On April 9, 2026, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) officially launched the AHAPPY Training of Trainers (ToT) for youths taking place at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together 22 participants for the first day of an enriching and transformative experience.

The AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for the Youth (AHAPPY), focuses on empowering young people and communities through life skills education, HIV awareness, personal development, and the promotion of responsible and healthy living. The training is being led by two facilitators, Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ., AJAN Director and Ms. Pascalia Sergon, AJAN Development Officer.

Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ engaging in conversation with participants during group work discussions.

Day One of the training was marked by active participation and dynamic learning. Facilitators introduced practical and engaging approaches, including the Tree Methodology (Problem Tree Analysis)—a participatory tool that helped participants visualize and unpack complex community challenges. Using the simple but powerful image of a tree, participants identified the core problems in their community as the trunk, explored the underlying causes of these problems as the roots, and reflected on the visible consequences as the branches and fruits. As ideas were written, moved, and discussed, the exercise sparked rich dialogue and critical reflection, with participants identifying the various problems and challenges that exist in their communities and what they lead to. This process not only deepened their understanding of real-life issues but also opened pathways toward identifying meaningful and sustainable solutions that will inform and enrich the next topics to be tackled in the training.

This step-by-step approach encouraged open dialogue, reflection, and collaboration, allowing participants to not only analyze real-life issues but also begin identifying possible responses and solutions.

The Training of Trainers is a key step in expanding the reach and impact of AHAPPY across Africa. By equipping these 22 participants with the necessary skills and methodologies, AJAN is strengthening a network of facilitators capable of driving meaningful change in their communities.

As the training continues, participants will deepen their facilitation skills and gain more tools to effectively deliver the AHAPPY programme in diverse contexts.

This initiative reaffirms AJAN’s commitment to promoting holistic development, empowering young people, and strengthening community responses to HIV and other social challenges across the continent.

By, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.