A shared purpose.
A brighter future.
The David Shelton Foundation exists to protect childhood and open up possibilities for young lives in Kampala.
Why I founded
the Foundation.
Shema Mukasi
Founder, The David Shelton Foundation
My name is Shema Mazowe Mukasi, and I am the Founder of The David Shelton Foundation, an organisation supporting vulnerable and parentless boys aged 7 to 18 in Uganda.
The foundation is named after my son, David Shelton Chukwuemeka, who is a teenager. As a single mother, I have raised David without the consistent presence of his father. Watching him grow into a teenager has been both rewarding and challenging. I have seen him navigate the pressures young boys face, including stereotyping, social expectations, identity struggles and the need for positive male role models.
This journey inspired me to create something that would not only encourage David and leave him a meaningful legacy, but also give hope to boys who face even greater disadvantages.
I founded The David Shelton Foundation because I believe every boy deserves to feel valued, supported and capable of achieving a bright future. In Uganda, many parentless and vulnerable boys grow up without the stability, guidance and opportunities they need. Their circumstances should not determine the rest of their lives. Through the foundation, we aim to give these young boys a second chance by providing care, encouragement, education, mentorship, life skills and opportunities to build a better future.
My passion for this work is grounded in both personal experience and my professional background. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and have extensive experience working in the United Kingdom as a Youth Worker, supporting young people and those leaving the care system. This work helped me understand the challenges vulnerable young people face when they do not have consistent family support or a strong network around them.
I currently work as a Family Assessments Officer within Children’s Social Care services. I support new parents through their assessments and help them develop the skills and confidence needed to care safely for their children. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping families remain together wherever it is safe and possible, so that children do not have to be removed from their parents' care.
My commitment to improving lives extends beyond my professional work. I have volunteered with charities such as Sense and Help the Aged, and I support WaterAid and other organisations working to improve lives across Africa. I am also a direct member of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland, contributing to efforts that create lasting change in communities around the world.
Everything I have experienced — as a mother, a youth worker, a social care professional, a volunteer and a humanitarian — has led me to this purpose.
The David Shelton Foundation is more than an organisation. It is a mother’s love transformed into a mission. It is a legacy for my son and a promise to vulnerable boys in Uganda that they have not been forgotten.
Our vision is to help every boy we support recognise his worth, overcome the limitations placed upon him and grow into a confident, responsible and compassionate young man.
Every boy deserves guidance. Every boy deserves an opportunity. Every boy deserves a second chance and a bright future.
Connect with the Foundation
My motivation
statement.
David Shelton Chukwuemeka
Founder’s Inspiration | The David Shelton Foundation
My name is David Shelton Chukwuemeka. I am a teenager and a secondary school student. I feel truly honoured and grateful that my mum has established The David Shelton Foundation in my name. It means so much to me to be part of something that is dedicated to bringing hope, love, and a brighter future to young boys in Uganda.
I have watched my mum work hard, show kindness, and dedicate herself to helping vulnerable children and young people. Her compassion, strength, and commitment to making a difference have inspired me deeply. I am so thankful to her for creating this foundation and giving me the opportunity to be part of a meaningful journey.
Through The David Shelton Foundation, I hope to share my passion for giving, caring, and lending a helping hand to young boys in Uganda who have lost hope or are facing difficult circumstances. I want them to know that they are valued, loved, and not forgotten. Every child deserves to feel safe, have opportunities, believe in themselves, and dream of a better future.
One of my greatest passions is football, and I look forward to sharing my football skills, playing with the boys, learning from them, and encouraging them to discover their own talents. I hope that through sports, friendship, education, and mentorship, we can inspire one another, build confidence, and create wonderful memories together.
I may be young, but I believe that age should never stop anyone from making a positive difference in the lives of others. I want to be a source of encouragement, friendship, and hope to these boys and remind them that their past does not define their future.
I am excited and looking forward to the great things we will achieve together through The David Shelton Foundation. My dream is to grow alongside these boys, share love and happiness, and help them believe that a brighter future is possible.
Together, we can make a difference, one boy, one dream, and one act of kindness at a time.
With love, hope, and determination,
David Shelton Chukwuemeka
Moments from
David’s journey.
Client-supplied photographs of David Shelton.
A future shaped
by possibility.
Difficult circumstances should never determine a child’s future.
The David Shelton Foundation supports vulnerable, orphaned and street-connected children and young people, with a particular focus on boys aged 7–18.
We bring practical, emotional and educational support together, working with families, communities and relevant services to address the circumstances that place children at risk.
A living purpose.
The Foundation is named after David Shelton, the son of our founder, Shema Mukasi. His portrait is part of the Foundation’s identity and appears throughout this website.
Our focus is on the safety, dignity and possibilities of the children and young people we support.