Empowering the Youth to End AIDS

AHAPPY: A Leading Faith-Based Initiative

The AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY) is an educational initiative launched by AJAN in 2012, with pilot activities starting in 2013 in Jesuit schools and other institutions across Africa. Recognized in the 2023 UNAIDS Compendium of Promising Practices of African Faith Communities, AHAPPY is celebrated as a leading Jesuit-led intervention to end AIDS among children and adolescents (see Compendium, pages 154–155).

ABOUT AHAPPY

The AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY) empowers young people in Africa with knowledge to prevent HIV infection and reduce vulnerability. It promotes holistic growth, enabling them to reach their full potential while combating the impact of HIV and AIDS. The program encourages HIV testing for awareness and fosters responsible decision-making, such as practicing abstinence and using ARV drugs for those infected. AHAPPY also inspires youth to become agents of positive change in their communities.

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).

Empowering Africa's Youth Against HIV and AIDS

Transforming Lives with AHAPPY

The AHAPPY program empowers young people in Africa with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to combat HIV and AIDS. By promoting holistic development and responsible decision-making, it inspires youth to lead healthier lives and drive positive change in their communities. Watch the journey of transformation in this inspiring video.

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.

Empowering African Youth for Integral Development

AHAPPY is dedicated to empowering young people in Africa to live responsibly and with purpose. Rooted in the Ignatian tradition, the program promotes the holistic development of each individual, fostering personal growth and social responsibility.

Transforming Lives Through a Wide Network of Institutions

AHAPPY’s Reach Across Africa

AHAPPY is primarily present in Jesuit-run institutions and other Catholic organizations, including schools, universities, community projects, orphanages, and civic works. The program is also open to other faith-based organizations, government bodies, and NGOs.

Currently, AHAPPY operates in 18 AJAN Centres across 17 African countries, within eight Jesuit provinces, including Central Africa (DR Congo), Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan), Madagascar, Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe), North-West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone), Rwanda-Burundi, and West Africa (Togo, Chad, Central African Republic, Benin, Burkina Faso).

Straight from our AHAPPY Trainees

The AHAPPY training of trainers was vital as many young people lack life education today. It equipped me with effective methods to share knowledge, and I plan to train the youth in my church and association.

Gladys, Student, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

AHAPPY resonated with my role as a leader. The guidance and counseling training highlighted the importance of supporting those in prison. I’m now committed to using my skills 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, SJ, 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.

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.

AHAPPY