Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS)

"As a trained psychologist, I appreciate the actions taken by Renaissance Africaine because they are part of a community-based and preventive approach.

They help communities that have experienced certain difficulties and traumas to recover and better adapt to situations. Women who have suffered sexual violence is a reality in our community. But these women are truly traumatised and really need the actions taken by Renaissance Africaine.

In my opinion, the non-profit organisation Renaissance Africaine will first change the way we think about mental health in the community. The awareness-raising activities we are going to organise will lead the community to change and no longer see those who need care or psychological support as sick people."

- Clarisse Binja Cidurha (psychologist)

our commitment for mental health

Armed conflicts in the region have caused widespread trauma among the populations of South and North Kivu. These conflicts have also resulted in numerous victims of sexual violence, who are also in need of psychosocial support.

Our missions are organised around two main areas:

Support and listening with our psychologists in our therapy centres:

Displaced persons and victims of disaster report deep psychological distress caused by violence and displacement, and mention symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety. RENAF's work has helped highlight the urgent need for psychosocial and mental health support for them and their children. Beneficiaries of psychosocial support sessions have expressed their gratitude for the spaces created for them to talk and be listened to, which help them to better manage their trauma and rebuild their daily lives despite uncertainty and security constraints.

prevention and communication

Raise awareness, inform, break taboos and put mental health on the same level as physical health. Our goal is to prevent serious social problems before they explode, by making the general public aware of the importance of mental health issues.

"I joined RENAF because I firmly believe that every person deserves to be listened to, supported, and accompanied in their healing process. […]

I will continue to contribute not only to individual healing but also to the collective well-being of the community by promoting greater solidarity and social cohesion in our province of South Kivu.

I hope that more people will learn about the work of the non-profit organisation Renaf and understand the importance of psychosocial support in rebuilding communities affected by violence. Every small action we take, every attentive ear we lend, can have a lasting impact on someone's life.

- Laurent Balagizi (director)

in 2025

Our discussion groups and workshops have contributed to community resilience and reduced post-traumatic stress. But our actions also include:

4

2 000

Beneficiaries, including survivors of sexual violence and children traumatised by conflict

Therapeutic centres

40

Community volunteers trained in psychosocial support and trauma detection techniques

60

Psychosocial support sessions organised