In connection with the Burundian government, right next to all of the public health centers in the country are listening centers. Public health workers and peer supporters were trained by THARS to be able to distinguish between physical ailments and mental health ailments.

If it was a mental health problem, like depression and anxiety or trauma, they were sent to the listening centers where he had trained volunteers who would listen to their problems and provide them with counseling strategies.

THARS participates in dances and cultural-get together opportunities to spread community involvement in healing.

Current projects:

Barundi tuyage (Let us talk about the past)

Dukire tubane amahoro (Let us get healed and live in peace)

Ni Abacu (Integration of good mental health in the community)

Ecodev (Economic resilience as and evidence of a healing process)

Feeding Hungry Children (Food security for vulnerable people to offer hope for tomorrow)

Healing of the Memories (Workshops on healing and violence prevention)

The Healing of Memories program connects older survivors, victims, and offenders with younger generations, helping them understand Burundi's complex history of violence since independence in 1962 and protecting them from manipulation and violence.

The Healing of Memories programs in Burundi (1) reveal the truth of past events, (2) show that suffering is shared among communities, (3) raise awareness of mental health and trauma, and (4) prevent manipulation and radicalization of younger generations by political and special-interest groups.

At THARS, our dedicated counselors provide essential mental health support across Burundi. However, lacking a robust insurance system like that in the United States, they rely on project-based funding, which limits their ability to offer consistent care. When funding expires, counselors must leave, straining their relationships with the communities they serve.

Your support can help our counselors remain in their communities, ensuring vital continuous care. Contributions will strengthen mental health services and empower our counselors to create lasting change.

Many individuals in Burundi have experienced significant trauma due to the civil war and ongoing violence. Expanding mental health services, as exemplified by THARS, helps individuals heal and process their experiences, fostering personal and communal resilience.

Many Burundians carry the scars of trauma from the civil war and subsequent violence. Expanding mental health services, as exemplified by THARS, helps individuals heal and process their experiences, fostering personal and communal resilience.

With your support, THARS can continue its transformative Healing of Memories initiatives, bringing together diverse community members—survivors, victims, and offenders—to facilitate understanding and reconciliation. This communal approach not only aids individual healing but also strengthens community bonds, paving the way for a more peaceful society.

Your donation will help THARS promote awareness and understanding of mental health within Burundian communities. As counselors are less tied to project-based funding that only last 1-2 years, they are able to reside in communities and continue breaking down the stigma that often prevents individuals from seeking help, making mental health services more accessible and accepted.

Your contributions will enable THARS to integrate mental health services with economic resilience initiatives, empowering individuals with the skills and resources needed for sustainable livelihoods. This holistic approach not only addresses mental health but also combats poverty, leading to overall community development.