Our Story
Rugare was born from a simple but powerful belief: mental health matters. For our communities to truly thrive, the silence and deep-seated stigma surrounding mental health must be broken. Emotional well-being sits at the heart of everything we do.
Founded by passionate youth in Malawi, Rugare exists to create a culture where reaching out for support is normalized, wellness is prioritized, and no one is left to struggle in the shadows. Through honest conversations, creative digital storytelling, and safe, peer-led spaces, we are actively reshaping how emotional health is understood and experienced across the country.
Today, our impact continues to grow through our school-based Mental Health Clubs, dynamic community mobilization events, confidential psychosocial support initiatives, and our Mind Matters Podcast—where real stories and lived experiences spark reflection, healing, and collective hope. Together, we are nurturing a more compassionate society where every young person feels seen, protected, and empowered to thrive.
Our Mission
To empower youth and communities in Malawi with mental health knowledge, resources, and support while fostering a society that prioritises awareness, dignity, and holistic well-being.
Our Vision
A mentally resilient Malawi where young people and communities understand, value, and support mental health as part of everyday well-being.
Our Values
Our work is guided by empathy, inclusivity, community engagement, collaboration, empowerment, and integrity. From our mental health clubs to our digital and physical safe spaces and psychosocial support programmes, these values shape how we show up for young people across Malawi.
Read our founders' notes →Additional Pillars of Our Work
These three pillars deepen our community response and strengthen the support ecosystem around young people in Malawi.
Community Outreach, Advocacy & Nature Wellness
We create safe, stigma-free spaces where communities can talk openly about mental health through outreach events, family days, school engagements, wellness walks, and advocacy campaigns that bring people together in healing, connection, and hope.
Mind Matters Podcast & Storytelling
Through honest conversations, lived experiences, and digital storytelling, we help young people feel less alone. Our media work normalises mental health conversations and creates space for reflection, education, and collective healing.
Psychosocial Support & Referral Pathways
We offer confidential psychosocial support and care pathways that connect young people to professional help, trusted referrals, and safe spaces where they can be heard, supported, and guided toward recovery and resilience.