Turning Struggles Into Strength: Diane Nyirarukundo’s Journey To Support Youth Mental Wellness
Diane Nyirarukundo, a Clinical Psychology student at the University of Rwanda and a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, turned her personal struggles into a mission to support youth mental wellness through her initiative, Healing Hearts. During secondary school, Diane experienced emotional challenges such as isolation, low self- esteem, and emotional suppression, which she once accepted as normal.
It was only after joining the Clinical Psychology program that she recognized these as signs of emotional distress. Through learning and seeking help, she found healing and made a promise to support other young people facing similar struggles. Growing up in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, Diane witnessed the stigma surrounding mental health where emotional distress was often misunderstood or linked to witchcraft. This inspired her to start Healing Hearts, an initiative promoting emotional awareness, resilience, and empathy among youth.
Today, Healing Hearts has over 370 members, operating mainly through social media. The team organizes weekly psychoeducation sessions on topics such as emotional support and resilience, visits schools, shares awareness content, and connects individuals to professional services when needed. A turning point came when Diane attended a three-day PFA training, where she learned the importance of look, listen, and linking people to proper mental health resources.
Before this, members mainly supported each other informally without a structured referral system. The concept of linking connecting individuals to professional help has since become the foundation of Healing Hearts’ approach, ensuring that everyone receives appropriate support beyond the group’s capacity. Diane focuses on empowering young people because she believes they are the future of the nation capable of becoming compassionate leaders and changemakers when supported mentally and emotionally
