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What If You Were the First Responder to Someone’s Mental Health Crisis? Imagine walking into class and noticing that someone hasn’t been themselves for days. They’re quiet, distracted, and keep to themselves. You feel something’s wrong but you’re not sure what to say, or if it’s even your place to say anything. You notice something’s not quite right. The one who used to crack jokes now barely makes eye contact. A friend who was always on top of things suddenly stops showing up. A colleague starts making small mistakes, seems on edge, and shrugs off any concern with “I’m just tired.” Deep down, you know it’s more than that. Almost everyone has found themselves in these moments, where someone around us is clearly not okay, and we’re left wondering what to do. Do we say something? Do we stay quiet? What if we make it worse? This is the moment where we need something that few of us are ever taught: the ability to respond to emotional pain with calm, compassion, and confidence. Just as physical first aid teaches us how to respond to cuts, burns, or choking, Psychological First Aid or PFA gives us the tools to support someone who is struggling emotionally. It doesn’t take years of training. It doesn’t require you to be a therapist. It simply prepares you to show up for someone who’s hurting, in the right way, at the right time. As conversations around mental health grow louder, PFA is becoming an essential life skill. Whether you’re a parent, peer, teacher, manager, or friend, knowing how to show up for someone in distress can make all the difference. Through our work with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, we grew out of a shared belief that academic excellence must go hand in hand with emotional well-being. These students are bright, driven, and full of potential. But like many young people today, they also face immense stress, loneliness, and self-doubt. We held a three-day PFA training built around open dialogue, real-life scenarios, and practical learning. Participants reflected on how emotional distress often hides in plain sight in silence, irritability, sudden withdrawal. They learned that support doesn’t always mean solving someone’s problem; it can be as simple as listening, staying present, or helping someone feel safe enough to open up. “Look. Listen. Link.” That’s the simple but powerful model we use in Psychological First Aid. As Dr. Jean Pierre Ndagijimana, Senior Regional Manager of Strategy and Partnerships, put it: “We did this training because we believe that emotional support is essential. ‘Look, Listen, Link’ is a model that helps people stay grounded while responding with care. It teaches us to payattention, to be fully present, and to know when to guide someone toward more professional help. It’s about creating safer communities one conversation at a time.” One participant, David, shared, “I used to think supporting someone meant fixing them. Now I know that just being present and listening is already a powerful form of help.” Another said, “This training helped me realize that many of the behaviors I used to judge were actually cries for help I didn’t recognize.” While this training took place in a university setting, the truth is that the need for Psychological First Aid exists everywhere. In classrooms and offices. On social media. Around dinner tables. In moments we often overlook, when someone needed us to notice and we didn’t know how. PFA is not just about emergencies. It’s about everyday empathy. It’s about learning to really see each other. And in a world where so many people are silently struggling, that’s one of the most powerful things we can do. Because sometimes, what helps isn’t a solution, it’s a conversation that reminds someone they’re not alone.

