RBYS was born from a journey of distance, insight, and deep-rooted love. I am Mama Dampha, founder of RBYS, a daughter of The Gambia who grew up in Serekunda and now lives in Sweden. From thousands of miles away, I watched my country struggle with the silent epidemics of trauma, shame, and economic hardship—particularly among women and children. I witnessed the resilience of my people, but also the heavy burden they carry alone.

In Sweden, I experienced how therapy and open conversations about mental health could transform lives. Yet I knew this resource was largely unavailable back home, where stigma and limited resources prevent healing. This realization became a calling: to bridge the gap between the support I found in the diaspora and the urgent need in my homeland.

RBYS is not just an organization—it is my promise to The Gambia. A promise to create a safe space where no one has to suffer in silence, where shame is replaced with strength, and where healing is linked to tangible hope.

Our Name: The Power of "Rebuild Your Self"

We chose "Rebuild Your Self" (RBYS) intentionally. Rebuilding implies that something strong already exists within you—a core self that may have been damaged by trauma, poverty, or circumstance. Our role is not to fix you, but to help you rediscover and reconstruct your inherent strength, dignity, and potential.