By Alieu Ceesay
In a world where mental health struggles are too often shrouded in silence and stigma, one Gambian woman based in France is leading a charge to redefine well-being as a universal right. Awa Krubally, founder of the Harmony Hub Foundation (HHF), is blending personal experience with a powerful vision to offer free counseling, legal aid, and reconciliation services—creating a lifeline for those grappling with mental health and psychosocial challenges.
Speaking exclusively with the Alkamba Times, Krubally opened up about the deeply personal roots of her mission. “I went through an incredibly painful journey with depression—one that took me to rock bottom,” she recalls, her voice steady yet reflective. “At the time, I felt trapped, unable to see a way out.”
It was a friend’s unwavering, judgment-free support that sparked her recovery—and ultimately inspired HHF. “Having someone hold space for my pain, validate my emotions, and walk with me through that darkness changed everything,” she says. “It hit me: too many people are suffering alone.”
That revelation drives HHF’s core mission: ensuring no one faces mental health battles in isolation. From its base in France, the foundation is building a global network of compassionate advocates, offering safe spaces where individuals can be heard and healed. “Mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s a human right,” Krubally insists. “We’re here to raise awareness, break down stigma, and push for policies that treat it as seriously as physical health.”
HHF’s approach is as bold as it is compassionate. Beyond counseling, the foundation tackles complex cases by integrating trauma-informed care, legal support, and restorative justice. Krubally emphasizes that reconciliation—when it involves victims and perpetrators—is always voluntary. “It’s about the victim’s readiness,” she explains. “If they’re not comfortable, we honor that fully. Healing comes first.”
The challenges are steep, especially in The Gambia, where stigma and scarce resources often leave mental health in the shadows. Yet Krubally remains undeterred. “We’re tackling barriers head-on—whether it’s cultural attitudes, lack of services, or policy gaps,” she says. “HHF is still young, but our commitment is unshakable.”
What began as one woman’s journey through adversity has blossomed into a movement. Through Harmony Hub Foundation, Awa Krubally is not just rewriting her own story—she’s paving the way for a future where mental well-being is a right, not a privilege, for all.