Mental Health and Invisible Disabilities.  -A Conversation with Justine Mukamwezi.  Conversation with Justine Mukamwezi. Clinical Director, Solid Minds Counselling Clinic. Introduction: Tell us about yourself and why you chose a career in psychology. Tell us about Solid Minds and the work they are doing with young people to support mental health. I’m a clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals across different life stages, particularly youth and young adults. I was drawn to this field because of a deep desire to walk alongside people through their pain and help them reclaim their potential. Mental health is a critical foundation for thriving, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized aspects of our wellbeing, especially in Rwanda and similar contexts. 2. What are some common misconceptions about mental health conditions and non-visible disabilities in the workplace? Many people still believe that mental health struggles are signs of weakness or personal failure. One widespread myth is that if someone looks “fine,” they must be fine. Ignoring the reality of invisible conditions like anxiety, PTSD, or chronic depression. Some also assume these challengesare rare or only affect certain types of people, which is untrue. Mental health issues affect people across all professions and backgrounds. 3. How does stigma—both internalized and external—impact individuals experiencing mental health challenges? Stigma isolates. External stigma can lead to discrimination, exclusion from opportunities, and misunderstanding from peers or supervisors. Internalized stigma is equally harmful; it can prevent individuals from seeking help, cause shame, and lower self-worth. Together, they create a cycle where people suffer in silence rather than getting the support they need. 4. What practical steps can leaders and team members take to create a psychologically safe work environment? Start by normalizing conversations around mental health. This can be as simple as including mental well-being in team check-ins or making sure HR policies include psychological safety. Leaders should model vulnerability and respect privacy while setting clear expectations for respect, flexibility, and support. Training on mental health awareness is also critical. 5. How can managers foster open communication without overstepping personal boundaries? Managers should approach conversations with curiosity and compassion, not assumptions. Asking open-ended, non-intrusive questions like “How can I support you today?” signals care without pressure. It’s also important to reinforce that sharing is voluntary, and that confidentiality will be respected. 6. What are some everyday tools or language shifts we can use to better support students and colleagues struggling with mental health challenges? Language matters. Replace “crazy” or “unstable” with “experiencing stress” or “going through a hard time.” Encourage check-ins like “You’ve seemed a bit off lately, how are you doing?” instead of judgmental remarks. Tools like peer-support groups, mental health first aid training, and access to counseling services are also practical ways to provide support. 7. How can we offer help or accommodations if someone hasn’t disclosed a mental health condition but seems to be struggling? Focus on behavior, not assumptions. You can say something like, “I noticed you’ve seemed overwhelmed, would you like to talk or take a break?” Offer flexible options without demanding explanations. Respect their privacy while making it clear that support is available. 8. How can we effectively educate staff and scholars about mental health without overwhelming or triggering them? Use a trauma-informed approach: start small, create optional learning spaces, and provide contentwarnings when discussing heavy topics. Blend education with stories, tools, and hope. Normalize learning about mental health the same way we do physical health, and always leave room for reflection and processing. 9. What role does peer support play in building a more inclusive and understanding environment? Peer support is powerful. When people see others with lived experience sharing openly, it breaks down stigma and creates safe spaces. Peer networks provide validation, shared language, and practical strategies that professionals alone can’t always offer. I encourage peer-led conversations as part of our holistic approach. 10. What is one thing every individual in this room can start doing today to reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment? Practice empathy. Make space for mental health in everyday conversations. If you hear someone dismissing or mocking mental health issues, speak up. And most importantly, be gentle with others, and with yourself. Stigma is reduced not just through policy, but through everyday kindness and courageous conversations.

Solid Minds Counselling Clinic at the University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholars Summer Camp 2025 From August 4th to 9th, 2025, the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus was filled  with energy as over 500 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from the university’s seven campuses gathered for the annual Scholars Summer Camp. Joining them were the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Program team, the university leadership that includes the student welfare office, career guidance and employability office, students guild council representatives, other university programs and key partners such as a representation from the Ministry of Education, Huye district, Kora Coach Business Academy, Bag Innovations, FAWE Rwanda, and Solid Minds Counseling), and  university’s guild council representatives. Themed “Shaping Tomorrow Starts with Today: Building the Next Generation of Transformative Leaders”, the week-long camp was a gathering of bright minds. It became a vibrant space for leadership, learning, and collective action. This year, the spotlight turned to an often-overlooked dimension of leadership: mental health and emotional well-being. Solid Minds Counselling Clinic joined with a clear mission to support scholars in cultivating compassionate communities where mental health is acknowledged, destigmatized, and supported. One of the highlights of the Summer Camp was the Psychological First Aid (PFA) refresher session, delivered by the Solid Minds Counselling Clinic team and 20 