The afternoon of Tuesday, 31st March 2026, marked a memorable and hope-filled moment for the inmates and staff of Lang’ata Women’s Prison in Nairobi, Kenya. They gathered to celebrate the culmination of the Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Programme, a pioneering initiative led by scholastics from Hekima University College in collaboration with the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN). The occasion stood as a powerful reminder that even prison walls cannot contain the resilience of the human spirit.

The six-month programme concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by the Catholic Chaplain of the Kenya Prisons Service, Fr. Paul Mirin’gu. He was joined by Fr. Emmanuel Foro, SJ., Rector of Hekima University College, and Fr. Marcel Uwineza, SJ., the Principal, alongside prison apostolate coordinators Rev. Bonosa Kwadwo, SJ., and Chidere Mberu, SJ. Representatives from the AJAN Secretariat, including Ms. Sergon Pascalia, Development Officer, and Agi Peter Onah, SJ., Liaison Officer, were also present, as well as officials from the Archdiocesan Prison Ministry.

Read More; https://ajan.africa/receive-this-light-a-commissioning-mass-at-langata-womens-prison-kenya/

Hekima University College and AJAN remain committed to accompanying communities on the social and geographical margins, including those in prison settings. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, both institutions integrate academic engagement with faith and justice. The Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Programme exemplifies this approach, demonstrating how psychological and spiritual healing can work together to restore dignity and hope.

Within the prison context, many women carry experiences of trauma, exclusion, grief, and identity loss. In such circumstances, neither counselling alone nor prayer alone is sufficient. This programme responds by combining evidence-based psychosocial support with Ignatian spiritual practices such as the Examen, spiritual conversation, and daily scriptural reflection. For many participants, these practices offer a path toward healing, self-awareness, and renewed purpose.

The thirty-five women who completed the programme did so with courage and commitment. Their participation went beyond attendance; it reflected a genuine openness to transformation. As one participant noted, “We want more transformative programmes like this, as we prepare to be ambassadors of change to others.”

This milestone was also made possible through the dedicated pastoral accompaniment of Fr. Mirin’gu and the Kenya Prisons Service Chaplaincy, who have consistently supported the presence of Jesuit ministry in prisons. The coordination led by Rev. Bonosa Kwadwo, SJ., and the commitment of the scholastics gave the programme a deeply human and pastoral dimension.

For the women of Lang’ata Women’s Prison, the impact of the programme is tangible. It affirms that God’s presence is not limited by circumstance and that one’s past does not define one’s future. Through practices such as the Examen and scriptural prayer, participants discover an inner freedom that transcends physical confinement.

Three inmates, whose identities remain confidential, shared their experiences of the Psycho-Ignatian Spirituality Programme formation. For the purpose of this reflection, they are referred to as Mary, Vivian, and Precious.

Mary reflected:
“The training was an excellent experience, and I would like to have more of it. What impacted me most was the personal transformation I experienced. It changed how I see people living with HIV, and I now feel called to support them so they can live better lives. I have also grown in managing stress and anger. I feel encouraged to share what I learned, especially about Ignatian spirituality, and I plan to accompany others spiritually here in prison. After my release, I want to continue improving myself and serve as a community outreach educator to help reduce HIV infections.”

Vivian shared:
“The training offered excellent services, and I believe more people should benefit from it. I found the aspect of individual and community support very meaningful. It has changed my perception of HIV by helping me understand how counselling can transform lives. I have grown in self-awareness and forgiveness. I am encouraged to share my knowledge, especially from Scripture, and I plan to engage in peer education among fellow inmates. After my release, I hope to help others and take responsibility in supporting those around me while contributing to HIV awareness efforts.”

Precious expressed:
“The training was worthwhile, and I would like others to have the opportunity to learn as well. The teachings on personal development and growth were most impactful for me. It has influenced me to offer moral support to those affected by HIV. I have also grown in my prayer life and virtues. I feel encouraged to share what I have learned, particularly in promoting positive attitudes and behaviours. I plan to support others through community outreach within the prison and, after my release, to educate others and encourage them to take part in such training programmes to help reduce HIV infections.”

For AJAN, whose continental mission focuses on HIV prevention, care, and psychosocial support, the prison context remains a critical area of engagement. Women in detention face heightened vulnerabilities, including health risks, disrupted family structures, and psychological challenges. This programme responds holistically, addressing both spiritual and emotional well-being as part of a broader public health approach.

For Hekima University College, this initiative reflects a deepened commitment to the Jesuit mission of forming individuals who serve where the need is greatest. It embodies the vision of a university that goes beyond academic formation to become an agent of social transformation.

The awarding of certificates to the thirty-five graduates carried profound significance. In a setting where identity is often reduced to a number or a sentence, this recognition restores dignity. It affirms that each participant has learned, grown, and contributed meaningfully. It is a powerful reminder that their time in prison is not merely time served, but time transformed.

By, Onah Agi Peter SJ.,

AJAN Liaison Officer.