{"id":59528,"date":"2023-11-30T16:10:12","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T16:10:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/baho-neza-pilot-phase-concludes"},"modified":"2023-11-30T18:15:37","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T18:15:37","slug":"baho-neza-pilot-phase-concludes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/baho-neza-pilot-phase-concludes","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Baho Neza\u2019 pilot phase concludes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The collaborative project \u2018Baho Neza\u2019, under the guidance of the Imbuto Foundation, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), completed its pilot phase on November 28, aiming to address persistent mental health issues among Rwandans.<\/p>\n

The three month-long campaign saw approximately 2,400 individuals actively participate, culminating in a closing event in Jali sector, Gasabo District. The campaign\u2019s aim was to establish \u2018safe spaces\u2019 for mental health support to individuals within communities.<\/p>\n

The Alumni of Genocide Survivors\u2019 Students Association (GAERG), among various organisations involved, played a big role in spearheading the initiative. Notably, in Gasabo and Bugesera districts \u2014 specifically in Jali and Nduba sectors in Gasabo, and Rweru and Musenyi sectors in Bugesera\u2014\u2018Baho Neza\u2019 created safe spaces for mental health discussions and support.<\/p>\n

The campaign\u2019s aim was to establish \u2018safe spaces\u2019 for mental health support to individuals within communities.<\/p>\n

The ‘Baho Neza’ project aimed to create safe spaces led by \u2018Abahumurizamitima\u2019 – Community-Based Counsellors (CBC). This team provided guidance and support to groups, helping them begin a transformative mental health journey.<\/p>\n

Jean-Paul Nyiribakwe, Director of the Healing and Resilience Programme of GAERG said, \u201cThe programme involves safe space group sessions facilitated by trained CBC individuals, focusing on mental health care, listening, recognising signs of distress, and weekly discussions spanning up to 15 weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe initiative also includes a campaign engaging citizens\u2019 councils to promote regular attendance at these safe spaces. The initiative currently oversees 21 safe spaces,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He noted: \u201cThe campaign emphasises the importance of mental health care and encourages participation in the CBC-facilitated sessions, particularly for those in four key categories: individuals with mental health issues, teenage mothers, survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, and individuals affected by substance abuse.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beneficiaries pose for a group photo after meeting with specialists. The three month-long campaign saw approximately 2,400 individuals actively participate, culminating in a closing event in Jali sector, Gasabo District<\/p>\n

Nyiribakwe also mentioned that participants were encouraged to voluntarily attend the safe space sessions for training, and discussions, and to receive assistance in being referred to a doctor if necessary.<\/p>\n

\u201cCollaboration with RBC and local health centres ensures the presence of mental health workers in each sector. Notably, two individuals actively support these activities within the sector,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The programme has seen positive outcomes, with testimonies highlighting improvements in severe depression, chronic headaches, and family conflicts.<\/p>\n

Diane Abaribato, a resident of Nyabuliba cell, Jali sector in Gasabo District, was just 17 years old and still a student when she became a mother, and she faced immense challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe thought of quitting school overwhelmed me, worsened by my family\u2019s initial rejection, leaving me feeling isolated and deeply depressed,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, amidst these struggles, I found solace in Baho Neza. Their counselling showed me I wasn\u2019t alone. They taught resilience and confidence, guiding me to confront life\u2019s challenges, enabling me to build a foundation for myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The collaborative project \u2018Baho Neza\u2019, under the guidance of the Imbuto Foundation, Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), completed its pilot phase on November 28.<\/p>\n

She added: \u201cBefore finding this supportive space, I battled depression, feeling isolated from classmates while raising a child. Their support uplifted me, making me realise that I hold the power to rebuild my life and fight depression.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs of now, I have learned hairstyling, and I\u2019m employed at a women\u2019s salon, and I\u2019m thriving, and my son is in school too,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Francoise Mukangenzi, a resident of Muko cell, Jali sector, said, \u201cDuring the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, my father was killed. Life after that got tough \u2014 my mother had another child, which my siblings didn\u2019t accept, leading to endless conflict at home.<\/p>\n

\u201cLater, I got married but faced domestic violence, leading me to return home. Despite difficulties and family resistance, I found support from CBC people. Connecting with others in similar situations helped me find solace and rebuild myself. I now work at an Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) while raising my child who\u2019s currently in school,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough sharing experiences with others, I learned that everyone has their struggles. I have realised I shouldn\u2019t let these challenges define me and began offering advice to others, believing that persecution doesn\u2019t define who I am,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

The first phase successfully gathered 124 groups in Gasabo and Bugesera districts, where GAERG operates, with plans to expand this local project to other regions. The project\u2019s second phase was launched recently, aiming to further expand the reach and impact of mental health services within these communities.<\/p>\n

Baho Neza wareness aimed to address persistent mental health issues among Rwandans.<\/p>\n\r\n