Scholars who had previously undergone PFA training. The refresher session was in preparation for the main workshop. The Solid Minds staff team together with selected scholars met in the evening prior to the main workshop for the previously trained scholars to collaboratively  plan and refine their approach, focusing on how best they can transfer acquired knowledge to  their peers during the summer camp. The team designed a student-friendly workshop plan that incorporated scenarios, role plays, and interactive discussions, ensuring participants not only understood the PFA concepts but also felt equipped to apply them in real-life situations. Scholars during an engaging PFA refresher with role plays, scenarios, and interactive discussions to equip peers with practical skills. To kick off the Psychological First Aid workshop, Dr. Jean Pierre Ndagijimana (JPN), Solid Minds’ Senior Regional Manager of Strategy & Partnerships, explained that PFA is “a simple, practical way to support someone in distress, by noticing their needs, listening with empathy, and connecting them to the right help.” He reminded scholars that while some had received PFA training at their campuses, not everyone could attend, making this Summer Camp workshop the perfect chance for the few trained peers to lead and share their knowledge with all the scholars gathered in the Huye Campus main auditorium. Dr. Jean Pierre Ndagijimana (JPN), Solid Minds’ Senior Regional Manager of Strategy & Partnerships introducing PFA Instead of Solid Minds taking center stage, scholars stepped into the role of trainers. Through role plays dramatizing real-life campus scenarios, they showed peers how to Look, Listen, and Link when a fellow student is in distress. PFA providers role-playing the core principles of Psychological First Aid Look, Listen, and Link through engaging sketches. The exercise brought lessons vividly to life: “What inspired me most was seeing the scholars take full ownership,” reflected Pacifique Igiraneza, a Solid Minds clinician. “They weren’t just participants; they were leaders teaching their peers that mental health is everyone’s responsibility.” Reflecting on why the Solid Minds team supported Scholar volunteers in taking center stage to facilitate the main Psychological First Aid (PFA) workshop, Dr JPN shared: “Our role at Solid Minds was to prepare and equip the students to be the ones offering the PFA training. We knew that if scholars themselves took the lead, the sessions would be more relatable, engaging, and impactful. The volunteers were carefully selected from all University of Rwanda campuses, and our hope is that when they return, they carry with them the confidence to continue leading such spaces. This approach builds ownership, strengthens peer-to-peer learning, and ensures sustainability. What they learned and shared here can strengthen their confidence to lead similar spaces and positively impact many more across their campuses.” Beyond workshops,scholars were offered one-on-one guidance sessions that became private spaces to reflect and share challenges rarely voiced. Reflecting on the observed patterns from those spaces, Dr. JPN shared that some students decided to speak with counselors because they were struggling to socialize, others worried about unfair grading, relationship issues and breakups, and many carried heavy personal histories losing parents, being first-generation learners and, or facing financial and family pressures. He shared that while some needed practical guidance on balancing academics and the challenges, others needed deeper support. In those cases, we connected them to Solid Minds, the Psychosocial Support Officer, or peer clubs, and worked with university staff and management where advocacy was needed. “For me, this was Look, Listen, and Link in action”, he added. Peer Support Clubs: One Year of Growth The Summer Camp offered an opportunity to reflect  on the progress of peer support clubs established across all University of Rwanda campuses a year earlier. In lively discussions, club leaders, scholars, and psychosocial supporters at the university shared achievements and challenges, showing how these initiatives are transforming student life. Serge Irambona, deputy president of Sanga Inshuti Dreams Lead Youth Fellowship and a second-year Crop Production student at UR Busogo Campus, shared: “Our peer support club is more than a club; it’s a family. We share our struggles, lift each other up, and find joy in simple activities like hiking or game nights. This family spirit has been a cornerstone of my mental well-being.” Serge Irambona, deputy president of Sanga Inshuti Dreams Lead Youth Fellowship and a second-year Crop Production student at UR Busogo Campus, Christella Ishimwe, the Psychosocial Support Office,Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, at  the University of Rwanda emphasized: “Look, Listen, and Link are powerful skills that equip peer support members and scholars to be more empathetic, compassionate, and responsive. Scholars empowered with these skills can play a vital role in providing mental health first aid, both on campus and in their communities.” Christella Ishimwe, the Psychosocial Support Officer, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda. The integration of mental health into everyday life was

CMU Africa’s Wellness Open House Sparks Conversations to End Mental Health Stigma. On Tuesday, September 9, the Carnegie Mellon University Africa campus in Kigali came alive with a spirit of openness, care, and community during the annual Wellness Center Open House. Organized in partnership with Solid Minds Counselling Clinic, which manages the campus wellness center and also runs the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program mental health services, the event created a safe and engaging space for students to learn, connect, and reflect on their mental well-being. Each year, the open house is designed to demystify and normalize mental health conversations and bring wellness services closer to the CMU Africa community. Instead of waiting for a crisis, the event allows students to interact with the wellness team in a relaxed setting, discover available resources, and break down the stigma that often surrounds counselling and therapy. For many, the wellness center might be a place they know exists but feel uncertain about approaching. The Open House concept breaks down