In Buyende district, Empower Through Health collaborated with local communities to implement an innovative mental health de-stigmatization program. Recognizing the profound impact of stigma on access to mental health care, we turned to an unexpected yet powerful tool: community theater.
The Power of Storytelling
This intervention brought together community members to create and perform educational theater presentations. Using relatable, culturally sensitive storytelling, these performances addressed common mental health misconceptions, showcased the realities of living with mental illness, and highlighted pathways for seeking help.
The play depicted the journey of an individual with mental illness, transitioning from severe debilitation and ostracism to becoming a productive, integrated member of society. By giving a face and voice to those with similar struggles, the performance humanized their experiences and fostered greater understanding within the community.
Key outcomes of this initiative include:
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Increased Awareness: Audience members reported a better understanding of mental health issues and reduced stigma towards individuals with mental illnesses.
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Community Engagement: By integrating theater into health education, the program fostered open dialogues, making mental health discussions less intimidating and more accessible.
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Locally-Led Solutions: Empowering community members to lead the performances ensured that the intervention resonated deeply with the community, fostering trust and sustainability.
The effectiveness of this community-led theater intervention was evaluated twice — first immediately after implementation and again twelve months later — to assess both short- and long-term impact. Findings from each evaluation were published in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating that locally designed, creative approaches can sustainably reduce stigma and strengthen community engagement.
Read the publications here: Initial Evaluation | 12-Month Follow-Up Evaluation