This year, AJAN proudly celebrated outstanding young voices who emerged as winners of the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest 2025, representing different corners of Africa but united by one common message inspired by St. Ignatian of Loyola to “Go forth and set the world on fire.”

On 31 October 2025, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) Secretariat at Africama House, Nairobi, was honoured to welcome Immanuel Mwendwa Kiilu, a student from Strathmore University and the winner of the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest 2025 – Tertiary Level Category. The visit was marked by a moment of pride, inspiration, and encouragement as Immanuel received his top prize from the AJAN Director, Fr. Ismael Matambura, SJ.

His winning entry titled “Salt” stood out in the continental competition for its originality, depth, and ability to communicate a powerful message of hope, resilience, and transformation — reflecting this year’s theme, “Beacons of Hope: Stories of Change and Resilience.” During the brief but meaningful ceremony, Fr. Matambura congratulated Immanuel for his outstanding achievement and dedication to using his gifts in service of others. He encouraged Immanuel to continue developing his storytelling talent as a tool for positive change in society, reminding him that every story has the power to inspire transformation. “Your talent is not just for personal growth,” he said, “but for the good of others, especially the younger generation who look to you for inspiration. Use your voice to ignite hope and bring light where it is needed most.”

Immanuel expressed his gratitude to AJAN for the recognition and for creating a platform that amplifies the voices of young people across Africa. He shared how the contest inspired him to reflect deeply on the challenges and possibilities facing today’s youth and how he hopes to use storytelling to promote empathy, awareness, and social responsibility within his community. The visit concluded with a brief interaction between Immanuel and members of the AJAN Secretariat, who commended his humility, creativity, and strong sense of purpose.

The celebration of creativity and hope continued across African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) Centres as young storytellers from different countries were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the AHAPPY Storytelling Youth Contest 2025.

Among the celebrated winners was AHOUANDE Gbèdodé Ginette from Benin. The celebration took place at the Centre de Recherche, d’Étude et de Créativité (CREC), where Fr. Eugène Goussikindey, SJ, the Centre’s Director, had the honour of presenting her with the Second Runner-Up Award in the tertiary level category. Ginette’s story titled “Je N’Ai Pas Cessé D’Aimer, Mais J’Ai Appris À M’Aimer” (I Haven’t Stopped Loving, But I’ve Learned To Love Myself) captivated the judges with its sensitivity, insight, and deep reflection on the experiences and struggles faced by young people today. In his remarks, Fr. Goussikindey commended her creativity and encouraged her to continue nurturing her storytelling gift as a powerful instrument for social awareness and positive change within her community.

Equally remarkable was NTWARI IRIBAGIZA Sardoine, a passionate member of the AHAPPY Generation Club at Saint Vincent Pallotti – Gikondo, Rwanda, who emerged as First Runner-Up with her inspiring poem “Lueur de l’Espoir” (Ray of Hope). Her poetic expression shone with faith and resilience, painting a vivid picture of light overcoming darkness — a message deeply aligned with the contest’s theme. Speaking during the award presentation, JUC representative, Alex Nzayituriki, SJ, commended Sardoine for her remarkable achievement, noting that her poem “Lueur de l’Espoir” mirrors the very spirit of the AHAPPY Generation: to find light even in the darkest of circumstances. Sardoine’s achievement reflects not only her talent but also the nurturing environment fostered by the Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC), which continues to accompany young people in Rwanda to discover their gifts, lead with purpose, and live out Jesuit values in everyday life.

Also celebrated was Deborah Mumo, a bright and determined student from St. Joseph Technical Senior Secondary School, Kangemi – Kenya, who emerged as the Best Written Piece Winner under the Senior High School Category. Her story, “The Pilgrims of Hope,” stood out for its depth, creativity, and powerful moral message. Through her storytelling, Deborah reminded us that faith and resilience can light the way forward, even in times of uncertainty. Her success is a testament to the transformative power of education that nurtures both mind and heart. The entire St. Joseph community celebrated her achievement as a reflection of the Ignatian spirit of excellence, conscience, and compassion.

AJAN commends all participants for using their creativity as Pilgrims of Hope in Africa. Their voices represent the diversity and ingenuity of African youth who are shaping a hopeful future. Through their words and imagination, they are not only telling stories but also inspiring others to believe that transformation begins from within. As AJAN continues to accompany young people in creating a hope-filled future — in line with the Third Jesuit Universal Apostolic Preference (UAP) through the AHAPPY Generation Programme — these stories of faith, resilience, and leadership remind us that every voice matters, and that each story shared is a step toward building a more compassionate, hopeful, just, and humane world.

By, Dennis Owuoche,

AJAN Communications Officer.