Celestin Mutuyimana’s research into collective trauma healing is advancing a new digital approach to mental health care for communities affected by conflict and crisis. The clinical psychotherapist and founder of Baho Smile Institute, a Rwanda-based mental health and psychosocial support organisation, developed an online platform, known as Vitality Space, which supports collective trauma healing through accessible and community-based mental health care. ALSO READ: The Rwandan doctor redefining trauma therapy with ubuntu In an interview with The New Times, Mutuyimana said the research-backed platform offers four core services: self-help interventions, online peer support groups, a system to match psychotherapists with patients, and a training hub. ALSO READ: Rwandan psychologist discovers new stress disorder affecting married women “The goal is to reduce trauma, expand access to care, fight stigma, and address the shortage of mental health professionals in many countries. “People can heal at home using self-help tools, join peer support groups to connect with others and feel less alone, meet psychotherapists online, even anonymously if they prefer, and access training that helps them understand and cope with trauma,” Mutuyimana said. He explained that the research that inspired “Vitality Space” began with studies in Rwanda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. The findings from these studies helped design the platform, which is now being tested with Kinyarwanda speakers in Rwanda and users across 44 countries. ALSO READ: New study shows resilience can break cycle of trauma in Rwanda Mutuyimana said his work is informed by his experience in Rwanda, where many trauma survivors struggle to access mental health services, and he hopes to complete full functionality testing before expanding the platform to other post-conflict regions, including Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Israel. “As a psychotherapist, I meet many people who don’t receive enough support. There are few professionals, therapy is costly, and stigma persists. During my research, I realised that most solutions focus on individuals one by one, so I asked myself, how could we reach many people at the same time and help them heal together?” He noted that it was that question that inspired him to start the healing platform. The psychotherapist noted that the platform took two years to develop, and initial testing has already produced encouraging results. For now, it is free for participants in ongoing trials, but plans are in place to commercialise it and expand its reach. On February 3, Mutuyimana was awarded the Sparkling Research Award in Switzerland by the University of Zurich for his contributions to collective trauma healing. The award is presented annually by the university’s Office of the Vice President and honors outstanding research and innovation. Mutuyimana was selected in the Entrepreneurship Fellowships category, which shows projects that translate research into practical solutions for communities. “The award is called Sparkling because it recognises research and innovation that shine. In my case, it was for a project that bridges research and real-world impact. The Sparkling Research Award is very competitive, with more than 15 candidates considered each year and only two projects selected,” he said. Mutuyimana noted the recognition shows that his work combines academic research with practical solutions. He added that the award opens opportunities for networking, funding, and partnerships, and gives him the confidence to expand the project further.
