Before joining the Improving Adolescent Wellbeing Project (Ubuzima Bwanjye), Simon Hategikimana, 22, faced immense challenges that deeply affected his mental and emotional well-being. Forced to drop out of school due to financial struggles, he felt hopeless and adrift. His father’s drinking problem fueled constant family conflicts, creating an environment filled with fear and instability.
“I felt trapped,” Simon recalls. “My father’s drinking led to endless fights with my mother. I had to shoulder responsibilities just to keep our home functioning. I had no hope, no dreams, and I avoided people out of fear.”
As the conflicts worsened, Simon’s mental health deteriorated. Isolation and depression took hold. “I didn’t think anyone could understand my pain. I was afraid to open up, fearing judgment and rejection,” he says.
The 22-year-old rears livestock at home to supplement his income.
His transformation extended to his family life. Though his father eventually left and started a new family, Simon, his siblings, and their mother found solace in one another. “We began working together, and our home became peaceful,” he reflects. “The conflicts no longer control my life or my mind.”
Now, Simon shares his journey to inspire others. “I tell people that healing is possible,” he says. “Family conflicts can break you, but with the right support, you can rebuild yourself.”
Looking ahead, Simon dreams of attending a technical school next year to further his education and skills. He credits “Ubuzima Bwanjye”, a project funded by UNICEF and implemented by YWCA for establishing youth groups that played a crucial role in his transformation.
“Without the group sessions, I don’t know where I’d be,” Simon reflects. “They taught me to hope again and gave me the tools to overcome the effects of my family’s struggles.”
Today, Simon stands as a testament to resilience, proving that even in the face of deep mental health challenges, healing and growth are within reach.
