Between April 8th to 11th, 2026, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) undertook the AHAPPY Training of Trainers (ToT) for youths at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria, bringing together 22 participants for 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 was 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 the 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 continued, participants deepened their facilitation skills and gained more tools to effectively deliver the AHAPPY programme in diverse contexts.
Positive feedback from some of the participants is shared below.
“The AHAPPY workshop was a profound journey for me. Facilitated by Father Ishmael SJ and Pascalia Sergon from Kenya, the program placed self-discovery at its heart. Although I have long known the importance of knowing myself, this was a powerful reminder that real change begins within. By reflecting on who I am, I am better equipped to lead and grow.
We also learned a powerful problem-solving technique called the TREE approach—root, branch, and fruit. This method taught us to trace every issue back to its root cause so that we could address not just symptoms, but the deeper challenges. As we applied this approach, it transformed the way I see obstacles—every problem, we realised, is best tackled from its core….”
– AKPOFI CHARLES OGHENEVWEDE
Participants of the AHAPPY Training of Trainers at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria.
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for the beautiful gift of these four days together at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja. Brought together by the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), we came as youth hungry to grow — and God met us right where we were.
We were gently reminded of something we sometimes forget — that we are deeply loved, carefully made, and purposefully placed in this world. Rediscovering our identity as beloved children of God became the foundation for everything else, we learned….”
– Elisius Jecinta Chinenye,
Participants of the AHAPPY Training of Trainers at St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria.
The training concluded with a certification and commissioning Mass, a solemn and prayerful celebration marked by gratitude and thanksgiving. Participants were officially certified as AHAPPY facilitators and formally commissioned and sent forth to carry the programme into their respective communities and 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.
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