Hora: Empowering Rwandan Youth Through Mental Health Support

Join us in transforming mental health care for Rwandan youth! Your support will fund critical on-the-ground research to build Hora, a platform that offers accessible, culturally sensitive mental health solutions.

About Us

We are Daniel and Alain, two Rwandans living in Germany, dedicated to launching Hora, a mental health platform designed to empower Rwandan youth. Daniel, a teacher with a background in psychology and social pedagogy, and Alain, a business professional with personal experience with mental health challenges, have teamed up to tackle an issue that deeply affects young people across Rwanda.

Why Mental Health Matters

Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, are increasingly common among Rwandan youth. However, many face significant barriers to accessing proper care, including stigma, high costs, and limited resources. These barriers prevent young people from receiving the support they need and ultimately hinder their personal development and well-being. Mental health is a societal issue, with lasting impacts on community cohesion and national growth.

What Is Hora?

Hora (which means "calm down" in Kinyarwanda) is an innovative mental health platform designed to offer accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant care to Rwandan youth. By integrating technology with community-based support systems, Hora seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide resources that empower young people to manage their emotional well-being.

How Your Donation Will Help

Your contribution will directly fund crucial on-site research in Rwanda, enabling us to:

Project Timeline:

“May-July 2025: On-site research in Rwanda”

“August 2025: Publish findings and begin Hora’s design phase.”

Budget Breakdown

Total Research Budget: $10,000

1. Core Research & Fieldwork Expenses – $6,000

This covers the foundational costs of conducting in-depth research over three months, including accommodation, transportation, and materials. The immersive approach ensures firsthand engagement with communities, educators, youth, and mental health professionals.

Covers lodging, food, and essential daily costs for the research team while working on-site.

Ensures travel between cities, rural areas, and meeting locations, allowing comprehensive engagement with diverse communities.

Funds necessary materials for conducting interviews, focus groups, and surveys, as well as tools for data collection and analysis.

Provides fair stipends for youth, educators, and mental health professionals who contribute their time and expertise.

Covers rental fees for spaces where focus groups, interviews, and workshops will take place, ensuring a comfortable and professional research setting.

2. Logistical & Operational Expenses – $4,000

This category ensures the smooth execution of the research and covers essential operational costs.

Supports local field assistants who facilitate logistics and community engagement.

Ensures that the collected data is properly analyzed and documented for the development of Hora.

Provides flexibility to cover unforeseen expenses or urgent logistical needs.

Supports communication efforts, community meetings, and outreach to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the research process.

Impact of Your Support

By supporting this research, you’re helping lay the foundation for a lasting solution to Rwanda’s mental health challenges. This project is about more than just gathering data; it’s about creating actionable, community-driven insights that will shape the Hora platform and directly improve the mental health landscape for youth across Rwanda. Together, we can ensure that young people receive the care and support they need to thrive.

Thank You!

Hora Team