The AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programs for the Youth Training of Trainers (AHAPPY-ToT) for youth from the Catholic Diocese of Garissa took place at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Bura-Tana, from 22nd to 26th April 2025. The training brought together 49 participants from five out of the seven Parishes of the Diocese. They include; Garissa, Hola, Bura- Tana, Emmaus, and Wenje. 

At the opening session, the Parish Priest warmly welcomed the AHAPPY facilitator team, led by Fr. Matambura Ismael SJ, the AJAN Director. He encouraged the participants to stay attentive and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire new knowledge. The Youth Chaplain, Br. Bernard, also challenged the attendees to remain open to learning and embracing new ideas.

AJAN Liaison Officer, Fernando Nimbu, kicked off the session by providing a comprehensive overview of the AHAPPY program. He took the participants through the journey of the program’s inception, tracing its roots from its initial launch to its current evolution. Fernando shared how the program has adapted and expanded over the years, reaching more communities and impacting more youth. He highlighted the core principles of AHAPPY, which aim to empower young people through training, leadership, and integral development.

The session that followed in the five days of the training delved into exploring the five key dimensions of the AHAPPY program. It began with the Spiritual Dimension, highlighting the integration of Christian values, encouraging participants to reflect on their faith and purpose, and fostering a sense of meaning and responsibility as creatures of God and their purpose on earth. Next, the Intellectual Dimension provided essential knowledge about HIV and AIDS prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and responsible decision-making, empowering participants to make informed choices. Physical Dimension, which emphasizes promoting healthy behaviors, such as avoiding risky sexual practices, practicing safe sex, and maintaining regular physical activity. The Emotional Dimension focused on building strong emotional connections, developing healthy coping strategies, and learning to manage stress and challenging emotions. Finally, the Social Dimension emphasized the importance of responsible social behavior, cultivating positive relationships, and promoting a sense of community and belonging among the youth, being a loving neighbor and brother’s keeper.

Throughout the training, sessions were highly interactive and participatory, with group discussions, personal reflections, and creative presentations being undertaken. These activities allowed the young participants to internalize the lessons and relate them to their own lived experiences. The facilitators emphasized the importance of the youths being responsible and taking initiative to empower fellow youths in their parishes, reminding the trainees that they are now equipped to reach out to others in their parishes with the same knowledge and values.

One of the most impactful moments of the training was the evening sessions where we had screening of short films; ‘River Me’ and ‘Sarafina’, which led to deep discussions about identity, manipulation, abuse, resilience and leadership. Participants connected the film’s lessons to their own lives and the challenges faced by youth in Garissa. Testimonies shared during these moments highlighted the deep thirst for transformation and a renewed sense of purpose among the participants.

A few selected participants shared positive feedback with the AJAN team, describing the training as a wake-up call—a pivotal moment that inspired them to take the initiative in empowering other young people with the knowledge and skills they had gained. They expressed a renewed sense of responsibility to become change-makers within their parishes and communities, committed to spreading awareness on HIV prevention and personal development.

The training concluded with a commissioning ceremony and the awarding of certificates. In a spirit-filled Mass, Fr. Matambura encouraged the young people to be “ambassadors of hope and agents of change,” reminding them that the journey was just beginning. He urged them to return to their communities not just as informed individuals but as leaders ready to empower others and build a healthier, more just society.

With renewed zeal and a strong sense of mission, the participants left St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church in Bura-Tana inspired to share the AHAPPY message across the Diocese of Garissa—carrying with them the tools to promote sense of responsibility among young people, safeguarding life and dignity of the vulnerable people in society, and holistic development in their respective parishes.

By, Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.