In every community, there are young people carrying invisible burdens—painful memories, trauma, rejection, and despair. In Uganda, many of these young people turn to drugs, alcohol, or violence as a way of coping, often spiraling into destructive paths that rob them of their future. At Pounds Recreation Centre, we believe that no child or youth should be defined by their struggles. With counseling and psychosocial support, we have witnessed firsthand how broken lives can be rebuilt.
Counseling is more than just talking; it is a journey of healing. Our trained counselors provide safe spaces where children can share their stories without fear of judgment. Many arrive at Pounds weighed down by years of rejection—some abandoned by parents, others traumatized by violence, or scarred by early marriages. In these sessions, they find compassion, empathy, and guidance that allows them to release their pain and begin imagining a brighter tomorrow.
Psychosocial support extends this healing beyond the counseling room. Through group therapy, mentorship, and peer support, young people realize they are not alone in their struggles. For many, hearing another child say “I’ve been through it too” becomes the spark of hope they desperately needed. This combination of individual and collective care nurtures resilience, builds confidence, and restores dignity.
The impact is undeniable. A boy once crippled by addiction now speaks to schools about making better choices. A girl once battling depression now leads her peers in crafts training, earning an income while mentoring others. These transformations are not miracles—they are the result of consistent counseling, love, and care.
Yet the demand for mental health support is overwhelming. According to Uganda’s Ministry of Health, 14 million people live with mental health challenges, and many are young people. Without intervention, these struggles ripple across families, schools, and entire communities. That is why Pounds continues to expand its counseling and outreach services—to ensure that no child is left behind.
Together, we can break the chains of trauma. By supporting our counseling programs, you help create more safe spaces where young people can heal, rediscover hope, and step into the future they deserve.
