How woman used her trauma to transform children mental health
By Tony Wafula, July 31, 2025In 2019, Maryanne Achieng’ partnered with other individuals and started an organisation that would help to tackle children’s mental health issues, particularly in vulnerable and neglected regions like Mt Elgon.
The resident of Bungoma County was turning her painful childhood experiences into a powerful force to help other children in the community.
Speaking to People Daily, she revealed that the idea behind the Nyunjaz Foundation was born out of both personal pain and a growing concern over the state of mental health among children in Bungoma.
Achieng’ realised that many children in Mt Elgon, an area affected by post-election clashes, were quietly suffering the lingering trauma of violence, displacement and loss.
“I discovered that children who witnessed their parents being butchered during the 2017 conflict were still traumatised and needed immediate mental health intervention,” Achieng’ stated.
Growing up in a family set up marred by gender-based violence (GBV), Achieng’ said that she witnessed repeated episodes of physical violence.
“There was no peace in our home. I developed stress and suffered silently. The pain of growing up in a violent environment motivated me to become the voice for children undergoing the same,” she added.
The intersection of her personal experiences and the pressing mental health needs in the community led to the formation of the Nyunjaz Foundation, an organisation that not only raises awareness about children’s mental health but also provides emotional support, mentorship and community-based solutions for children dealing with trauma.
UNICEF reports that promoting and protecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children, adolescents, and their caregivers remains a cornerstone for achieving all the SDGs, with a direct impact on SDG 3 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being across all age groups.
Consistent support
“The biggest challenge is a lack of resources. We need support to organise more counselling sessions, buy supplies for children’s homes and provide training to caregivers. Without help from well-wishers, we are unable to reach more children who desperately need our support,” she said.
Their advocacy often involves visiting children’s homes across the Western Kenya region where she donates essential items, offers mentorship and holds one-on-one talks with young people facing trauma, abandonment and drug abuse.
“So far, I have engaged over 70 children whose lives have been transformed through consistent counselling and support,” Achieng’ affirmed.
Beyond counselling, the foundation also works to break the stigma around mental illness, especially in rural areas where the subject remains taboo.
Achieng believes that with the right partnerships and consistent community engagement, children can recover and rebuild their lives.
“Gender-based violence and trauma have long-term effects on children. It takes the community, not just one person, to heal a generation,” she adds.