Mental health is an increasingly urgent yet often overlooked burden in Uganda especially among school-going children in rural areas. The rising wave of emotional distress and psychological challenges among these children is driven by a complex web of factors, including poverty, domestic violence, broken family structures, and the lack of mental health education and support in schools. Many children carry silent pain, unable to focus, thrive, or perform well in school due to unresolved trauma and the absence of safe spaces for expression and healing.
In rural communities, mental health support is either unavailable or deeply stigmatized. Schools often lack trained counselors, and parents struggling with their own hardships may not recognize or address their children’s emotional needs. As a result, many children slip through the cracks, developing long-term psychological issues that hinder their growth, relationships, and future potential.
Our initiative is determined to change that narrative. We seek to:
- Identify high-need and at-risk children and youth in schools and communities.
- Provide psychosocial support and counseling services to help them navigate emotional trauma.
- Implement digital tools and platforms that enable discreet communication, peer support, and access to mental health resources.
- Support psychiatric departments in selected hospitals by providing essential supplies, medication, and care resources.
- Distribute donations including basic needs, educational materials, and comfort items to children undergoing mental health treatment.