On January 4, Uyisenga ni Imanzi—a youth-focused NGO that helps vulnerable children and youth, especially orphans affected by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, those living with HIV/AIDS, young girls facing violence, and individuals with special needs—presented an impactful exhibition focused on the mental health of children and adolescents. Participants of the exhibition, primarily students, displayed a fusion of art, film and metaphorical representations, which served as a testament to their resilience and determination in navigating the mental health challenges they face. During the exhibition, 17-year-old Hassan Uwiduhaye, a member of the Mobile Arts for Peace Club (MAP) Club at Rugando TSS, told The New Times that he was encouraged to join by a caring teacher who looked out for him every day. Despite initially struggling academically and keeping to himself, joining the club brought about positive changes, he noted and said he now performs better academically, respects others, and feels optimistic about the future. MAP Club operates in schools and aims to tackle mental health challenges using creative methods and creating a supportive environment for the youth. The situation Poor mental health among adolescents is a growing concern, with many students experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Bullying, family conflict, and academic pressure, among other things, can contribute to adolescent depression due to the physical and emotional changes they experience during this developmental phase, making it tougher to handle stress, experts say. ALSO READ: Exhibition addresses youth mental health challenges The most prevalent disorders among adolescents, according to a 2018 report by Rwanda Biomedical Centre, are depression, affecting 4 per cent of adolescents aged 14 to 18 and 8.3 per cent of those aged 19 to 25, and anxiety, affecting 4.2 per cent of adolescents aged 14 to 18 and 6.9 per cent of those aged 19 to 25. In Rwanda, approximately one in ten adolescents aged 14 to 18 and one in six aged 19 to 25 meet the criteria for a common mental disorder. With this background, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, on December 3, 2020, initiated the School-Based Mental Health and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (SBMH and ASRH) programme. The programme aims to enhance mental health awareness and support by providing training to school staff, offering awareness sessions to students, and appointing two counsellors per school. Since its inception, 7,895 staff members across 572 schools have undergone mental health and ASRH training, while approximately 212,535 students participated in awareness sessions. Furthermore, according to a 2023 report from Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital, over 70 per cent of the patients are young adults, primarily suffering from drug abuse. Additionally, more than 70 per cent of the demographic is under 25, with substance abuse as a common issue. Among them, 42 per cent are aged 20 to 39, 38 per cent are over 40, and 20 per cent are below 19. In response to the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among young individuals, a ‘youth-friendly’ national mental health campaign was unveiled on October 10, 2023, with a primary goal to address the urgent concern of mental health among youth, recognising its impact not only on their personal lives but also on the broader well-being of the nation. ALSO READ: 35% of Genocide survivors have mental health problems – RBC Intergenerational link Chaste Uwihoreye, a clinical psychologist, and Director of Uyisenga ni Imanzi, highlighted the pervasive issue of mental health in Rwanda, emphasising its intergenerational legacies that stem from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He said: “Younger generations, burdened by their parents’ history and compounded by family challenges, inherit these legacies, impacting their mental well-being.” He added that the severe disruption of family structures and core values during the Genocide undeniably had an impact on the overall mental health of families. This collective impact often designates certain individuals within the family as the focal point for mental health issues. “Research consistently supports the fact that the family’s mental health significantly influences individual well-being, especially during the crucial developmental stage of ‘developmental depression’ at ages 13 and 14. This phase, when intersecting with intergenerational legacies and family struggles, poses significant challenges to children regardless of their family’s socio-economic situation,” he noted. “As individuals navigate this stage, constructing their identity and dreams, they face confusion and pressure. Some succumb to peer pressure, resorting to drug use, which can later lead to addiction and worsen mental health issues,” he said. ALSO READ: ‘Umva-Visualizing Peace’ films that stir action in addressing mental health Manoeuvring Uwihoreye suggests that parenting styles could assist individuals in safely navigating away from the path of confusion. He said: “It’s crucial not to misguide them but instead, encourage self-discovery, and enable them to embrace their true identity. Parents and guardians must comprehend their children’s needs and collaborate closely to guide them away from this unsafe phase.” “Guardians and teachers alike bear the responsibility of creating an environment that fosters safety, security, trust, love, and attentive listening to students. All these elements greatly contribute to a conducive and supportive atmosphere between children and educators,” he said. “Unfortunately, there is a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists— specialised medical professionals dedicated to young individuals. Kundwa Health, situated in Ndera, stands as the single centre uplifting the holistic well-being of adolescents, with a limited capacity to cater to only 20 children,” he noted. “To address this gap, we devised a plan to establish proximity to schools, creating Mobile Arts for Peace Club (MAP Club) and providing training to both students and their teachers.” They operate in 61 schools across Kigali, Huye, Rwamagana, Rubavu, Nyaruguru, and Nyagatare to address mental health challenges through creative approaches and establishing a supportive space for young people. According to Uwihoreye, these clubs have made significant impacts, such as enhancing academic performances, reducing school dropouts, and reintegrating many students back into school. Furthermore, students have also been able to guide their peers to hospitals when the situation becomes too much for them to handle.
