About Us

Our message is simple but powerful: You are valuable! No cruelty you may have experienced can ever take away your worth, diminish your dignity, or steal the unique potential you carry within you. You are created in God’s image, and you are deeply valuable. You are not alone on this journey. Not forgotten – neither by God, by people around the world, nor by us. We stand with you.

1. FOUNADTION

1.1

At the time of its founding, the foundation was named Refugee Alliance. On April 28, 2017, the name was changed to the Brave Heart Foundation (BH). The foundation was established by Stephen Muteba Kaumba and Sigrun Sina Saltbones as a non-profit organization to empower, serve, and support refugees, host communities, and other people in need.

1.2

Brave Heart Foundation exists to empower, serve, and support refugees, host communities, and other people in need. BH works to promote extraordinary kindness toward those who have experienced extreme evil. The organization’s work is motivated by God’s unconditional love for all people, especially those experiencing war, trauma, and other forms of suffering.

1.3

Brave Heart Foundation is built on Christian values, with a particular focus on emergency aid, development, and trauma care. The organization upholds all principles and values of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and seeks to serve all people regardless of faith, ethnicity, nationality, or language.

2. PURPOSE

2.1

To empower, serve, and support refugees, host communities, and other people in need.

2.2

To lift up those who feel broken, so that they are restored, can thrive, and empower others.

2.3

To make people courageous and equip them to love God and serve those in need.

2.4

To support development, aid, and positive change for individuals and communities.

2.5

To promote peace, tolerance, and community among individuals and groups.

2.6

To reach the unreached with the love of God.

3. THE BOARD

3.1

The foundation is governed by a board consisting of 3–5 members. The board appoints its own members.

3.2

The board shall at all times fulfill the requirement for gender balance.

3.3

The board shall meet at least twice a year.

4. FINANCE

4.1

The foundation’s initial capital at the time of establishment was NOK 100,000.

4.2

Funding may come from donations, public grants, sponsorship agreements, and other revenue-generating activities and initiatives carried out by the organization, its partners, or supporters.

4.3

The foundation shall have an auditor and shall at all times operate in accordance with the current laws in Norway and in all countries where the foundation is registered. We have zero tolerance for all forms of corruption.

4.4

The Brave Heart Foundation will work to maintain a cost-effective strategy to ensure high impact, respecting both donors and recipients.

5. CHANGE TO THE BYLAWS

5.1

Amendments to the statutes or changes to the foundation shall be reported to the Norwegian Foundation Authority, as required under Chapter 6 of the Norwegian Foundations Act.

5.2

In the event of amendments to the statutes, the foundation’s purpose must always be maintained.

5.3

Amendments to the statutes may be made by the board alone.

6. DISSOLUTION

6.1

Brave Heart Foundation may be dissolved if its purpose is no longer relevant, has become meaningless, or if funding is insufficient to serve its purpose satisfactorily. In such a case, the board may unanimously agree to follow the Norwegian Foundation Authority’s guidelines for dissolution.

6.2

In the event of dissolution, assets shall be transferred to other initiatives with the purpose of supporting refugees, host communities, or other people in need.

Brave Heart maintains a ZERO TOLERANCE policy toward all forms of corruption, gender-based violence, and discrimination. Rooted in Christian values, our organization upholds all principles outlined in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We serve everyone, regardless of faith, ethnicity, nationality, or language. The Brave Heart Foundation operates in full alignment with the humanitarian principles of INDEPENDENCE, NEUTRALITY, IMPARTIALITY, and HUMANITY.

Our core values can be summarized as follows:

1. Dignity: We remind people that no circumstance can diminish their worth or tarnish their dignity. No torture, inhumane treatment, abuse, persecution, or loss can define who they are or take away their value
2. Goodness: We exist to promote extraordinary kindness toward those who have experienced extreme evil. Kindness and love have the power to heal!
3. Transparency & accountability: We are faithful stewards to our donors, partners, and the people we serve. We strive to maintain transparency and integrity in all our work. Read more about our figures here: https://www.innsamlingskontrollen.no/organisasjoner/brave-heart-stiftelsen/
4. Servant leadership: We lead by serving people in need and by serving one another.
5. Communication: We speak encouraging, positive, and constructive words that uplift one another, while maintaining our role as a strong advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Brave Heart Stiftelsen: Antikorrupsjons- og Svindelpolicy

Preamble

Brave Heart Foundation (BH) is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in the Meheba refugee camp and surrounding communities through its clinics, orphanages, senior centers, educational sponsorships, safe homes, and emergency aid programs. We recognize the critical importance of maintaining public trust, donor confidence, and the integrity of our partners. As stewards of resources intended for the most vulnerable, we are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and implementing a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption and fraud. This policy, developed in accordance with Zambian and Norwegian law as well as international conventions, aims to protect our operations and ensure that all resources are used efficiently and transparently for the benefit of our recipients.

 

1. Introduction and purpose

“This anti-corruption and fraud policy outlines BH’s commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to all forms of corruption and fraud. It aims to:

• Demonstrate our commitment to ethical conduct and accountability toward recipients, donors, partners, and Zambian and Norwegian authorities.
• Provide clear guidelines for preventing, detecting, and reporting corruption and fraud.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Zambian and Norwegian laws, including the Anti-Corruption Act, Penal Code, and Financial Intelligence Centre Act, as well as international conventions such as the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).
• Protect BH’s assets, reputation, and the integrity of our programs.

