Dignity
Every person deserves respect, privacy, and humane support.
Youth-led mental health advocacy in Malawi
Rugare Mental Health Organization
We create safe, welcoming spaces where young people can speak openly, learn practical coping tools, and feel supported in their communities.
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People Reached
Through awareness events, wellness activities, and digital and in-person outreach across Lilongwe and beyond.
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Secondary Schools
- Chimutu CDSS
- Mkwichi CDSS
- Mvama Christian Schools
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National Media Features
ZBS, MBC, and Timveni Radio
Bringing credible mental health dialogue to households across Malawi.
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Active Partners
- Chimutu CDSS
- Mkwichi CDSS
- Mvama Christian Schools
- Zaluso Arts
- Thanthwe Medical Centre
- INDE Woman
Confidential support
If you need someone to talk to, we are here
We offer confidential counselling and wellbeing support for young people and families across Malawi.
What guides us
Our Values
Our values shape every conversation, event, and interaction that occur within our community.
Inclusion
Mental health support should be accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Compassion
We listen without judgment and respond with care.
Empowerment
Change begins with belief, backed by compassion.
What we do
Our Programs
Creative, community-centred initiatives designed to make mental health accessible, relatable, and stigma-free.
Youth Empowerment and Mental Health School Clubs
We create safe, student-led spaces where young people learn about mental health, support one another, and build everyday resilience through practical coping tools, self-care, early identification, and peer support.
Mental Health Education and Capacity Building
We equip young people, student leaders, facilitators, and community partners with mental health literacy and practical skills to support peers, sustain safe spaces, recognize distress early, challenge stigma, and connect people to help.
Psychosocial Services and Capacity Building
We provide safe, confidential, and professional care for people experiencing emotional distress, trauma, substance use challenges, and other mental health concerns through flexible online and face-to-face counselling and referral pathways.
Real stories
Founders' Notes
Hear first hand what drives the achievement of the Rugare mission.
Nikiwe Mtema
"There is something deeply fulfilling about the work I do.
Every time I stand in front of young people and share information about mental health, I am reminded why this work matters. We talk about understanding emotions, recognising when we need support, developing healthy coping strategies, and knowing that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
These are conversations I wish I had access to growing up. Perhaps if I had received this information earlier, I may have navigated some of my own struggles differently and avoided some of the harmful behaviours I turned to while trying to cope.
That is why I do this work with so much passion. Because information has the power to change lives. Because one honest conversation can plant a seed of hope. Because every young person deserves the knowledge and support they need to take care of their mental wellbeing.
Doing work that matters is not always easy, but it is always worth it. 💚"
Executive Director - Nikiwe Mtema, MA, BASSc
Davies Mandala
"Rugare began with a simple observation: too many people in our communities carry their struggles silently, because there's nowhere safe to put them down. Rugare means "peace," and that's exactly what we set out to build: space where mental health can be spoken about openly, without shame or judgment.
What moves me most is that so much of this work is carried by young people themselves: students starting conversations in their own schools, volunteers showing up week after week, community members choosing vulnerability so someone else doesn't have to suffer alone.
We're still a young organization, still learning. But every campaign, every school club, every conversation is a step toward a Malawi where seeking help is met with support, not stigma. Thank you for walking this journey with us."
Co-Founder & Programs Director - Davies Mandala
Join the movement
Join Us in Breaking the Stigma
Whether you want to volunteer, partner with us, or simply start the conversation, there is a place for you at Rugare.