Breaking the Silence, Restoring Hope

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health care, especially for young people. In many communities, mental health conditions are misunderstood and feared—often seen as a sign of personal weakness or spiritual punishment. This deeply rooted stigma isolates those who are struggling and prevents them from speaking up or seeking help. For young people, this can mean being bullied at school, rejected by family, or excluded by peers.

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At Twogere, we believe that change starts with connection. Our approach puts lived experience at the centre. Through peer-led storytelling, young people with personal experience of mental health conditions share their journeys in schools and communities. These stories challenge stereotypes, break the silence, and show that recovery is possible.

We pair storytelling with youth-friendly education on mental health—what it is, what it isn’t, and how to support others. We also train teachers, community leaders, and families to be allies in reducing stigma and building more supportive environments.

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The impact has been profound. In schools, students who once felt ashamed now speak confidently about their experiences. In homes, families have begun to replace fear with understanding. Communities that once hid mental illness now host awareness events, led by youth themselves. By creating safe spaces for open conversations, Twogere is changing hearts and minds—one story at a time. Young people are not only healing but becoming powerful voices for change.