In an inspiring showcase of creativity and resilience, on January 4, youth under the ‘Uyisenga ni Imanzi’ initiative unveiled an empowering exhibition centered on children and adolescent mental health. The move aimed to delve into the past, empower the present, and envision a brighter future for young people. The event, a fusion of art, films and metaphorical representations, participants, primarily students, took the spotlight, unveiling an array of artistic endeavors - from evocative drawings to poems and innovative school club titled ‘Mobile Art for Peace’ (MAP Club), each serving as attestation to their resilience and determination in navigating mental health challenges. The MAP Club, operating in schools, aims to tackle mental health challenges using creative methods and creating a supportive environment for youth. Some of the thought-provoking artworks included pieces such as ‘A Mountain of Problems’, ‘Ndi Nyampinga’, ‘Pierced Heart’, ‘Where is Hope’, ‘Ikuzimu’ (Hell), ‘I am Lost but No One Knows’, ‘Not Happy for Losing, but Life Goes On’, ‘Future’, ‘Imbata’ (Addicted), ‘Happy Life’, ‘Gereza’ (prison), ‘Umusozi w’Ibyiza’ (The mountain of goodness), ‘Power Of Us, The Hand To Clean Tears’, and more. These poems and drawings adorned the exhibition space, each telling a unique story of struggle and resilience. ALSO READ: ‘Umva-Visualizing Peace’ films that stir action in addressing mental health Picking randomly from these creatives like ‘Ndi Nyampinga’ poem, the piece celebrates embracing womanhood, valuing oneself, and recognising inner strength as it portrays dedication to personal growth, rooted in spirituality and respect for others. The poem emphasizes carrying values like integrity and kindness, drawing strength from tradition and understanding. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of womanhood and the beauty that flourishes when grounded in wisdom and good-hearted actions. Besides, ‘Power of Us, the Hand to Clean Tears’ piece depicts a person surrounded by many hands causing suffering, tears falling down their cheeks, showing a painful and unsupported life. Yet, it highlights the strength in collective empathy, emphasizing the ability of united hands to offer comfort, erase sorrow, and heal. Together, our shared empathy can be a powerful force for kindness, offering support and hope even in the darkest times. Equally, ‘I Am Lost But No One Knows’, the drawing by a students’ club portrays the hidden struggles of youth facing depression. It depicts a sense of being lost and unseen, trapped in darkness due to a difficult childhood marked by family conflicts, hunger, and abuse. These experiences have left them feeling disconnected from their own identity, craving understanding and support in their isolating journey. ALSO READ: Newly launched ‘youth-friendly’ mental health campaign to focus on prevention Addressing the root causes, several voices highlighted the impact of family backgrounds on mental health issues while calling for transformative changes within families to nurture a healthier and more resilient generation. Hassan Uwiduhaye, a 17-year-old, was among the students spotted at the event. He’s a member of the MAP Club at Rugando TSS secondary school, encouraged to join by a caring teacher who looked out for him daily. Despite initially struggling academically and keeping to himself, joining the club brought about positive changes: he now performs better academically, respects others, and feels optimistic about the future. ALSO READ: Activists speak out on drivers of mental health issues among youth Chaste Uwihoreye, a clinical psychologist and mastermind behind the initiative highlighted that the initiative aimed to emphasize the difficulty in finding suitable words to address youth mental health issues. He said: “We used tools like poetry, arts, and films as a way to highlight these problems, showcasing that mental, psychological, and emotional concerns lack a physical laboratory, unlike diseases that can be tested through blood or microscopic analysis.” “When engaging with the films, images, arts, and poems, they can discover a shared resonance with the portrayed issues, enabling individuals to acknowledge and potentially seek assistance for their own problems, fostering a means of release and support where necessary,” he noted. Addressing the necessity for prevention, Uwihoreye emphasized the importance of intervening within families. “By supporting parents and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance, it becomes possible to effectively care for and prevent mental health issues in children. Failing to do so may lead to these issues becoming chronic. Crucially, the foundation for combating these problems begins within the family,” he said.