hesitation by opening doors to mental health support in a safe, approachable, and engaging way. “We want to make students realize that we are not just people in the office waiting for a crisis, we are humans too. We want to interact with them and make friends,” explained Justine Mukamwezi, Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director at Solid Minds Counselling Clinic. “This activity allows us to break the stigma around seeking help and how people view therapists and counselors.” This year’s event gathered 168 students and staff provided students with valuable exposure to comprehensive mental health assessment tools covering depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem, personality, and self-care. But perhaps more importantly, it provided something often missing in mental health conversations: human connection, interaction and accessibility. “When is the deadline?” and “Where do I submit after I complete?” were common questions at the various stands, revealing how students initially approached these tools through an academic lens. However, the beauty of this initiative lies in its privacy-centered approach. These assessments aren’t assignments to be submitted, but personal tools for self-discovery and awareness. The comprehensive nature of these tools means students cannot only identify potential concerns but also understand what type of help they might need, creating a bridge between self-awareness and seeking appropriate support. The impact of the open house extends far beyond the day itself. Each year, the wellness center records a surge in counseling bookings immediately following the event. For Mukamwezi, this reflects something essential. “Sometimes the only thing needed is to break the silence. When students see the services for themselves, when they realize we are here and accessible, they are far more likely to reach out,” she said. Psychologists call this the availability heuristic—the idea that people are more likely to act on what is visible and easy to recall. By making the wellness center a living, breathing presence on campus for a day, the open house ensures that when students think of help, they think of the counselors they met, the tools they held, and the conversations they shared. Beyond the assessments, the open house was about interaction and presence. The wellness team stood shoulder to shoulder with students laughing, answering questions, and sharing stories, reminding them that counseling is not about judgment, but about connection and support. In a world where mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent among students, CMU Africa’s approach offers both hope and a model for change. It reminds us that behind every scholar is a person who deserves care, understanding, and the space to thrive.

Kanisa’s Journey of Resilience and Giving Back. Her story begins long before she could even write her name. In 2005, just a year after her birth, Kanisa Rebecca Majok Thiak and her family fled South Sudan, forced to leave behind everything familiar. Their destination was Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement in Uganda, a place often overlooked, yet one that would come to define the beginnings of an extraordinary journey. Growing up in the settlement, Kanisa experienced the daily realities faced by many displaced families: scarcity, instability, and the absence of formal opportunity. But she also experienced unwavering love and sacrifice, particularly from her mother, Mary Yar Mabior Pach. Though Mary never received a formal education and could neither read nor write, she became the driving force behind Kanisa’s academic pursuit. Through small but significant acts such as ensuring Kanisa had a pen when food was scarce or a school uniform even when the family went to bed hungry, her mother modeled resilience, purpose, and hope. Kanisa’s early life was not shaped by privilege, but by a quiet determination and the unyielding support of those who believed in her. In 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she returned to South Sudan to complete high school. There, she met Goch Jacob Thiong, a classmate who would become a key figure in her story. Goch introduced her to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the African Leadership University (ALU) and supported her throughout the application process. His belief in her potential opened the door to a future she had only dreamed of. Now a third-year Software Engineering student at ALU, specializing in Machine Learning, Kanisa is also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar. But beyond her academic milestones, her university journey has been marked by advocacy, peer leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back. At ALU, Kanisa serves as the Refugee and Displaced Persons (RDP) Lead. Through this role, she has worked alongside fellow students and in partnership with Solid Minds Counselling Clinic to address the unique mental health challenges faced by displaced learners. From organizing peer support circles and resilience-building workshops to facilitating storytelling sessions and mentorship spaces, she has created environments where refugee students feel seen, heard, and supported. One of the most impactful initiatives she co-led was a collaborative visit to Nyabiheke Refugee Camp. In partnership with peers from the University of Rwanda and the African Leadership University, Kanisa helped coordinate an immersive day of interactive sessions, skills-sharing activities, and donation distribution. The event aimed to strengthen community ties, encourage solidarity, and inspire refugee youth to reimagine their future. Kanisa’s story is not just one of personal triumph; it is a reflection of what becomes possible when resilience meets support and when students are given space to rise and give back. In her words and actions, she represents the strength of displaced youth and the power of peer support in healing and transformation. “I am not just a scholar. I am not just a girl from a refugee camp. I am my mother’s dream made flesh. Being a refugee is a circumstance, not an identity it doesn’t define who you are or limit who you can become. ” Kanisa Rebecca Majok Thiak As Kanisa continues her academic and leadership journey, she carries with her not just her mother’s dreams but the hopes of an entire community that once lived in the shadows and is now beginning to shine.

