SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda through the Mental and ASRH project in partnership with Rwanda Biomedical Centre joined citizens of Rubavu District to celebrate World Mental Health Day under the theme, "Make Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority".

Celebration of Mental Health Day is an occasion for people with mental health issues, governments and other stakeholders to come together to recognize progress in this field and to be a voice for those who are still stigmatized by their society due to mental health issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions. According to Dr. Yvonne Kayiteshonga, the Manager of the Mental Health Division at Rwanda Biomedical Center, Stigma and discrimination continue to be a barrier to social inclusion and access to the right care.

“We envision a world in which mental health is valued, promoted and protected; where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise their human rights; and where everyone can access the mental health care they need,” she noted.

Statistics indicate a growing trend of mental health situation which is becoming increasingly challenging in general and specifically for young people growing up in nowadays.

“Covid-19 has increased the risk of having distress but there were also pre-existing mental health issues among adolescents, suicide and substance abuse numbers have been steadily rising and young people are expected to become more” Ruhamyambuga Olivier the executive of Rubavu District added.
Other strategies being undertaken include the promotion of social inclusion policies, support and direct investment for vulnerable populations and investment in communities and young people to reduce crime.

SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda is implementing Mental Health and Psychosocial support services aiming at building Mental Health competencies to support vulnerable children and youths aged 10 to 18 years.

In the community, SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda worked with 32 schools in the districts of Gasabo, Gicumbi, Kayonza and Nyamagabe and trained 65 school-based counselors who facilitate weekly support group sessions with children and youths where they develop coping strategies to deal with hardships and challenging situations.