Therese*, 59, fled Burundi and arrived in Mahama Refugee Camp in 2015. Struggling with depression and anxiety after losing her business, property, and social status, she withdrew from her community and lost confidence in herself. Through Save the Children's mental health and occupational therapy support, Therese rebuilt her self-esteem, reconnected with her community, and now earns an income by making and selling handmade bags.
Therese*, 59, has lived in Mahama Refugee Camp with her family since 2015. Before fleeing Burundi, she was a successful businesswoman with a stable livelihood and strong standing in her community.
The transition to life as a refugee was extremely difficult. Having lost her business, assets, and source of income, Therese began experiencing mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. She gradually withdrew from community life and suffered from persistent sleep difficulties.
"People no longer valued my opinions because I felt isolated and unable to contribute meaningfully to my community," Therese said. “Even children could not value me because I was struggling with my mental health. My ideas could not be considered,” Therese* recalled.
In partnership with UNHCR and the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), Save the Children provides Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services in Mahama Refugee Camp. These services include psychotherapy and occupational therapy programmes designed to support people living with mental health conditions, strengthen social inclusion, and reduce stigma and discrimination.
In 2022, Therese enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Programme alongside receiving medical and psychosocial support. Through the programme, she learned how to make handmade bags and other crafts.
"I spent much of my time learning handicraft skills instead of focusing on my struggles and the discrimination I experienced. As I gained new skills, I gradually started feeling valued again," she said.
Today, Therese reports significant improvements in her mental health and wellbeing. With renewed confidence and a stronger sense of belonging, she now produces handmade bags at home and sells them in markets across Kirehe District.
Her business generates a net profit of approximately 30,000 RWF (about USD 20) per month after covering the cost of materials. The income helps her meet basic household needs while also contributing to her independence and self-confidence.
"The income from these handmade bags helps me buy food, soap, shoes, and clothes. Because of this work, I feel more stable, sleep better, and take better care of myself," Therese said.
“These handmade bags enable me to get food, soap, shoes and clothes. Because of these, I feel stable, I sleep well and take care of myself,” Therese* confirmed.
While grateful for her progress, Therese recognizes that many others continue to struggle.
"Many people are still living with serious mental health challenges. Some are unable to care for themselves or their families. They need access to treatment and programmes like this one," she added.
As of June 2026, 152 individuals with stabilized mental health conditions had been enrolled in the occupational therapy programme across Mahama and Nyabiheke Refugee Camps and Nkamira Transit Centre. Of these, 62 participants had successfully reintegrated into their communities, demonstrating how targeted mental health and psychosocial support can restore dignity, independence, and hope.
