From 3rd to 7th August 2026, the Noviciat-Notre Dame de la Compagnie de Jésus at Kinkeso/Inkisi- located in the Catholic Diocese of Kisantu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo hosted AHAPPY Training of Trainers (ToT) for religious men and women in formation. The five-day formation brought together 18 participants, including Jesuit novices and novices from the Calasanzian congregation, with the aim of strengthening their capacity to accompany young people in their holistic growth.

The training led by Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ., Socius to the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascarr and former AJAN Director and Fr. Charles Kubanabantu SJ., Director, Centre Maisha provided participants with an opportunity to look beyond the transmission of information and reflect on the integral development of young people. Among the key lessons highlighted was the importance of addressing the spiritual, personal, emotional, social and physical dimensions of young people’s lives. Participants recognised that effective accompaniment requires not only knowledge but also self-mastery, emotional intelligence, leadership and the ability to identify and nurture individual talents.

A significant focus of the formation was HIV and AIDS awareness and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Participants reflected on the continuing importance of equipping young people with accurate information and empowering them to make responsible choices. They also emphasised the need to confront ignorance through meaningful education and concrete action, particularly among young people who may face difficult social and personal circumstances.

The formation also encouraged participants to see themselves as potential agents of change within their communities and apostolic settings. Rather than keeping the knowledge gained within the training environment, they expressed their intention to integrate the lessons into their personal lives and future ministry. Their plans include educating young people on STIs, HIV and human values, offering guidance and encouragement, working with communities and collaborating with AJAN to extend the impact of the programme.

Participants were able to share positive feedback from the training;

MWENGO KANYAMUKENGE ROMÉO, nSJ from NOVICIAT NOTRE DAME, MÈRE DE LA COMPAGNIE DE JÉSUS shared that,

BUKUZE MUSANGANYA JUSTIN, nSJ from the NOVICIAT NOTRE DAME, MÈRE DE LA COMPAGNIE DE JÉSUS shared that,

“I therefore commit myself to sharing this flame that I have received with other generations, so that together we may shape the happy generation we aspire to.”

This commitment calls for deliberate efforts to reach more teenagers and raise their awareness so that they can join the project in greater numbers, strengthening the African value of solidarity. There is also a need to make greater use of social media to promote AJAN’s projects, as these platforms remain among the most effective ways of reaching young people and engaging them before meeting them in person. In this regard, creating a dedicated blog or platform for AJAN’s young partners could provide a space where their experiences, ideas and initiatives can be shared.

This commitment calls for deliberate efforts to reach more teenagers and raise their awareness so that they can join the project in greater numbers, strengthening the African value of solidarity. There is also a need to make greater use of social media to promote AJAN’s projects, as these platforms remain among the most effective ways of reaching young people and engaging them before meeting them in person. In this regard, creating a dedicated blog or platform for AJAN’s young partners could provide a space where their experiences, ideas and initiatives can be shared.

The commitment also extends to addressing the realities facing young people and communities affected by conflict. Awareness-raising on violence, as well as support for victims experiencing post-traumatic stress following the war in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, should form part of these efforts.

At the same time, young people can be empowered through entrepreneurship, particularly by establishing a network of young entrepreneurs focused on agriculture and livestock farming. Beginning at the local level, such initiatives could contribute to addressing food security while creating sustainable livelihoods and opportunities for young people.

All these initiatives should be grounded in a strong work ethic and a spirit of service, drawing inspiration from the Rule of Saint Benedict, and integrating values of discipline, responsibility, community, dignity of work and shared commitment into the way these projects are developed and implemented.”

For the participants, the training therefore became more than a learning experience—it was preparation for a ministry of accompaniment. They identified the need to help young people develop greater awareness, responsibility and confidence while encouraging them to live healthy and purposeful lives.

Participants also called for continued formation, including more practical activities, small-group discussions, additional resources and follow-up after the training. They suggested that similar initiatives could be extended to other universities and religious formation settings, allowing more young people and those who accompany them to benefit from the AHAPPY approach.
The AHAPPY Training of Trainers in Kinshasa thus strengthened a group of young religious in their readiness to accompany others. As they return to their communities and apostolic environments, they carry with them a renewed commitment to share knowledge, promote responsible choices, strengthen young people’s well-being and contribute to communities where young people can grow with dignity, hope and purpose.

By, Peter Onah Agi

AJAN Liaison Officer.