About Us

Wihogora Psychosocial Centre was founded by Francoise KARIBWENDE and Innocent HITAYEZU to support Rwandans improve their mental health wellbeing. The inspiration was born from the troubling consequences of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsis and the negative effects of the contemporary lifestyles on Rwandans; especially on children and adolescents.

As founders, we are fully aware of the fundamental socio-cultural changes and historical atrocities that have impacted negatively the mental health of Rwandans. Yet, mental health services remain very limited. Thus, we had a vision of establishing reference mental health private centre that can offer Rwandans quality, accessible and affordable Mental Health Services.

The Kinyarwanda Word “WIHOGORA” is more than “Relieve and Rejoice”. It moves someone from consolation to awaken, stand tall and rejuvenate in order to re-discover inner strengths and live on. Registered by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Licensed by the Ministry of Healthy (MoH), Wihogora Psychosocial Centre strives for innovative solutions to mental health problems

Our dream, is to offer a serene, green and intimate environment for clients to feel rejuvenated, regenerated, restored, revalued and relieved. Being a private company, we consider clients’ dignity, privacy and confidentiality top priorities. We are here to serve you with the best quality services. We open our arms, hugs and empathy to always pay you active listening.

The Rationale for Wihogora Psychosocial Centre

Globally the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022) estimates that one in four people will experience a mental illness in their life. In 2021, 13.9% of the world’s population experienced mental disorders while 15% of the world’s adolescents have a mental health condition. The same organization estimates that worldwide depression affects 350 million people; Anxiety affects 284 million; Alcohol use disorder affects 107 million people; Drug use disorder affects 71 million; Bipolar disorder affects 46 million people worldwide; Schizophrenia affects 20 million people worldwide while Eating disorders affect 16 million people worldwide (WHO, 2022).

In Rwanda mental health conditions are significantly prevalent among Rwandans ranging from 10.2% to about 20% but far fewer receive treatment compared to those with physical illnesses. According to the Rwanda Mental Health Survey (RMHS) conducted by Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) in 2018, 25% of Rwandans are estimated to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and one in six (1/6) people suffer from depression, 11.9% of Rwandans suffer from severe depression, 8.1% from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 3.6% from severe anxiety, 0.5% experience suicidal thoughts, 0.1% have bipolar disorder, 0.3% are high-level substance abusers, 1.6% consume alcohol excessively, and 2.9% have epilepsy. According to the same study, mental health conditions are significantly prevalent among the youth with rates ranging from 10.2% to about 20%. The report noted that mental health issues are observed among 21% of people aged 26 to 35 and 26.9% among those aged 46 to 55. These two categories are the active employees of many public and private institutions in leadership or managerial positions while others are ordinary employees bearing emotional or psychological problems every day.

Multiple effects of mental health issues manifest themselves in different forms includting attempt to suicide. The Rwanda Investigative Bureau (RIB) reported in 2022, people experiencing mental health problems often tend to turn to alcohol, drugs or attempt to commit suicide as a means of coping or evasion. Although many cases go unreported, a total of 285 cases of people committed suicide countrywide by 2022. Extreme poverty, family conflicts, debts, incurable diseases, trauma, addiction are the most cited causes (RIB, 2022) while family conflicts, divorce, uncertainly about getting basic necessities, unemployment, peer pressure, stereotypes, stigma and rejection are key factors of emotional problems among adolescents (UNICEF, December 2023).

The tragic Rwanda’s history, particularly the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, is a major contributor to widespread mental health disorders. Its negative effects of the contemporary lifestyles are so huge that children and adolescents face confusion and intergenerational trauma while adults face chronical stress and depression. Further, workloads exceeding employees’ capacity are leading to chronical stress among employees globally including Rwanda. It is estimated that 15% of the 60% of people employed globally, have demonstrated mental health issues (WHO,2022). In Rwanda the research of Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) shows that 30% of employees miss work without reason, with 63% of those absences linked to mental health issues, although many are afraid to speak about it. Additionally, 24% of these workers have considered suicide, a figure that rises to 32% in organizations with over 100 employees (RBC 2023).

For Wihogora Psychosocial Centre, the Mental Wellbeing of employees is critical to both staff performance and organizational profitability. Yet, perceptions of majority of Rwandans towards mental health related issues and services remain very negative as people tend to brand services as for “fouls-or “Abasazi”.

It is everyone’s responsibility to demystify mental health services and fight against and stigmatization of persons facing mental health challenges. It is within this context that Wihogora Psychosocial Centre was founded as a contribution to rebuilding the Country by supporting Rwandans to become mentally strong citizens.

Our Mission

To provide Rwandans with Quality, Accessible and Affordable Mental Health Services with special attention on children and adolescents.

Our Vision

To become a Reference Private Psychosocial Centre in Rwanda

Our Values

Human Dignity First
Confidentiality
Diversity
Collaboration
Quality Time

Goals & Objectives

Contribute to the efforts of the Government of Rwanda to prevent and respond to the mental health problems among Rwandans with special attention on children and adolescents.
Inform and educate Rwandans, with particular accent on children and adolescents, about their mental health wellbeing for both prevention and response purposes.
Support different institutions (both State and Non-State) in work-related stress management and build mental health resilience among their communities.
Contribute to the mental health development in Rwanda and entire world through the Empirical and Evidence-Based Research (EBR) and Mental Health Professional Trainings.
Offer green and friendly environment for confidential or/and intimate conversation/dialogue/retreat

Why You Should Make Us Your First Choice

Privacy and Confidentiality as all visits are by convenient appointments
Green & Serene Environment
Professional & experienced Team Members
Relaxation spaces with high speed internet
A community of exploration and innovation for your children & Adolescents
Rejuvenating Centre for Seniors(Elderly)
Flexible settings for One on One Meetings/ Staff Performance.
One on One or Intimate Conversation.