Rumbek, South Sudan — More than 85 young people gathered at Saint Teresa Parish in Rumbek for an educational session on sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STDs and STIs), organised by the parish Youth Department as part of its ongoing youth mentorship programme.

Held under the theme “Empowered to Live Pure and Healthy,” the session aimed to create a safe and respectful space where young people could receive accurate health information, address common misconceptions and reflect on Christian teachings on sexuality, purity and responsible living.

The initiative also builds on the AHAPPY (AJAN HIV & AIDS Prevention Programme for Youth) Training of Trainers organised by the Africa Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) in Rumbek from 9–13 February 2026. The five-day training brought together 53 young participants from Holy Family Parish, Holy Cross Parish, Sacred Heart Parish and St Theresa Parish.

Through interactive sessions, group work and practical exercises, the AHAPPY training focused on life skills, leadership formation, self-awareness, personal responsibility and HIV prevention. Participants were equipped to become peer leaders capable of sharing knowledge and accompanying other young people in their communities.

The recent session at Saint Teresa Parish demonstrates how this formation is being carried forward at parish level. Rather than remaining a one-time training, the knowledge and skills gained through AHAPPY are being translated into ongoing youth mentorship, health education and peer support.

The parish organisers emphasised that the STI session was not intended to promote immorality, but to break the silence surrounding sexual health, correct myths and equip young people with both accurate health knowledge and biblical guidance. They noted that lack of information can expose young people to preventable health challenges and difficult life choices.

During the teaching session, a health facilitator and youth leader explained what STIs are, how they are transmitted and how they can affect a person’s health and future. Participants learned about common infections, including HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis, and were reminded that many STIs are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. The session also addressed common misconceptions, clarifying that STIs are not spread through ordinary contact such as handshakes or sharing food and clothes.

The discussion also explored Christian teachings on sexuality and purity. Abstinence before marriage was presented as part of the Church’s teaching on God’s design for sexuality, while young people were encouraged to make responsible decisions and resist pressures that could lead to risky behaviour.

A key message throughout the session was the importance of compassion and accompaniment. The organisers stressed that the Church should be a “hospital for healing, not a court for condemnation.” Young people who may have made mistakes or are facing health challenges were encouraged to seek love, counselling and appropriate medical support rather than face stigma or gossip.

The programme included several interactive activities. Through a myth-busting quiz, participants responded to true-or-false questions designed to correct common misconceptions about STIs. Group discussions gave young people an opportunity to explore pressures that can lead to early or risky sexual activity and consider how they can support one another in making healthy choices.

In a role-play activity, participants practised ways of respectfully saying no to negative peer pressure, alcohol-related influence and situations that could compromise their values and wellbeing.

The session also provided an opportunity for an open question-and-answer discussion. Participants were encouraged to seek confidential health advice from the Agiamondo MHPSS worker and the local Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) when needed.

The programme concluded with prayer and a personal commitment by the participants to honour God with their bodies and promote healthy living among their peers. The Youth Department also resolved to continue organising monthly life-skills sessions, recognising that meaningful youth formation requires ongoing accompaniment rather than one-time interventions.

The experience at Saint Teresa Parish reflects the wider vision of AHAPPY: equipping young people with knowledge, values and practical life skills so that they can become agents of positive change among their peers and communities. Through continued parish-based initiatives, the young leaders trained through AHAPPY can extend the programme’s message of prevention, responsibility, dignity and hope to more young people.

The parish expressed appreciation to the priest, Church elders, health facilitators and all the young people who participated in the programme.

By: John Yuol Aru
Youth Leader,
Saint Teresa Parish, Rumbek, South Sudan.