African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) five-day AHAPPY Training of Trainers (ToT) commenced on 2 November 2026 for Prison Catechists and Officers from the North Rift Command Region, in Kenya, bringing together 25 participants for an intensive journey of learning, personal reflection and personal capacity building anchored on Ignatian Spirituality.

The training is being led by Ms. Pascalia Sergon, Acting AJAN Director, alongside three facilitators: Sch. Onah Agi Peter, AJAN Liaison Officer; Ms. Lilian Waweru, Principal Chaplain of the Kenya Catholic Prison Chaplaincy; and Mr. Dennis Owuoche, AJAN Communications Officer. The facilitation team seeks to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and values needed to facilitate the AHAPPY programme and strengthen their role in accompanying and supporting individuals within prison communities.

On the opening day, participants were introduced to the AHAPPY programme, its objectives, approach and five training modules. The programme adopts a holistic understanding of the human person, addressing five interconnected dimensions: physical, social, spiritual, emotional and intellectual. Through these dimensions, AHAPPY seeks to promote the integral development of young people, helping them make informed decisions and lead healthy, responsible and meaningful lives.

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The first day’s sessions focused on Module A: Awakening to Myself, which invited participants to undertake a deeper reflection on their identity, purpose and relationship with God.

The reflection challenged participants to consider the purpose of God in their lives and recognise that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. This understanding provides a foundation for appreciating the dignity, worth and potential inherent in every individual, regardless of their circumstances or background.

An important aspect of the discussion was the relationship between self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the ability to accompany others. Participants reflected on the need to understand themselves, recognise their emotions and develop the ability to manage their reactions. This is particularly important in their work of accompanying persons deprived of their liberty, where patience, empathy, understanding and compassion are essential.

The sessions emphasised that effective accompaniment begins with an awareness of oneself. By learning to understand and manage their own emotions, prison catechists and officers are better positioned to respond constructively to the needs and experiences of those they serve. This also contributes to building relationships founded on respect, trust and human dignity.

Strengthening the Capacity to Accompany Others

The AHAPPY approach recognises that meaningful personal transformation requires attention to all dimensions of the human person. Its five modules therefore provide participants with an opportunity to explore different aspects of human development and understand how these dimensions influence individual behaviour, relationships and decision-making.

For the prison catechists and officers, the training offers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of holistic accompaniment and strengthen their capacity to support individuals in their personal growth and development.

As the training progresses over the next five days, participants will continue exploring the remaining 4 AHAPPY modules; Module B (This World I Live In), Module C (Facing a World with HIV and AIDS), Module D (Knowing Myself to Grow) e Module E (The Foundation on Which I Build My Life Myself) engaging in practical exercises, discussions and reflections that will help them translate the knowledge gained into their respective areas of service.

By investing in the capacity of prison catechists and officers, AJAN continues to promote a holistic, values-based approach to human development that recognises the dignity of every person and the possibility of growth, healing and transformation. Ultimately, the training reflects the spirit of Cura Personalis — care for the whole person — reminding participants that every individual deserves to be accompanied with dignity, compassion and respect.

More to follow>>>>

Por, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

Responsável de Comunicações, AJAN