In August 2024, from the 19th to the 30th, a transformative training initiative took place in the Nzérékoré region of Guinea Conakry, targeting youth and addressing pressing health and social challenges. Organized by the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) and Fe y Alegria, the program, known as AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY), focused on empowering young people to make informed life choices. This training, which was the first step in a broader project named GEN-CE+224 (Conscious and Enterprising Generation in Guinea), sought to tackle issues such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and youth unemployment, while promoting entrepreneurship and healthy living.

Over 60 participants, ranging from ages 12 to 35, gathered from five local villages to partake in the training. The diverse group included students, teachers, health professionals, and even community leaders, united by a common goal: to improve the future of their communities. Participants expressed a strong desire to learn how to live with others, take care of themselves, succeed in life, undertake initiatives and avoid diseases.

The theoretical training phase spanned from August 19 to 24 based on AHAPPY’s modules for AHAPPY generation, where participants were introduced to various modules covering personal development, leadership, and awareness of HIV and AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Led by AHAPPY trainers from across Africa, including Father Jean-Charles Kubanabantou from DRC and Ms. Pascalia Sergon from Kenya, the sessions sparked deep engagement among the youth.

The training was followed by a practical phase where participants were subdivided into 2 major groups; 12 to 16 age group and the 17 to 35 age group of about 8 people who returned to their villages to raise awareness on key issues like HIV/AIDS prevention, the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, and youth entrepreneurship. The young trainees led the efforts, supported by their village leaders. Seven villages benefited from the awareness campaign, they include; Yeneta, Gouh, Souhoulé, Kpagalaye, Bounouma, Gbouo and Kpeligneouo.

Participants organized awareness-raising sessions, with the support of village presidents or councillors. A team composed of trainers, Father Etienne Mborong (initiator of the awareness caravan), and young people who benefited from the training led these sessions. The young people served as facilitators between the communities and the delegation. They also assisted with organization, translation, and awareness-raising activities.

The awareness-raising sessions were entirely led by the young people in each village, with the support of the nucleus. The themes addressed during these awareness-raising sessions were, among others:

• HIV/AIDS: causes, consequences and means of prevention and treatment
• Drug and alcohol abuse among young people: causes, consequences and means of prevention
• Entrepreneurship among young people: context, opportunities, motivations.

Themes addressed by the young people were attended by several people: young people, children, women, men, group presidents, village presidents, patriarchs, catechists, etc. The villages were very receptive to the activities and welcomed the initiative by encouraging the young people to continue with the momentum of raising awareness and fighting against the scourges that undermine their community.

One notable moment occurred when a village leader from Kpeligneouo, moved by the youth’s dedication, personally invited the team to conduct awareness sessions in her village. The enthusiastic participation from community members, including patriarchs and village presidents, underscored the importance of the initiative.

Here are some of the inspiring testimonials from participants, showcasing their enthusiasm for the AHAPPY program and their willingness to use the knowledge and skills gained to continue creating community awareness on issues of health and empowerment of young people.

Joseph Goumiu said, “I had a great experience as one of the participants of the AHAPPY Training, the session on HIV and AIDS was very informative. We didn’t know that this disease does not have tablets, products that could cure it. Because of this I got to learn that HIV and AIDS is a very serious disease and which can lead people to death because it cannot be cured. Our sincere gratitude towards the AHAPPY delegation which mainly trained us in entrepreneurship and also in HIV & AIDS and STIs.“

Seny Béatrice said, “We are happy with the AHAPPY training. When we return to our villages or towns, we must educate our friends about the issue about HIV and AIDS. It’s crucial that we raise awareness among everyone, including our peers, so that we can avoid falling victim to this scourge. Remember, once this disease affects someone, it’s often incurable.”

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates to the young participants in front of their parents, friends, acquaintance and the whole community. Participants are now officially tasked with carrying forward the message of health, resilience, and self-reliance within their communities. The campaign has left a lasting impact, with many expressing gratitude and a determination to continue fighting the social and health challenges their communities face.

This successful launch of the GEN-CE+224 project marks the beginning of a long journey toward empowering the youth of Guinea to lead positive change in their society.

By, TONTEPAMBO Roger,

AHAPPY Trainer