{"id":62391,"date":"2024-01-05T16:03:32","date_gmt":"2024-01-05T16:03:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/photos-exhibition-addresses-youth-mental-health-challenges"},"modified":"2024-01-05T16:58:36","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T16:58:36","slug":"photos-exhibition-addresses-youth-mental-health-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/culture-and-art\/photos-exhibition-addresses-youth-mental-health-challenges","title":{"rendered":"PHOTOS: Exhibition addresses youth mental health challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>In an inspiring showcase of creativity and resilience, on January 4, youth under the \u2018Uyisenga ni Imanzi\u2019 initiative unveiled an empowering exhibition centered on children and adolescent mental health. The move aimed to delve into the past, empower the present, and envision a brighter future for young people.<\/p>\n

The event, a fusion of art, films and metaphorical representations, participants, primarily students, took the spotlight, unveiling an array of artistic endeavors – from evocative drawings to poems and innovative school club titled \u2018Mobile Art for Peace\u2019 (MAP Club), each serving as attestation to their resilience and determination in navigating mental health challenges.<\/p>\n

The MAP Club, operating in schools, aims to tackle mental health challenges using creative methods and creating a supportive environment for youth.<\/p>\n

Some of the thought-provoking artworks included pieces such as \u2018A Mountain of Problems\u2019, \u2018Ndi Nyampinga\u2019, \u2018Pierced Heart\u2019, \u2018Where is Hope\u2019, \u2018Ikuzimu\u2019 (Hell), \u2018I am Lost but No One Knows\u2019, \u2018Not Happy for Losing, but Life Goes On\u2019, \u2018Future\u2019, \u2018Imbata\u2019 (Addicted), \u2018Happy Life\u2019, \u2018Gereza\u2019 (prison), \u2018Umusozi w\u2019Ibyiza\u2019 (The mountain of goodness), \u2018Power Of Us, The Hand To Clean Tears\u2019, and more.<\/p>\n

These poems and drawings adorned the exhibition space, each telling a unique story of struggle and resilience.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ<\/b>: \u2018Umva-Visualizing Peace\u2019 films that stir action in addressing mental health<\/p>\n

Picking randomly from these creatives like \u2018Ndi Nyampinga\u2019 poem, the piece celebrates embracing womanhood, valuing oneself, and recognising inner strength as it portrays dedication to personal growth, rooted in spirituality and respect for others.<\/p>\n

The poem emphasizes carrying values like integrity and kindness, drawing strength from tradition and understanding. Ultimately, it\u2019s a celebration of womanhood and the beauty that flourishes when grounded in wisdom and good-hearted actions.<\/p>\n

Besides, \u2018Power of Us, the Hand to Clean Tears\u2019 piece depicts a person surrounded by many hands causing suffering, tears falling down their cheeks, showing a painful and unsupported life. Yet, it highlights the strength in collective empathy, emphasizing the ability of united hands to offer comfort, erase sorrow, and heal. Together, our shared empathy can be a powerful force for kindness, offering support and hope even in the darkest times.<\/p>\n

Equally, \u2018I Am Lost But No One Knows\u2019, the drawing by a students\u2019 club portrays the hidden struggles of youth facing depression. It depicts a sense of being lost and unseen, trapped in darkness due to a difficult childhood marked by family conflicts, hunger, and abuse. These experiences have left them feeling disconnected from their own identity, craving understanding and support in their isolating journey.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ<\/b>: Newly launched \u2018youth-friendly\u2019 mental health campaign to focus on prevention<\/p>\n

Addressing the root causes, several voices highlighted the impact of family backgrounds on mental health issues while calling for transformative changes within families to nurture a healthier and more resilient generation.<\/p>\n

Hassan Uwiduhaye, a 17-year-old, was among the students spotted at the event. He\u2019s a member of the MAP Club at Rugando TSS secondary school, encouraged to join by a caring teacher who looked out for him daily.<\/p>\n

Despite initially struggling academically and keeping to himself, joining the club brought about positive changes: he now performs better academically, respects others, and feels optimistic about the future.<\/p>\n

ALSO READ<\/b>: Activists speak out on drivers of mental health issues among youth<\/p>\n

Chaste Uwihoreye, a clinical psychologist and mastermind behind the initiative highlighted that the initiative aimed to emphasize the difficulty in finding suitable words to address youth mental health issues.<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cWe used tools like poetry, arts, and films as a way to highlight these problems, showcasing that mental, psychological, and emotional concerns lack a physical laboratory, unlike diseases that can be tested through blood or microscopic analysis.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen engaging with the films, images, arts, and poems, they can discover a shared resonance with the portrayed issues, enabling individuals to acknowledge and potentially seek assistance for their own problems, fostering a means of release and support where necessary,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n

Addressing the necessity for prevention, Uwihoreye emphasized the importance of intervening within families.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy supporting parents and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance, it becomes possible to effectively care for and prevent mental health issues in children. Failing to do so may lead to these issues becoming chronic. Crucially, the foundation for combating these problems begins within the family,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Chaste Uwihoreye, a clinical psychologist and country director of Uyisenga ni Imanzi inititive<\/p>\n

Participants at the event<\/p>\n\r\n