Your support has made many things possible this year. In Burundi, we trained more people in trauma-counselling; in Rwanda, elderly genocide survivors have joined peer counselling groups; in Sierra Leone students are getting involved in sharing mental health knowledge with their peers, and in Uganda more people with mental health issues and their carers have been supported to start businesses.
Here is a story shared by our local Ugandan partner, BNUU:
Acan, a mother of ten from Abilnino village, spent years struggling to provide for her children after her husband abandoned the family. Constant worry over food, school fees, and the future left her overwhelmed and unable to sleep. When BNUU held a community session on depression, Acan recognised her own experiences and sought support at Abilnino Health Centre. She joined BNUU’s programme, receiving medication and weekly group counselling.
Through the sessions, Acan regained stability, confidence, and a sense of solidarity with women facing similar challenges. As her condition improved, she joined a self-help group, became chairperson of her savings group, and borrowed funds to begin vegetable growing and turmeric farming. The income enabled her to clear school fees and support her family.
Acan is now a respected leader and role model in her community. She continues expanding her farming business and encourages other women to use their resources to transform their lives.