African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) in collaboration with Catholic Prisons Chaplaincy (Coast region) is currently undertaking a 5-day AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY) Training of Trainers. The training which kicked off on Monday, 14th October 2024, at Tumaini Pastoral Centre, Consolata Catholic Parish, Likoni brings together 18 Participants made up of Prison Chaplains and Catechists. They came from various correctional facilities including, Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison, Manyani Maximum Security Prison, Shimo La Tewa Medium Prison, Shimo La Tewa Women Prison, Kwale Prison, Kilifi Prison, Malindi Prison, Hola Prison, Wundanyi Prison and Taveta Prison.

Aimed to empower Prison Catechists with the knowledge and skills they need as they journey with young people in correctional facilities. It complements the catechists’ role in fostering behavior change, helping to reintegrate prisoners into society, and supporting their reconciliation with God, themselves, and those they have wronged. Additionally, the training targets inmates and the families of prison officers who live in challenging environments. The team of facilitators includes Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ., AJAN Director, Ms. Lilian Waweru, Catechist at Naivasha Women’s Prison, Fernando Nimbu, Regent at AJAN, and Mr. Dennis Owuoche, AJAN Communications Officer.

Day one of the training began on a positive note, with Mr. Dennis Owuoche, AJAN Communications Officer, setting the tone by engaging the participants in a session that highlighted key expectations for the training. Participants expressed their enthusiasm, looking forward to acquiring new knowledge and skills that would not only enhance their personal well-being but also support their work in caring for those in prisons and Persons living with HIV (PLHIV).

The formal training sessions were initiated by Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ., Director of AJAN, who laid a solid foundation by introducing the pedagogy of the AHAPPY program. He provided an in-depth explanation of the program’s mission, vision, and objectives, which sparked an engaging discussion among the participants. This early interaction helped contextualize the broader purpose of the training and established a sense of shared mission. Fr. Matambura emphasized that the AHAPPY program aims not only to empower youth and vulnerable individuals but also to foster a holistic approach to personal and community transformation through encouraging the participants to promote social entrepreneurship and innovation for self-sustenance and reliance as some of inmates are very well skilled and if accompanied well, they would greatly transform the society they live in.

Fr. Ismael Matambura SJ., Director of AJAN during Day One session of the AHAPPY ToT, Coast Region.

Participants were then introduced to the core content of the AHAPPY program, specifically the modules found in the AHAPPY manual. The first module, “Awakening to Myself,” became the focal point of the day’s learning with Fr. Matambura and Ms. Lilian taking the participants through the whole trajectory. This module invited participants to reflect on their identity, personal growth, and relationships with others and God. Topics such as “I am a Beloved Creature of God,” “Me Here and Now,” “My Body and I,” “Developing Intellectual Capabilities,” “The Others and I,” and “God and I” were explored in depth. Each topic opened up thoughtful discussions, allowing participants to examine their self-worth, physical and intellectual development, and the interconnectedness of their relationships with others and with God.

Ms. Lillian Waweru the facilitator during Day One session of the AHAPPY ToT, Coast Region.

The session on “I am a Beloved Creature of God” particularly resonated with many, as it provided a platform for participants to reconnect with their spiritual identity and reflect on the inherent dignity they possess as individuals. In discussing “Me Here and Now,” participants were encouraged to be fully present and mindful of their current realities, understanding the importance of self-awareness in both their personal and professional lives.

As they moved through the modules, the participants found that the training was not just theoretical but deeply personal, inviting them to undergo their own transformation while preparing them to support those they serve in prisons and other challenging contexts. The day concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, as participants recognized the significance of integrating the AHAPPY principles into their daily interactions with prisoners, PLHIV, and other vulnerable groups. By the end of the first day, it was clear that the AHAPPY program was not only offering participants practical tools for behavior change and personal development but also fostering a deeper understanding of their roles as caretakers.

More to follow….

Por, Mr. Dennis Owuoche,

Responsável de Comunicações, AJAN