By Dixon Aine
Franko Olong, a passionate advocate for mental health and community empowerment, has committed his life to supporting children and adolescents in understanding and managing mental health challenges.
Olong, an Acholi by tribe, possesses a strong academic foundation. He holds a Master’s degree in Divinity, an Advanced Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication. His educational journey also includes certificates in counselling, positive psychology, mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship. This blend of spiritual and psychological training underscores his commitment to holistic care, addressing both spiritual and mental well-being within his community.
Currently, Olong volunteers at Butabika Hospital as a child and adolescent mental health therapist in the children’s ward. Additionally, he serves as the lead pastor of God’s Glory and Miracle Ministries in Mutungo, where his focus on community empowerment continues.
Divine calling
In 2014, after completing his undergraduate studies, Olong spent two weeks in prayer, seeking direction for his future.
“I felt a divine calling to work at Butabika Hospital. Initially, my role was spiritually focused—sharing the Gospel and providing comfort to patients,” Olong says. However, Olong soon recognised a need for more comprehensive support, leading to the establishment of Strides of Hope Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting children and adolescents grappling with mental health issues across hospitals, prisons, and communities. Through this initiative, he began offering practical support, such as food and recreational activities, to improve patients’ mental well-being.
Personal connection to mental health challenges
Olong’s understanding of mental health is deeply personal. Reflecting on his childhood, he shares that his father’s struggles with alcoholism profoundly affected his family.
“Most of the time, he was drunk, and a lot of the work was left to Mama,” he recalls adding: “I didn’t experience the love fathers give their children because he was intoxicated most of the time. This realisation fuelled my interest in mental health further.”
Pursuing formal training for greater impact
Though deeply committed to his work, Olong faced initial challenges due to a lack of formal qualifications. While he had completed short courses in counselling and psychology, he recognised the need for a more in-depth understanding of mental health. This realisation led him to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health from Mbarara University, equipping him with essential skills to assess, diagnose, and support children and adults.
Olong credits much of his success to the guidance of mentors, including Dr Jack Smith, a lecturer at Makerere University, and his late pastor, who provided financial support during his early career. Their mentorship has been instrumental in helping him navigate the complexities of mental health work and expand the reach of Strides of Hope Foundation.
Sculpturing smiles
According to Olong, acceptance and insight are crucial for individuals seeking mental health support.
“People need to recognise they have a problem and be open to receiving help,” he explains. Olong also highlights the stages of change, noting that those in the action stage of recovery are more likely to make lasting improvements compared to those still in pre-contemplation.
For Olong, the greatest reward is witnessing the joy in the lives he touches.
“What keeps me moving is the joy I get when I support someone—the glow I see on their face. The slogan of Strides of Hope Foundation, “sculpturing smiles,” embodies this mission. “Through empathetic listening and support, I can sculpture a smile on someone’s face, rekindling their hope and strength,” he shares.
Future aspirations
Looking ahead, Olong envisions establishing a mental health recovery centre tailored for children and adolescents. This centre would integrate principles from psychology, divinity, communication, and social sciences, offering a holistic approach to mental health. His goal is to raise resilient youth with a strong faith foundation who contribute positively to society.
Olong acknowledges the rising awareness around mental health yet anticipates increasing cases due to modern societal pressures. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic, firmly believing that with proper support and a strong spiritual foundation, individuals can overcome mental health challenges. “Our mental health cannot be complete if certain aspects, especially spiritual health, are neglected,” he concludes, drawing strength from his faith and his belief that with God, all things are possible.
After nearly a decade in the field, Olong is determined to become one of Uganda’s leading practitioners in child and adolescent mental health. His journey, rooted in personal trials and professional growth, continues to bring healing and hope, fulfilling his mission of sculpturing smiles and transforming lives.
In Uganda, a 2023 report presented by Ministry of Health indicated that 22.9 per cent of children and 24.2 per cent of adults suffer from mental health disorders.