Opening remarks at the second edition of the Social Dialogue Forum under the theme: “Compassionate Workplaces: Normalizing Mental Health, Building Resilient Organizations.” Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues, and dear friends, It truly means a lot to see all of you here this morning to participate in discussions around Compassionate Workplaces: Normalizing Mental Health, Building Resilient Organizations. Twenty years ago, I found myself in a workplace that was emotionally challenging. I worked with genocide survivors and was expected to be strong. I smiled when we were expected to, delivered results, On the surface, everything looked fine. But underneath that surface There was exhaustion going home to cry, and not sleeping at all. I remember waking up some mornings feeling completely broken but still showing up, because that’s what I thought strength looked like. Like many of us raised in cultures that celebrate resilience and silence, I believed that vulnerability was weakness. That pain should be left at home never brought to work. But here’s the truth I learned the hard way: I didn’t leave my pain at the door. I carried it to the office and in my field work. Things reached a breaking point when I faced a personal mental health crisis. I was emotionally drained, physically unwell, and most painfully ashamed that I couldn’t simply “push through.” I knew then that something had to change. It wasn’t only the the people we were supporting who were suffering. We the workers were burning out too. We were surrounded by trauma but had nowhere to process it. We gave compassion to others, but had no system that gave compassion back to us. That realization changed everything for me when I started seeing counsellors.. Then my wife and I started dreaming of a different kind of space a space where mental health wasn’t a hidden conversation, but the foundation of how we live and work. A space where healing was for everyone not just for those visibly in crisis. That dream became Solid Minds. Today, we are proud of what we are doing together with all my colleagues past and present. Because the truth is, resilient organizations are not built on systems or outputs. They are built on people. People who are human. People who have limits. People who are carrying grief, or caring for a sick child or spouse, or struggling with burnout. And these people thrive when they feel seen, supported, and safe. A compassionate workplace is not about being soft. It’s about being strong enough to face the truth of what people carry. It’s about being bold enough to say: Mental health is health. We talk often about performance, innovation, and scale. But what if I told you the most radical thing your organization could invest in is… kindness? Kindness in leadership. In policies. In how we respond to failure or fatigue. In how we make room for rest and recoverynot just more output. This is the cultural shift we’re here to talk about today: From pretending and coping, to caring and thriving. At Solid Minds, we’ve walked this journey with organizations who chose to lead with compassion. I’ve witnessed boardrooms become spaces of openness. I’ve seen managers check in not just on project status but on emotional well-being. I’ve seen entire teams change when just one leaderdared to say: “I’m not okay and that’s okay.” And you know what? The outcome isn’t just better mental health. It’s stronger teams. More trust. Better collaboration and More sustainable success. So today, I want to leave you with a few questions. Not as a challenge, but as an invitation: The organizations that will truly thrive in the future are the ones brave enough to care today. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being willing to lead from the heart.

