On 29th October 2025, African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) Secretariat in Nairobi was thrilled to welcome Mr. Chris Lowney, Board Member of WittKieffer and renowned author of Heroic Leadership and several other influential books and articles. This inspiring gathering enriched the spirit of collaboration, bringing new horizons not only to the AJAN Secretariat but also to the entire network of Jesuit Centres across Africa.

Mr. Chris met with the AJAN Secretariat team led by Fr. Ismael Matambura, SJ, AJAN Director, together with Mr. Gerald Owino, Managing Director of The Grass Company, and Mr. John Fisher Odingo, AHAPPY Coordinator at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School, at Africama House in Nairobi, Kenya. Meanwhile, several AJAN Centre Directors joined virtually: Fr. Pascal Nduwimana, SJ, Executive Director of Service Yezu Mwiza (Burundi); Fr. Osarodion Solomon, SJ, Associate Priest at Holy Family Catholic Church (Liberia); Fr. Charles Kubanabantu, SJ, Director of Centre Maisha (DRC); and Ms. Ornela Emefa Pakou, Programs and Projects Coordinator, Centre Sociaux Loyola (Togo).

During the meeting, the Centre Directors shared inspiring highlights of their ongoing work in different countries. From Liberia, Fr. Solomon spoke passionately about their commitment to empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills and leadership formation to help them build a hopeful future. In Burundi, Fr. Pascal emphasized the innovative use of mobile clinics to reach remote communities with healthcare services, ensuring that “health for all” becomes a lived reality. Centres Sociaux Loyola in Togo, represented by Ms. Ornela, shared about their health testing centre, which promotes preventive healthcare and community wellness, especially among vulnerable populations. In Kenya, Mr. John Fisher highlighted the continuous accompaniment of young people at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School through the AHAPPY programme, which nurtures holistic development, self-awareness, and social responsibility among students.

After the presentations by the centre directors, the AJAN Director gave an overview of the network’s mission, highlighting key programs such as the “AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY), the Jesuit Youth-Led Social Entrepreneurship initiative (JYSEA) and Building resilience in Women and young girls initiative which are being implemented across 21 centres in 18 African countries. The ensuing discussion with Mr. Chris, which also drew insights from Mr. Gerald’s work, centered on empowering young people, AJAN’s dedication to accompanying them in their growth, fostering holistic development, and exploring ways to integrate the values and principles of Heroic Leadership within AJAN’s leadership training and strategy.

The meeting concluded with significant collaboration agreements with Mr. Chris. Areas of cooperation identified include JYSEA, capacity building, and other initiatives aimed at supporting AJAN’s mission and impact across the continent.

Mr. Chris presenting signed copies of Heroic Leadership Workbook to Fr. Ismael Matambura, SJ, AJAN Director and Ms. Pascalia Sergon AJAN Capacity Building Officer, on behalf of the network.

Mr. Chris presenting signed copies of Heroic Leadership Workbook to Mr. Gerald Owino, CEO, The Grass Company and Mr. John Fisher Odingo, AHAPPY Coordinator, St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School.

The session, rich in inspiration and mutual learning, culminated with Mr. Chris presenting signed copies of Heroic Leadership Workbook to Fr. Ismael Matambura, SJ, AJAN Director, and Ms. Pascalia Sergon, AJAN Capacity Building Officer, on behalf of the network. Copies were also presented to Mr. John Fisher Odingo for St. Aloysius Gonzaga Secondary School and Mr. Gerald Owino for The Grass Company.

This encounter not only strengthened bonds within the AJAN family but also ignited a renewed sense of shared mission—to lead with courage, compassion, and creativity in transforming lives across Africa.

By, AGI PETER ONAH, SJ.,

AJAN Liaison Officer.