Accompanying the Young People under the AHAPPY Generation banner.
The AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest is inspired by the Gospel of John, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). One of AJAN’s key initiatives, the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for Youth (AHAPPY), targets reducing the vulnerability and contraction of HIV among youth aged 10 to 24.
We believe that for young people to take charge of their future, storytelling has the power to ignite change, inspire action and empower communities. When we tell stories that highlight the triumphs over adversities, the entrepreneurial spirit, the cultural richness, and the collective achievements of Africans, the young people get to challenge stereotypes and foster a sense of pride within our communities through showcasing their inner ability and strengths.
AJAN is pleased to launch the third edition of the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest 2025. The theme of the 2025 AHAPPY Youth Storytelling Contest is “Beacons of Hope: Stories of Change and Resilience” The theme for the Jubilee Year 2025 emphasizes the journey of faith, especially the hope found in Christ.
As pilgrims, we are called to embark on a spiritual journey, seeking renewal and deeper communion with God. In this spirit of the Jubilee Year, we invite young people between the ages of 10 and 24 to reflect on and express their journey as Pilgrims of Hope through storytelling in the form of written pieces (Poems/short narratives or essays).
For Terms and Condition click the Link Below
On 31st July 2024 AHAPPY Storytelling Youth-Film Competition was officially launched and is once again open to all schools and youth groups under the AJAN Network.
Following the success of the first edition of the AHAPPY Youth Storytelling Contest that was held in 2013, in this second edition inspired by St. Ignatius’ words
“Ite, inflammate omnia” (“Go, set the world on fire”), we aim to illuminate the path towards a more compassionate and sustainable future under the theme
“Be Inspired and Inspire!”
We invite young creators between the ages of 15 and 25 from all over the African continent where AJAN is present to share stories to inspire a brighter and bolder future for Africa.
For Terms and Condition click the Link Below
Composed by Doreen Mwale, AHAPPY ToT Participant, Malawi. Across the hills and valleys of Africa Where the sun paints the morning sky,
AJAN isn’t just any other program, How good it feels to interact with them. Allow me to give you an over view-
I give thanks, for you have been patient. Everything that was in my heart, you have listened to. Let us stand together,
The winners of the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest 2024!
The top three skits are as follows:
Centre Arrupe, Madagascar – “STOP DRUGS”
CREC, Benin – “Eau! Si on savait!”
Chikuni Centre, Zambia – “Smart Choices”
The results were determined by a panel of judges after thorough evaluations and multiple meetings to
select the most impactful stories.
We encourage all young people to participate in the next edition of the contest for greater creativity in
addressing important themes.
In celebration of AJAN 20 Years anniversary, a total of
30 young people from 10 African countries where AJAN
Centres are participated in a Youth writing competition.
The aim of the competition was to provide an
opportunity for the youth, through writing, to explain
their understanding of the reality of HIV as it relates to
their lives, experiences or of the society in Africa. The
participants were learners between the age of 17 and
24yrs enrolled in secondary and tertiary
level of education.
Watch the Top Submissions of the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest-Film Competition 2024
To Support the Creativity of our Young People in Africa
you can donate online,
or by cheque, please send to
African Jesuit AIDS Network, AFRICAMA
P.O. Box 1540 KAREN 00502
NAIROBI, KENYA
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