The AHAPPY Generation Training of Trainers was truly an eye-opening and transformative experience for me. It was not just fun, but deeply mind-shifting in how I see myself, my purpose, the world, and my responsibility and contribution to it. This training has made me a better person—not only for myself, but for my society and environment.  I now strongly believe that true change begins with me, by choosing not to be part of the negativity in society.

One of the most impactful parts of the program was the in-depth understanding gained about drug abuse and HIV/AIDS—its effect, prevention through abstinence and management. Beyond that, we were taught the importance of empathy; not stigmatizing those affected, but instead supporting, encouraging and treating them with dignity and respect.

From day one, the environment was welcoming and empowering. Everyone felt free to express themselves, share ideas, and be creative.  The instructors were exceptional—engaging, supportive, and full of energy. The training methods were simply amazing, incorporating movies, games and group activities that encouraged teamwork, participation, and open communication.

The structure of the program also stood out. The breaks were well-timed, allowing us to stay refreshed and energized throughout. The daily refreshments were thoughtful and ensured we were learning in comfort and with full concentration.

Over 40 years now and it seems as though the cries of the pandemic is gradually dying down but in the silence it quietly spreads across the globe, from about 26 million in the sub-Saharan African region, to 1.9m in our country and 84 thousand in our city and day by day that statistics grows, a statistic that’s not just another number but a living breathing person affected by the pandemic. Some would say it has become part of a way of life, it can be prevented by condoms” Condoms that gives a false sense of protection with about 15-30% failure rate, and what happens if it breaks in the act or if you become careless and decide to take it out because it is sweeter skin to skin, “so I’ve heard .. Then you’re just be playing Russian Roullette with your life.

But Behind the chaos a bigger Conspiracy is being played out, in the disguise of AIDS provided to help mitigate the spread and prevent the virus in forms of Contraceptives, PREP, and so called protection. It has become a business for big pharmaceutical who producer all these, billions are pushed out and who receives them? Foreign Companies and when it’s time to collect, they collect in different forms through our resources and control of our policies and decision making.

I can go on and on but one thing is certain, if we hope to see a change in this world it has to start with us we must live right and encourage others to do same, we must not treat those affected as outcasts but as people just as we are and beyond that we must remember in faith that our bodies are temple of the holy spirit and we are all children of God and he has the power to cleanse and heal us from every disease and virus that plagues his temple but we must first take action and make effort in abstaining from the occasion that can lead to such disease. In the darkness another force fuels and drives this chaos “DRUG ABUSE”.

I am leaving this program inspired and committed to being a positive force in my society—starting with myself and extending to others by sharing the knowledge and values I have gained. A very special appreciation to Rev. Fr. Ismail Matambula and Ms. Pascalia Sergon for their dedication, wisdom, and for entrusting us with the responsibility to create meaningful change in the world.  Thank you to AJAN for this impactful initiative. I also extend my sincere gratitude to The Parish Priest of St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja for providing such a conducive learning environment. May God bless you abundantly. Amen.

By, ELECHI JAMES CHIMDINMA,

AHAPPY Trainee, St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria.