17-year-old pupil Makoko Manda MHPSS beneficiary
17-year-old pupil Makoko Manda MHPSS beneficiary.
By Staff Writer
Makoko Manda, a 17-year-old pupil at Mantapala B Secondary School in Mantapala Refugee Settlement, is a beneficiary on “Strengthening the capacities of service providers and improving access to quality Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for forcibly displaced children and youth project implemented by Repssi Zambia.
Makoko’s life took a difficult turn when conflict erupted in his home village in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Everything changed in a single day,” he said. He explained that he and his family were forced to flee for their safety, leaving behind everything they knew.
He recounted that, during this period, he witnessed distressing events that deeply affected him and altered his sense of security and childhood. He stressed, “I saw things no child should ever see.”
He shared that, even after reaching safety in Mantapala Refugee Settlement, the memories of what he experienced continued to affect his wellbeing.
“The past followed me here,” he admitted. Although his family received shelter and basic support, Makoko said he struggled internally and found it difficult to adjust.
He noted that he became withdrawn and disconnected from others, often avoiding social interaction.
Makoko said: “I used to think too much about what happened back home. I didn’t want to play with my friends, and I isolated myself.”
According to him, this period was marked by stress, fear and a sense of emotional burden that he did not know how to manage. “I felt trapped in my own head,” he confided.
However, Makoko’s situation began to change when he was enrolled in the REPSSI intervention.
He disclosed that, through the mental health and psychosocial support intervention, he was introduced to practical skills for managing stress, anxiety and fear.
“For the first time,” he said, “someone taught me that my feelings had a name.”
He added that the sessions helped him understand his emotions and develop healthier ways of coping.
“Whenever I feel stressed, I do grounding exercises,” he said. “They help me calm down and focus on the present.”
He reported that these skills have improved his ability to manage his emotions and respond to daily challenges.
He noted that he is now more open, interacts better with his peers and feels more in control of his thoughts.
He remarked, “I don’t get lost in the bad memories anymore.”
Makoko also mentioned that the intervention helped him rebuild his confidence and regain a sense of hope.
In addition, he explained that he has taken on a supportive role among his peers and family. “I tell my friends,” he said, “‘If I can get better, so can you.’” He said he now shares the coping strategies he has learned, helping others understand how to deal with stress and difficult emotions.
He stressed the impact of his mother’s words: “My mother told me, ‘You are like a different child now.’” – Rainbow Newspaper Zambia Limited (RNZL) Rainbow Newspaper Zambia Limited Kwilanzi News Zambia Kwilanzi New Zambia Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ)
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