NOUSPR members believe that the people of Rwanda are its main resource and that they have many wonderful qualities and untapped potential.  NOUSPR works with the community to find solutions for the challenges all have faced in overcoming trauma.  Our doors are open to any whose wounds that are still unhealed. 

Within the NOUSPR community our members feel no shame because we pass no judgment.  Instead we share personal testimonies and stories about psychiatric disabilities and the challenges of life.  By listening those around us feel embraced and empowered. 

NOSPUR strives for a Rwanda of equality where people with mental health illnesses can enjoy all the fullness life has to offer.  Our organization breaks through superstition and myths and offers knowledge and insight.  
 

The Problem:

The Causes:

The Effects on those who are users and survivors of psychiatry:

• Homelessness 
• Unmet needs
• Lack of adequate access to information and services
• Poverty stricken lives and destitute
• Limited understanding of entitlements and equal rights for citizens
• Exclusion from society
• Abuse and discrimination

 NOUSPR Challenges:

• Community concerns that those with disabilities are a disruption
• Lack of information available to the general public on mental health issues
• Belief that mental health issues are ancestral problems, old superstitions
• Punishment verses acceptance of those who suffer from disabilities or mental health problems
• Institutions that are lacking in funding and over worked with limited resources
• Poverty leading to poor access to much needed treatments

The establishment and building of NOUSPR members will be the start of contributing to the dignity of all.  Based on the above problem analysis NOUSPR plans to focus on: 

• Advocacy and lobbying for psychiatric and counseling services - At the moment no organization or movement in Rwanda exists that advocates and lobby for the needs of the users and survivors of psychiatric and counseling services. It will require this disability group to organize themselves and make their voices heard. The establishment and building the membership base of NOUSPR will be the start to contributing the dignity and voice of this disability group. 
• Creating awareness about the disability-The unsubstantiated myths and misconceptions regarding users and survivors of psychiatry perpetuate undue and unjust discrimination. Myths like users and survivors of psychiatry cannot participate in issues concerning themselves; they cannot decide on how to be treated, they cannot decide on their property rights and freedom of expression. The awareness about this disability is very low amongst all sectors of society. NOUSPR intends to create awareness raising campaigns for different sectors to be sensitized.
• Capacity Building-The disability movement in Rwanda is very weak organizationally and certain disability groups are stronger and naturally dominate the movement. NOUSPR will build the capacity of a national office and at least three district offices that will be able and willing to representative the psychiatric users and survivors of Rwanda. The movement will be build from the ‘bottom up’, with NOUSPR working with communities from the start in the different districts.
• Promotion of Human Rights-In order for users and survivors of psychiatry to become a strong movement that believe in themselves, it is vital that we need know our rights and our legal standing in Rwanda. We must be strong and believe in our inherent right to dignity. Respecting ourselves and believing in ourselves in conjunction with our human rights this organization will be successful. NOUSPR members will be made aware of their rights through various means.
• Information and services-Too often information is not shared among and with the disability movement. Even worse is it is very difficult to access information and services as enjoyed by other citizens. We would like to get rid of the mentality of not sharing information and adopt an approach within NOUSPR that affords everyone an opportunity to give their opinion. NOUSPR intends to build up and share information with its members and other disability groups.