2. Scope of application

This policy applies to all individuals and entities associated with BH, including:

• Employees (full-time, part-time, and temporary)
• Styremedlemmer og frivillige
• Entreprenører, konsulenter og leverandører
• Partnere og samarbeidspartnere (lokale og internasjonale)
• Mottakere og lokalsamfunn som samhandler med BH

3. Definitions

• Corruption: Abuse of entrusted power for personal gain, including bribery, extortion, embezzlement, abuse of authority, and conflicts of interest.
• Fraud: Any intentional act of deception or misrepresentation to obtain an improper advantage or cause BCH a loss, including financial fraud, procurement fraud, and data manipulation.
• Bribery: Offering, giving, receiving, or requesting anything of value to influence a decision or action.
• Conflict of Interest: Situations in which a person’s private interests may compromise their professional judgment or duties.
• Embezzlement: Misuse or misappropriation of funds or assets entrusted to a person.
• Facilitation payment: A small payment made to secure or expedite a routine government service.
• Whistleblowing: Reporting suspected illegal, unethical, or improper conduct.
• Klanderverdig forhold: Enhver aktivitet som bryter BHs retningslinjer, lover eller etiske standarder. Dette inkluderer, men begrenses ikke til:
  • Korrupsjon, svindel og økonomiske uregelmessigheter
  • Brudd på lover og forskrifter 
  • Misbruk av makt eller ressurser
  • Helse- og sikkerhetsbrudd
  • Diskriminering, trakassering eller misbruk
  • Brudd på mottakeres rettigheter
  • Brudd på barnevern
• Whistleblower: A person who reports reportable misconduct
• Confidentiality: Protection of the whistleblower’s identity and information

4. Reporting mechanisms

BH offers several channels for reporting suspected misconduct:

• Direct reporting to the immediate supervisor: Employees and volunteers are encouraged to report concerns to their immediate supervisor.

• Reporting to a designated whistleblowing officer: BH will appoint an independent and impartial whistleblowing officer. Reports can be made via email, phone, or in person.

• Reporting to the Board: If the concern involves management or the whistleblowing officer, the report may be submitted directly to the Board.

• External reporting: If internal channels are insufficient or inappropriate, concerns may be reported to the relevant external authorities.
• Anonymous reporting: BH will provide a mechanism for anonymous reporting.

5. Protection of whistleblowers

BH is committed to protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and ensuring confidentiality. 

• No retaliation: BH does not tolerate any form of retaliation against whistleblowers. This includes, but is not limited to, demotion, suspension, dismissal, harassment, or discrimination.

• Confidentiality: The identity of whistleblowers will be protected to the fullest extent possible, unless disclosure is required by law or necessary to carry out an investigation.

• Support and assistance: BH will provide support and assistance to whistleblowers throughout the reporting and investigation process.

6. Investigation process

• Preliminary assessment: All reports of suspected reportable misconduct are reviewed promptly to determine whether an investigation is required.

• Investigation: If an investigation is required, it will be conducted in a fair and impartial manner by qualified individuals or teams.

• Documentation: All investigations shall be thoroughly documented, including witness statements, evidence, and findings.

• Reporting of findings: The results will be reported to the relevant authorities, including the Board and external bodies.
• Corrective actions: BH will implement appropriate measures based on the findings of the investigation, including disciplinary actions, policy changes, and process improvements.

7. Legal framework

This policy is based on Zambian and Norwegian legislation, including:

Zambia

• Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012
• Protected Disclosures Act No. 10 of 2010
• Employment Act
• Relevante bestemmelser i Penal Code

Norway

• The Norwegian penal code 
• The Public Procurement Act 
• The Bookkeeping Act 

8. Prohibited conduct

BH strictly prohibits:

• All forms of bribery, extortion, and facilitation payments
• Embezzlement or misuse of funds or assets
• Fraud, forgery, and misreporting
• Undeclared conflicts of interest
• The misuse of confidential information
• Money laundering and terrorist financing
•  Any corruption or fraudulent activity in violation of applicable laws

9. Preventive measures

BH shall implement the following to prevent corruption and fraud: 

• • Risk assessment: Regular assessments to identify and mitigate risks

• Due diligence: Thorough screening of partners, suppliers, and contractors

• Financial controls: Robust financial management, authorization procedures, and audits

• Procurement process: Transparent and fair

• Code of ethics: Comprehensive guidelines for expected conduct

• Training: Regular training for employees, volunteers, and partners

• Whistleblowing mechanism: Confidential and accessible channel

• Gifts and hospitality: Regulated through clear guidelines

• Documentation: Accurate and complete recording of transactions

• Audits: Internal and external
• IT security and data protection 

10. Reporting and whistleblowing

BH encourages everyone to report suspected corruption or fraud. Reporting can be made through:

• Whistleblowing hotline 
• E-mail
• Designated responsible person

BH will protect the whistleblower from retaliation and ensure confidentiality. All reports will be thoroughly investigated.

11. Investigation and Response

BH will conduct thorough and impartial investigations. Measures in cases of confirmed corruption or fraud include:

• Disciplinary measures
• Termination of employees or partners
• Reporting to the police
• Cooperation with relevant authorities 

12. Complice and legal basis

BH shall ensure compliance with all relevant Zambian and Norwegian laws and international conventions such as UNCAC.

13. Review and update

This policy shall be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its relevance and effectiveness, including in response to changes in legislation, regulations, or best practices.

14. Communication and Accessibility

The policy shall be communicated to all employees, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders, and made available on BH’s website and other relevant platforms.

15. The Board's commitment

The Board of Brave Heart Foundation is fully committed to implementing and enforcing this policy. Management shall lead by example and promote ethics and a culture of integrity.

By adhering to this policy, Brave Heart Foundation demonstrates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the effective use of resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable populations we serve.