in confidence, emotional development, social interaction, and connection through our art-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) approach. Because impact isn’t what we say. It’s what changes. Visits like this don’t just affirm the work. They challenge us to go deeper. To build better. To stay honest. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when art becomes a tool for healing and opportunity, Our doors are open. #FacesUp #artforsocialchange #Artbasedmhpss

Love for the Wild. Purpose in Every Piece. Over the past few months, young artists at Faces Up Uganda have been exploring one powerful idea: the beauty of Uganda’s wildlife. From lions to crested cranes, these artworks are not just paintings, they are interpretations of the animals that define Uganda’s identity and draw the world to our land. It’s pride. It’s a spotlight on the gift of Uganda. But here’s where it goes deeper. These young artists are not only learning to paint. They are learning to use art as a tool, to promote culture, and express themselves. Now, you have the opportunity to be part of that journey. • Original paintings are available for purchase • Prints are now featured on tote bags, notebooks, and T-shirts This is not just art for your wall. It’s an investment in a child’s education. 70% supports school fees for children. 30% sustains free art programs. If you’ve been looking for a piece that adds meaning to your space, this is it. Price range: UGX 250,000 – 350,000 ($80 – $100) Send us a message or comment with the piece you’re interested in, and we’ll guide you. Worldwide shipping available. Own something beautiful. Stand for something bigger. #FacesUp #Artforchange #artforimpact

Part 3 of 3: Today, @Aksantiart is not waiting to be discovered. He is building a life through his art. Selling. Exhibiting. Creating consistently. Not just to survive, but to thrive. And this is why we do what we do. Because when a young person heals, learns, and earns, they don’t just change their story… they redefine what’s possible. #facesup

Part 2 of 3: On this #WorldArtDay, @Aksantiart demonstrates what art can achieve. Then something changed. Aksanti didn't just find a space; he found direction. Through #FacesUp, his art shifted from survival to possibility. A place to create. A place to be seen. A place to grow into the artist he knew he could become. This is what happens when talent meets opportunity.

This World Art Day, art is helping our youth heal, express themselves, and rebuild confidence. Through our partnership with @FacesUpUganda, creativity is transforming lives. Join us in making a difference. Visit bangaafayo.org #BaNgaAfayo #WorldArtDay #MentalHealth

Part 1 of 3: He didn’t arrive with connections. He arrived with a brush, a dream, and determination. From the settlement in Nakivale to the streets of Kampala, @Aksantiart carried one thing with him, his art. Not polished. Not perfect. But honest. Bold. Unapologetic. This is where his story begins. Not from comfort… but from conviction. #FacesUp

#ICYMI, we @FacesUpUganda recently released our newsletter from the first quarter of 2026 - mailchi.mp/db8b82ef81a2/f… ! Enjoy and take appropriate action! 😁

We had very special visitors @FacesUpUganda yesterday - from @SegalFoundation . We elaborated more about the works we do and how we operate and I honestly look forward to more deliberations with them.

What is an art session without joy? 🎨✨ While @abilityksph_Ug , creativity filled the room with smiles, and in this video, you can see that joy come alive in every moment. This time, we added music to our art session. The rhythm made every color, brushstroke, and moment more exciting. There was laughter. There was freedom. There was pure joy in every expression. For us, these moments mean everything. They create safe spaces for children to feel included, confident, and happy to be themselves. That is the beauty of art. It brings hearts together. #FacesUp #ArtForChange #Artbasedmhpss

Part 2: #ArtBasedMHPSS #YouthDevelopment #MentalHealth #Education #SocialImpact #FacesUp #CreativeLearning

Not for its beauty. Not for its appeal. But for its transformational power. At Faces Up Uganda, we chose art intentionally, not as an extracurricular activity, but as a structured tool for mental health and psychosocial support. Across our work, from our community art centre, to children with disabilities, to juveniles in rehabilitation, to refugee settings, we have observed a consistent pattern: When young people are supported to express themselves safely, their emotional regulation improves. Their confidence grows. And their engagement with learning strengthens. This is the foundation of our model: Healing → Learning → Opportunity Art is not the outcome. It is the entry point. The slides below offer a closer look at what this looks like in practice, and why creativity remains one of the most accessible, culturally grounded tools for supporting young people. If you are exploring trauma-aware, scalable approaches to youth development, we would value a conversation. Send a DM. #ArtBasedMHPSS #YouthDevelopment #MentalHealth #Education #SocialImpact #FacesUp #CreativeLearning

Cheers to the young champions at Naguru Remand Home! #OTD, we made memories, building confidence, and having a blast on our Sport Day! 💪🏽👏 #SportDay #Youthempowerment #NaguruRemandHome @FacesUpUganda

Before reaching Country View 🚗 🏫, I first took our @FacesUpUganda troops to @abilityksph_Ug for an art session. This is how it went, in a nutshell! 😍😁

Guys, the majja finally came in. I thank you nyo nyo nyo, for this first collection of funds for our new community centre @FacesUpUganda . 😁