DRC: More needs to be done for HIV+ survivors of sexual violence–Between May and July 2013, Kenyan Jesuit Augostine Ekeno SJ visited South Kivu in eastern Congo to research sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) on behalf of AJAN, of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Eastern Africa and the Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations in Nairobi. The aim of the research is to inform advocacy for survivors of SGBV. Augostine shared some of his impressions with us here…

Zambia: The changing role of HBC caregivers – Danielle Vella writes: The home-based care (HBC) centre of Chikuni parish in southern Zambia is a hive of activity. In this remote rural area, thriving enterprises are lined up in the neat compound: a restaurant, a bakery, a shop, a tailoring workshop, a poultry run, a vegetable garden and machines for the solar drying of seeds, fruit and vegetables… Read more

Kenya: Countering mindless terror with love – Pauline Wanjau, AHAPPY program manager at AJAN, writes: The spirit of the Good Samaritan came alive in the self-sacrificial love shown by people from all walks of life in the wake of the mindless terror attack that struck Kenyans on 21 September. This was the day terrorists stormed Westgate, a busy upscale shopping mall in Nairobi and killed more than 70 people… Read more

Burundi: Renewing enthusiasm for the Stop-SIDA club – Justin Hagabimana SJ writes: On 7 August 2011, a young Jesuit regent* burning with enthusiasm, I turned up at the office of the rector of the Lycée du Saint Esprit (Holy Spirit High School) in Bujumbura to find out what kind of work had been entrusted to me. I was given two tasks: a course in biology and strengthening the team of the Stop SIDA club… Read more