Miriam’s Story : Breaking the Silence and Uplifting Teens and Young Mothers in Uganda.

As we mark International Youth Day, we’re turning  the spotlight on young voices making waves in mental health advocacy. In this Q&A, we chat with passionate advocate, Miriam, who is at the forefront  of promoting mental well-being for teens in Kampala, Uganda. Through the ENLIGHTEENS program, Miriam is  helping to break down stigma, raising awareness of mental health solutions, and providing crucial support to teenagers and young mothers in need. 

Q: What work are you currently doing as a mental health advocate / activist?

A: Right now my focus is on promoting mental well-being, reducing stigma and raising awareness through the ENLIGHTEENS program. This initiative is dedicated to supporting young people and adolescents, both in and out of school, as they navigate the complexities of mental health.

Q: When and how did you first become interested in mental health advocacy or activism?

A: Mental health advocacy and activism have been an important topic for many years, but has gained more attention and prominence in recent decades. As we engaged with young people, we saw many struggling with the stigma surrounding their mental health challenges. Some had even dropped out of school because of the overwhelming mental health issues they faced. These experiences opened my eyes to the need for action - to raise awareness, promote understanding, and work towards improving access to mental health services for young people.  

My interest in mental health advocacy and activism has stemmed from my own personal experience with mental ill-health, witnessing the struggles of loved ones, and a desire to work towards social change and support those in need.

Q: Can you tell us more about the ENLIGHTEENS program and how it’s addressing youth mental health 

A: The ENLIGHTEENS program is designed to close the information gap regarding adolescent health and well-being, which includes physical, financial, and mental health. We work with young people both in-school and out-of-school, providing school outreach and table talks where young people can share, listen, and learn from one another. These sessions not only provide valuable information but also foster a sense of community and support among young participants.

In addition to ENLIGHTEENS, we run the Hope Again Program, which focuses on adolescent mothers in Kamuli and the Kampala slums. This program looks at rebuilding the mental health of teen mothers because we understand that in the African context, teen mothers often face significant stigma and social isolation. We provide mental health support and train them in craft making, helping them to rebuild their potential and focus on a brighter future.

Q: What is ONE thing you've learned in your journey?

A: One key lesson I’ve learnt is that mental health challenges are incredibly diverse. People encounter different struggles and handle issues in their own unique ways. It’s important to acknowledge and respect this diversity as we work towards creating a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.

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