Every Student Deserves to Be Seen, Heard, and Supported

A youth-led movement for mental health and community support in rural Rwanda.

Our Mission

To empower students in rural areas to become mental health advocates and support systems for their peers, promoting awareness, understanding, and emotional well-being in underserved communities.

Making a Difference Since 2020

6

Years Strong

Continuously operating since 2020, supporting students through peer-to-peer mental wellness.

25+

Student Advocates

Trained peer supporters creating safe spaces for open conversations.

600+

Students Reached

Direct support through tuition assistance, counseling, and community outreach.

500+

Peer Supporters Trained

Young people equipped with skills to support their peers' mental wellness.

Majorine Ibyishaka, Founder of BESTIM

Majorine Ibyishaka

Founder

Majorine Ibyishaka founded BESTIM as a high school student at G.S. Remera Rukoma during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the alarming rate of student suicides in rural Rwanda. What started as a personal response to tragedy grew into a community-wide movement that has touched hundreds of lives.

Read Our Full Story

Our Programs

Mental Health Awareness

Mental Health Awareness

Creating spaces to talk openly about mental health in schools where these conversations were once taboo, breaking down stigma and normalizing emotional well-being.

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Peer Support System

Peer Support System

Training students to be approachable, empathetic listeners who can provide initial support and create a sense of home for their peers.

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Financial Support

Financial Support

Providing tuition assistance to students in need, ensuring financial barriers don't prevent education and exacerbate mental health challenges.

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Community Outreach

Community Outreach

Visiting hospitals, supporting single mothers, and engaging with vulnerable populations beyond the school walls to extend our impact.

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What Students Say

I take this opportunity to thank BESTIM because with your help I almost dropped out of school but through a simple conversation we had you were able to come up with a solution of how I would stay in school and help with paying my school fees. If it was not for you I do not know where I would be. I t…

B
Byishimo Student

I take this opportunity to thank BESTIM for helping me pay for my school fees and ensuring that part of my personal life at home was taken care of. Because of your support, I did not have to worry about being kicked out of class due to unpaid school fees. With that burden lifted, I was able to settl…

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Niyomubyeyi Elonduine Student

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BESTIM community, which was started at GS Remera Rukoma School by a student named Ibyishaka Majorine together with other colleagues. I found out about BESTIM after the Covid-19 period when I returned to school while I was still sick. It was not Covi…

M
Mugisha Student

Recent Activities

Supporting Seven Students at GS Kimironko 1 to Stay in School

Supporting Seven Students at GS Kimironko 1 to Stay in School

Our team visited GS Kimironko 1 to support students facing financial challenges that threatened their ability to remain in school.

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Supporting Six Students with School Fees Assistance at GS Remera

Supporting Six Students with School Fees Assistance at GS Remera

Education is essential for shaping brighter futures, yet many students face financial challenges that make it difficult to remain in school.

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BESTIM Celebrates 5th Anniversary

BESTIM Celebrates 5th Anniversary

Five years of empowering students, building community, and championing mental health awareness in rural Rwanda.

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Join Us in Making a Difference

Whether you want to volunteer, donate, partner, or simply learn more — every connection matters.