The AJAN HIV and AIDS E-Learning Program (AHELP)

Value-based education to empower pastoral agents and people working in the field of HIV and other related issues with proper professional skills and accurate information on an up-to-date basis to tackle HIV in the African context. 2026 INTAKE oNGOING

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ABOUT AHELP

The AJAN HIV and AIDS E-Learning Program (AHELP) is an online professional certificate course designed to train pastoral and community care workers, counselors, and educators in Africa. Developed by the African Jesuits AIDS Network (AJAN), it equips individuals with skills to support those living with HIV and reduce stigma.

Launched on the 22nd of February, 2016, the AHELP – the AJAN HIV & AIDS
E-Learning Certificate Program provides comprehensive, faith-based
and community-centered training on HIV/AIDS care, psychosocial support,
and stigma reduction.

Vision

An African youth, freed from disordered tendencies, who live and grow at the best of their ability, without HIV & AIDS, and who work for the good of others and improvement of their continent.

Mission

To empower young people to make informed and responsible choices to lead a blossoming and successful life and to belong to an AIDS-free generation.

Core Values

Empowerment, Commitment, Responsibility, Stewardship, Collaboration, Chastity, Leadership, Magis (Excellence).

Target Audience:

Target Audience: Pastoral agents, religious sisters, priests, community volunteers, and educators working in health or counseling ministries.

Why AHELP?

Faith-Based Formation

Integrates Christian values and compassionate
accompaniment.

Flexible Online Learning

Accessible across Africa through digital learning
platforms.

Practical Community Skills

Equips learners for counseling, education, and pastoral
care.

Reducing Stigma

Promotes dignity, inclusion, and psychosocial support.

AHAPPY Program Overview & Target Groups

Program's Overall Aim

AHAPPY aims to drastically reduce the incidence of HIV infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and out-of-wedlock pregnancies among youth attending Jesuit educational institutions in Africa.

The program focuses on reducing premarital sexual activity and other risky behaviors by promoting balanced human growth and healthy lifestyles.

It motivates and equips young people with knowledge, life skills, and values to make healthy choices in all aspects of their lives.

Program Target Groups

Primary Target Group:
Young people aged 10 to 24, divided into three main groups:

Ages 10 to 14
Ages 15 to 19
Ages 20 to 24

Secondary Target Group:
Adults who interact with young people, including:

Teachers
Parents
Other community members

These adults are trained as Trainers in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program to guide and support the youth effectively.

“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

With the increasing uptake of computer technology and internet facilities in Africa, e-learning opportunities have
become a feasible and cost-effective possibility for AJAN to scale up its education and training programs by creating an
HIV/AIDS online faculty in collaboration with Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU), a fully accredited private, Catholic.
international and multicultural higher education institution run by the Society of Jesus in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Through this collaboration, AJAN continues to strengthen local capacity for HIV/AIDS response, pastoral care, and
community accompaniment across the continent.

Transforming Lives Through a Wide Network of Institutions

AHAPPY’s Reach Across Africa

The program is found mostly where Jesuits are working and Catholic Institutions, such as schools and universities, community projects, orphanages, civic works and open to other faith-based institutions, government institutions and NGOs.
To date AHAPPY is present in 18 AJAN Centres across the 17 African countries where AJAN is present within eight Jesuit provinces of Africa; ACE (Democratic Republic of the Congo), AOR (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & South- Sudan), Madagascar Province (Madagascar),SAP (Zambia & Zimbabwe),ANW (Liberia & Sierra Leone), Rwanda-Burundi Region-RWB (Burundi and Rwanda), AOC (Togo, Chad, Central African Republic, Benin, Burkina Faso).

Beneficiaries of the AHAPPY Training of Trainers

Straight from our AHAPPY Trainees

The AHAPPY training was invaluable, equipping me with skills to educate young people on life education. I learned effective methods to share this knowledge and plan to train the youth in my church and association.

Gladys, Student, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

AHAPPY training enhanced my leadership skills, especially in guidance and counseling. It highlighted the need to support and care for those in prison facing stigma and rejection. I’m dedicated to using this knowledge to improve their lives.

Meshack Agola, Prison Officer, Naivasha, Kenya.

Through the program, I’ve learned to differentiate good from bad. Real-life examples show how success comes from focus, while distractions and peer pressure lead to poor outcomes.

Ornella Irakoze, AHAPPY Club member, Groupe Scolaire Kagugu Catholique- Rwanda.

The AHAPPY workshop at Arrupe Jesuit University inspired us to join the AHAPPY Generation, transforming society. It emphasized self-awareness, responsibility, and wisdom in navigating today’s world.

Jean de la Croix Nsabimana, Jesuit in formation at Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU), Zimbabwe.

Volunteer with AHAPPY

Join us in making a difference! Volunteer with AHAPPY and help empower youth across Africa. Email us at ajan@jesuits.africa to get started.

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AHAPPY: FAQs, facts, and resources

What is AHAPPY?

AHAPPY is a program that focuses on youth empowerment through value-based education. It aims to reduce the vulnerability and contraction of HIV among young people.

Where can AHAPPY activities be found?

AHAPPY operates in schools, parishes, institutions, and education centers, fostering youth clubs or “AHAPPY families.”

How does AHAPPY support the youth?

Through value-based education, AHAPPY provides knowledge and resources to empower young people, equipping them to make informed decisions that reduce their risk of HIV contraction.

What are AHAPPY families?

AHAPPY families are youth clubs formed within schools, parishes, and institutions to provide a supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and share knowledge on HIV prevention and personal development.

AHELP