HIRU is built on simple yet essential values.
They are the sun that guides our every step — in every project, in every Interaction.
Who We Are - Our Story
HIRU was born out of a desire to help people and communities rediscover their own power and light. Because yes, we all have a sun inside us - sometimes we just need a little support to make it shine again.
HIRU was born out of a desire to help people and communities rediscover their inner strength and light. We all have a sun inside us; sometimes, we just need a little support to make it shine again. There is always a story behind every project, even the smallest one. HIRU, which means ‘sun’ in Sinhalese, is Talitha’s small dream: to bring light where it’s most needed and help people shine their inner sun.
Let me introduce myself and share this story with you. I’m Talitha, and I have been working as a nurse in a hospital since 2017. I couldn’t have chosen a different path: the human connection, teamwork, shifts, wards, adrenaline, stress and life lessons are all part of who I am. Today, I work in staff management and lead projects within hospital departments. One day, I decided to take my nursing career on a journey around the world. In Tanzania, Africa, I experienced some simple yet powerful moments: a balloon, a smile, the shared joy of a newborn’s first cry… There was so much humanity and simplicity. Then I went to Sri Lanka on holiday.
It was during a walk along the beaches of the south coast of Sri lanka , in December 2024, that I realised : the time had come. The idea was to create something lasting. An organisation that could support, collaborate with, and help people, communities, and initiatives around the world. Now, in 2025, after two years of doubts and insecurities… but also full of inspiring encounters, hope, bravery, and vision… HIRU is born.
The Team
Talitha Fontana - Founder
Talitha is a general nurse, currently working as head nurse and involved in managing hospital-based projects. Her background in healthcare and coordination is a support for the foundation, especially in developing new ideas and initiatives.
She believes in the importance of helping vulnerable people — even through small actions or a simple smile. She decided to create the foundation to make a difference also beyond the hospital walls. Helping others is what truly makes her happy — it’s one of her “why” in life.
Andrea Fontana - Co Founder
Andrea Fontana, a finance expert, currently works for a fiduciary company. Together with his sister Talitha, he will be responsible for managing the administrative and financial aspects of the organization.
Our Approach
Our approach is based on presence, trust and collaboration. What truly matters to us is building together with the communities we support
We create partnerships with local entities, NGOs operating in the area and organisations already active in the field. We also work with the people themselves..
This ensures the best possible implementation of the projects and ideas we develop together.
Our three operational pillars are:
Collaboration
Support
Empowerment
We use these tools to help ignite and nurture the potential we believe exists within every person.
01.
— Our Mission
HIRU was founded in 2025 with the goal of promoting Collaboration, Support, and Empowerment in communities facing situations of need. We are committed to support initiatives and projects that stand alongside children, young people, and adults on their journeys, with a particular focus on education and healthcare.
02.
— Our Values
HIRU is built on simple yet essential values.They are the sun that guides our every step — in every project, in every
encounter.
Humanity: We believe that every person is unique and deserves respect, care and dignity. We believe in the power of genuine relationships, grounded in empathy and connection.
Active listening: we listen before we act. We believe that real change starts with understanding the true needs of others around us.
Authenticity: We operate with transparency and integrity, maintaining consistency between what we say and what we do, with full respect for the communities we work with.
Partners
Partner with us > Do you have an organization, a business, or skills you’d like to share? Get in touch — we can build new initiatives together.