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AHAPPY

For Integral Development of the Young People

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).

Click Here to View the Compedium

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.

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Transforming Lives Through a Wide Network of Institutions

AHAPPY’s Reach Across Africa

The program is found mostly where Jesuits are working and Catholic Institutions, such as schools and universities, community projects, orphanages, civic works and open to other faith-based institutions, government institutions and NGOs.
To date AHAPPY is present in 18 AJAN Centres across the 17 African countries where AJAN is present within eight Jesuit provinces of Africa; ACE (Democratic Republic of the Congo), AOR (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & South- Sudan), Madagascar Province (Madagascar),SAP (Zambia & Zimbabwe),ANW (Liberia & Sierra Leone), Rwanda-Burundi Region-RWB (Burundi and Rwanda), AOC (Togo, Chad, Central African Republic, Benin, Burkina Faso).

Beneficiaries of the AHAPPY Training

Learners (TOL) in Schools Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia
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Trainers for Youths and Adults
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Catechists/ Prison Officers
0
Inmates
0
Capacity Building for Jesuits in Formation
0
indirect beneficiaries of the AHAPPY Training carried out by Trainees
0

AHAPPY Story Updates

Reflection on AHAPPY ToT in Abuja by Elisius Jecinta Chinenye

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2026/04/16
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No Comments

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank God for the beautiful gift of these four days together at St. Joseph Mukasa

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Reflection on AHAPPY ToT in Abuja by Akpofi Charles Oghenevwede

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2026/04/16
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No Comments

The AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Programme for the Youth (AHAPPY) workshop was a profound journey for me. Facilitated by Father Ishmael

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A New Wave of Youth Empowerment Takes Place in Abuja as AJAN Undertakes AHAPPY Training of Trainers

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2026/04/10
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No Comments

Between April 8th to 11th, 2026, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) undertook the AHAPPY Training of Trainers (ToT) for youths at

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Straight from our AHAPPY Trainees

The AHAPPY program being offered to our youth is commendable. Its holistic approach focuses on helping young people identify the problems within our community and come up with solutions. Being a community that borders the vast water body of Lake Victoria, we need to empower our youth with skills, especially because of the high rate of school dropouts. We must also sensitize them on the importance of education. In addition, we need to encourage our young people to change their mindset and use their talents, together with the available local resources, to establish entrepreneurial ventures for self-employment. We appreciate this kind of programs and we welcome this and more initiatives that can benefit our youths in Kagwa.

By, Mr. Ruben Okoth, Assistant Chief of Kagwa Sub-location, West Uyoma, Siaya County, Kenya. 2025.

Through the AHAPPY program, I have realized that I am here for a purpose and have a vital role to play in my community. A key takeaway for me is the importance of identifying and addressing the root cause of a problem before trying to solve it, ensuring a lasting solution. Additionally, I learned never to judge others, regardless of their circumstances. Instead, I choose to act out of love, reflecting the unconditional love I have received from God. Moving forward, I will use every opportunity to raise awareness and fight the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, advocating for compassion and understanding. After all, love is the greatest force for change.

Asemota Irene Osamuyimen, AHAPPY Trainee, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benin City, Nigeria. 2026.

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… Read in full

Elisius Jecinta Chinenye, AHAPPY Trainee, St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria. 2026.

I am very pleased to have benefited from the training offered by the AJAN AHAPPY Club at Collège Alfajiri. The structure of our meetings — in the form of presentations and debates — has been extremely valuable for my personal growth within a group and has provided an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills through open, pressure-free discussions. Our conferences have been opportunities for learning and practical application of the members’ various skills. They gave me a chance not only to learn but also to establish myself within a group. Read in full

By, NDAGANO KABEYA, Vice-President of the AJAN AHAPPY Club and currently a pre-finalist in the third year of Scientific Humanities at Collège Alfajiri, DRC. 2026.

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…. Read in full

AKPOFI CHARLES OGHENEVWEDE, AHAPPY Trainee, St. Joseph Mukasa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja, Nigeria. 2026.

The AHAPPY training was invaluable, equipping me with skills to educate young people on life education. I learned effective methods to share this knowledge and plan to train the youth in my church and association.

Gladys, Student, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

AHAPPY training enhanced my leadership skills, especially in guidance and counseling. It highlighted the need to support and care for those in prison facing stigma and rejection. I’m dedicated to using this knowledge 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, 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.

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Register to access the AHAPPY training manual

AHAPPY: FAQs, facts, and resources

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.

AHAPPY operates in schools, parishes, institutions, and education centers, fostering youth clubs or “AHAPPY families.”

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.

 

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.

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