In this AJANews August Edition, our hearts turn to the celebration of International Youth Day 2025, marked on 12 August under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.” This theme speaks powerfully to the unique contribution of young people in our world today; their creativity, energy, and resilience in shaping a future where global aspirations become realities within local communities. It is a reminder that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without the full involvement of youth. They must not only be beneficiaries of development but also the leaders and drivers of the change we seek.

At the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), we are privileged to accompany young people in this mission. Our commitment is to form and empower them to envision and create a hope-filled future. Through the AHAPPY Generation Program, AJAN provides value-based formation, equipping youth with knowledge, critical life skills, and resilience to make responsible choices and protect their health and dignity. This program not only addresses issues such as HIV prevention, life skills, and personal responsibility but also places young people at the center of their own growth, encouraging them to take ownership of their future.

Alongside AHAPPY, the Jesuit Youth-led Social Entrepreneurial Action (JYSEA) Program supports young people in turning their creativity and innovation into concrete responses to socio-economic challenges in their communities. By fostering entrepreneurial thinking, JYSEA is building sustainable livelihoods while addressing urgent local needs. These two flagship interventions embody AJAN’s Jesuit mission of accompaniment, helping young people to discern, grow, and lead. They demonstrate that sustainable change becomes possible when young people are not only trained and informed but are also trusted to take responsibility and lead transformation from within.

The month of August was also marked by moments of solidarity and service that extended beyond youth empowerment. Our AJAN Director, Fr. Ismael Matambura joined in celebrating 17 Years of Compassionate Service during Cardinal Michael Czerny’s visit to Service Yezu Mwiza (SYM) in Burundi. The visit was a profound reminder of the Jesuit call to stand with those at the margins, bringing compassion, hope, and a spirit of service to communities facing vulnerability.

In the same spirit, AJAN undertook a five-day AHAPPY Training of Trainers for Jesuits in formation at the Institut de Théologie de la Compagnie de Jésus (ITCJ) in Ivory Coast from 11th to 15th August and participated in the West Uyoma Free Medical Camp held from 28th to 30th August 2025 at Kamaringa Beach, West Uyoma, Siaya County, Kenya. Together with partners, we offered vital health services and education to hundreds of people who often lack access to quality healthcare, embodying our commitment to integral human development.

Por, Dennis Owuoche

Responsável de Comunicações, AJAN