Training Ugandans in Trauma Informed Care

Our team in Uganda has been hard at work engaging with youth to inspire them to find purpose, to rise above uncertainty, and build agency by tapping into their resilience through our "You are" "We Are" program. This lifeskills and leadership development program supports youth to think critically, define their aspirations, and cultivate the qualities of empathetic and compassionate leaders who can overcome the many challenges facing youth in Uganda today.

We understand that trauma often stands as a barrier to the growth and pursuit of purpose of our youth. They carry the wounds of abuse, forced labor, generational trauma, and climate change. Our programs weave resilience, boundary-setting, and cycle-breaking into the curriculum; teaching youth emotional regulation techniques, such as working with triggers and emotional first aid, to support them in navigating the complexities of their emotions. At the core of our training is a focus on kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. We engage our youth in activities that foster compassion, understanding, and social responsibility using art and play to help them envision and create a future they can be proud of.

It's an honor to see these young people inspired and in their power, leaning on each other to heal and grow into the leaders they're meant to be.

Our team in Uganda continues to build sustainable systems of community care by training teachers, parents, and youth in trauma-informed mental health support.

We invited a local training graduate to share her story during our monthly radio show, reaching over 5 million listeners across Uganda:

“It was 2022, when I got the opportunity of being part of this program, which has overwhelmingly changed my storyline… it healed me socially, physically, mentally.”

This workshop found me pregnant, stressed, and worn-out… Through this program of Healing Together Uganda, I have learned I am not alone. I can still be someone purposeful… I've learned that it's my life first, so everyday I get time for self care.

It has also taught me that besides feeding my children and my husband, I can do something else, like guiding and counseling my children, playing with them, listening to them.

To my neighbors, I am a resource… I've taught them about taking three deep breaths in case of any anger. I've maintained confidentiality, compassion, and being non judgmental. These skills have made me the most loved teacher by my pupils at Katete Primary School.”

This year, Healing Together Uganda has trained over 2,400 community members to serve as trauma-informed Healing Advocates, reaching 22,000 survivors of violence in rural Uganda.

 For more stories of alumni healing their communities - including the story of the “Resilient Women” healing circle for women living with HIV, who now meet monthly and started a local micro-savings program - follow our HT Uganda Facebook Page.