Samuel Munderere Reflects on 31 Years of Remembrance During Solid Minds’ Visit to Nyamata Genocide Memorial It’s an honour to speak with you today about the Genocide against the Tutsi and the work that I do closely with survivors of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi men, women, and children whose lives were forever changed in just 100 days of unimaginable violence. Thirty-one years later, survivors still carry the deep wounds of that trauma. But just as Rwanda has rebuilt itself over the last three decades, so too have survivors had to rebuild not only their lives, but also their sense of dignity, community, and hope. The Early Years – Emergency Support and Survival (1994–2005) In the immediate aftermath of the genocide, the needs of survivors were urgent and overwhelming: In these years, our work centered on emergency response offering trauma care, housing, and basic services in whatever form was possible. Rebuilding Lives – Recovery and Integration (2006–2016) As the country began to stabilize, the focus shifted toward long-term recovery and reintegration. Mental health care became increasingly vital as trauma, depression, and PTSD surfaced more visibly. Economic empowerment was critical for dignity and sustainability especially for widows, orphans, and women who had survived sexual violence. Community-building became a healing tool. We began forming community groups, survivor networks, and peer support models to break isolation and foster belonging. These efforts helped survivors move from merely surviving to starting to live again, with agency and renewed purpose. Victims of Sexual Violence and Children Born of the Genocide Among the most brutal and painful aspects of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi was the widespread and systematic use of sexual violence as weapon of war. An estimated 250,000 women and girls were raped, tortured, and enslaved, often in public and horrifying ways. For many, the physical wounds healed over time but the emotional, psychological, and social scars remain deep and enduring. Some of these women became pregnant from rape, and many gave birth to children in the aftermath of the genocide children  often referred to as Children of Bad Memory or Children of the Killers who are now 30 or 31 years old. These children, born of unimaginable violence, are a living legacy of trauma. They represent a unique, group in Rwanda’s recovery story. The Mothers For the mothers, the journey has been filled with pain and silence. Despite this, many of these women demonstrated incredible strength and raised their children with deep care and sacrifice often in isolation and poverty, and with little formal support until recent years. At Survivors Fund and other survivor-focused organizations, we have worked closely with many of these women helping them process their trauma, reconnect with their identity, and rebuild their sense of self-worth through support groups, and economic empowerment. The Children Born of Rape Now adults, many of these children have grown up with complex identities and emotional struggles: Their pain is invisible to many, and yet it runs deep. They are secondary survivors, carrying the inherited trauma of genocide and the weight of a history they did not choose. But many are also resilient, intelligent, and determined to live meaningful lives. With the right support education, mentorship, and community belonging they are breaking cycles of trauma and becoming powerful voices for healing and change in Rwanda. At SURF we have supported 830 such youth attain education. Supporting these mothers and children/youth is not only about justice; it’s about restoring dignity, creating pathways to healing, and ensuring that no one is forgotten Today’s Realities – Aging, Isolation, and a New Generation (2017–Present) Today, 31 years on, the needs of survivors are again evolving. The Ongoing Challenge Even with everything Rwanda has achieved, survivors continue to live with layered vulnerability economic, emotional, and social. Many still feel left behind, especially as the world’s attention moves on. We must ask ourselves at individual level, How do we contribute to ensuring survivors live with dignity? How do we build systems that acknowledge long-term trauma not just in words, but in action? In conclusion, Let’s look at Survivors of the genocide not as victims of the past they are architects of Rwanda’s future. They are teachers, parents, leaders, and role models. Their strength is a testament to the spirit of Rwanda. Let us remember them not just once a year, but every day, through the actions we take and the dignity we uphold.

Solid Minds, Mastercard Foundation partner to revolutionise mental health support for students in Africa Tuesday, March 5 — Nearly 100 professionals gathered in Kigali at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel for a convening discussing solutions to improve the well-being and mental health of African scholars in universities across the continent. The event was organised by Solid Minds, a counselling clinic and independent outpatient centre for mental healthcare, research, and training, based in Kigali, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Research shows that university students studying in Africa and abroad have seen rising rates of mental health concerns due to the significant challenges they face. Prevalence of distress can be as high as 53% among students, according to a South African study. To address this, Solid Minds has an ongoing project in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to work with universities across Africa to elevate the mental health and well-being of students. Last week, Solid Minds had the opportunity to bring together 99 professionals representing more than 17 universities across Africa, two technical Africa-based partners, and four Europe-based universities for a three-day convening under the theme, “Empower, Collaborate, Thrive: Shaping the Future of Mental Health Support for African Scholars and Alumni.” The convening was officially opened by the Minister of State in Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni. She thanked Solid Minds and the Mastercard Foundation for organising and supporting mental health initiatives in Africa and beyond. “It is through initiatives like this one that policymakers, mental health experts, members of the academia, and students, get to examine further what should be prioritised to achieve the holistic well-being of our students, our institutions, and ultimately, our societies at large,” the minister said. Sandrine Umutoni, Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts, speaks during the event. Esther Niwemwiza, a mining and geology student at the University of Rwanda, described the prevalence and effect of stress on students stating, “Many of us have normalised being stressed over different things, which sometimes lead to dropouts of scholars.” Increased rates of poor mental health are related to the unique challenges that these students face. Most Mastercard Foundation scholars study in international contexts and are often required to adjust to new cultures, on and off campus — on top of the pressures of studying. This can lead to feelings of isolation and homesickness, and students can also experience issues of housing, healthcare access, visas, and discrimination. Such transitions can exacerbate academic stressors and lead to mental health struggles. It is against this backdrop that representatives from universities and partners, SolidMinds, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, students, and alumni convened to identify effective sustainable solutions towards the mental well-being of students studying in African universities. Welcoming partners to the convening, the co-founder and CEO of Solid Minds, Sam Munderere, thanked all of them for accepting the invitation to gather in Rwanda to discuss challenges surrounding mental health, especially within academic institutions and settings. He also expressed gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for funding and supporting the work being done to address mental health issues in the academic community. He emphasised that one of the primary challenges faced is the stigma surrounding mental health in many African societies. That’s why Solid Minds is dedicated to fostering an environment where mental health is prioritised. Through key panel discussions and small group sessions, participants shared experiences on supporting online learners, students living abroad, students who are refugees and displaced people, and students with disabilities, as well as the alumni experience. Sessions also focused on support fornon-clinical staff and best practices in student support, as well as setting up wellness centres and how to improve access and use of these resources. In keeping with the theme of adopting an Afrocentric perspective in these interventions, Anele Siswana, a spiritual healer and clinical psychologist, presented his work on the decolonisation of psychology. Dr Chaste Uwihoreye and. Faith Cheonga, researchers at the University of Rwanda, presented findings on the importance of collaborating and co-designing interventions and services with the students. This is to ensure accessibility, respect for cultural sensitivities, and relevance. In addition to this, discussions focused on ensuring the well-being of academic practitioners and staff in these universities. The conference’s primary achievement was the cultivation of a productive space for the exchange of knowledge and the expansion of professional networks for academia that support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Sepiso Mwamelo, AfOx Scholarship Programme Manager at University of Oxford, explained, “Attending the convening was an important opportunity to pause and think about how to deliberately incorporate students’ wellbeing as a core aspect of scholarship programme design. I’ve been inspired by the work of other institutions, and have identified interventions that could potentially work in our context. Clinical practitioner, Dr Salim Wangabi from Ashesi University in Ghana, echoed this sentiment, stating that the convening offered a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and learning between practitioners and collaborate in the development of interventions. Charlie Bevan, Program Director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh, explained that the value of being “part of a supportive, creative and impact-oriented community cannot be underestimated, and I leave the conference so grateful for the community.” Representing the Ministry of Health at the convening was Dr Darius Gishoma, mental health division manager of the Rwanda Biomedical Centre. In his closing remarks on day three of the convening, Gishoma said, “Although this is the last day of the convening, our partnership has to go beyond today. The discussions and actions needed to improve and support the mental well-being of scholars and alumni in our respective countries have to continue. On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Biomedical Centre, I would like to thank Solid Minds and the Mastercard Foundation, and all partners here present, for the organisation of this such an insightful convening.” The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program works to enable African youth to take a role in the creation of their future and that of the continent. Solid Minds Counselling Clinic,