The African Jesuits AIDS Network (AJAN) is a faith-based organization, established in June 2002 by the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM). The mandate of the network is to bring together and coordinate Jesuits and collaborators; to share experiences and disseminate their best practices to tackle the devastating effects of HIV & AIDS as well as other social ills that are threatening Africa's populations, communities and families. Similarly, the network seeks to promote integral youth development to reverse the trend of HIV infections among youth and, by so doing, engender an African generation who lives a blossoming and successful life; youths who are committed and work for the good of others, the planet and improvement of their continent. AJAN interventions are present in more than 17 countries across Africa and Madagascar. Where we work; AJAN is found where HIV and AIDS meet the community, Jesuits and collaborators. It is a Network that is not only defined by structures but by strong presence wherever Jesuits and collaborators serve the youths, and people infected and affected by AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. AJAN is a growing and functioning network comprising 19 centres with a strong presence in Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Liberia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, South Sudan, Chad, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. WHAT WE DO The overall aim of the diverse response of Jesuits and collaborators is to foster an informed and compassionate Christian response to supporting: Those infected and affected by HIV and other diseases. Orphans and other vulnerable Children. Accompanying the youth: Integral Youth development. Medical care and Treatment. Education and sponsorship of orphans. Psychosocial Support. Economic empowerment. Women and Young Girls and teenage mothers Ecology stewardship and justice ecology.
External link for African Jesuit AIDS Network-JCAM
Africama House, 260 Dagoretti Rd, Nairobi
Nairobi, Nairobi 1540, KE
African Jesuit AIDS Network-JCAM reposted this
May the child Jesus grant you a blessed festive season. This is our wish for you and your families. Thank you for the wonderful collaboration in 2024. Lots of love and greater collaboration for 2025. #MerryChristmasAndHappyNewyear2025
May the child Jesus grant you a blessed festive season. This is our wish for you and your families. Thank you for the wonderful collaboration in 2024. Lots of love and greater collaboration for 2025. #MerryChristmasAndHappyNewyear2025
📢 AJANews Monthly Update Our November-December 2024 Edition is here! 🎉 Discover inspiring stories about World AIDS Day 2024, updates on our AHAPPY program and work across our centres in Africa, and highlights across the AJAN network. Together, we continue to support integral development of our young people, uplift the vulnerable, and bring hope to the margins of society. 📖 Read the full newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dxYk2wRe Stay informed. Stay inspired. 🌟 #AJANews #Integraldevelopment #HopeAndInclusion
African Jesuit AIDS Network-JCAM reposted this
Happy Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier St. Francis Xavier pray for us This saint, one of the Church's most illustrious missionaries, came from a noble Basque family in Spain. He studied at the University of Paris, where he taught philosophy after obtaining his degree of master of arts. Here he met Ignatius of Loyola and was enrolled as one of the first seven Jesuits. They decided to go to the Holy Land, but the war between the Turks and Venice prevented this, so for a time Francis labored at Padua, Bologna, and Rome. In 1540 Ignatius chose him as the first missionary to the Portuguese East Indies. Francis sailed from Lisbon armed with four papal briefs making him nuncio with full powers and recommending him to the Eastern princes. He landed at Goa in India and began a vast apostolate lasting over ten years. Here he instructed the adults, gathered the children by ringing a bell in the streets, catechized them, and also visited the hospitals and prisons. He then turned to the native Indians, teaching the simple folk by versifying Catholic doctrine and fitting the verses to popular tunes. He then went on to Cape Comorin and began the conversion of the Paravas, some days baptizing so many that at night he could not raise his arm from fatigue. Then to Travencore where he founded forty-five churches in various villages. Then to Malacca in Malaya, and for eighteen months from island to island, preaching, instructing, baptizing. On his return to Goa he heard of the vast harvest of souls awaiting the laborers in Japan and he set out for this field with several companions, arriving at Kagoshima in 1549. He set himself to learn the language and started to preach and teach with such success that twelve years later his converts were found still retaining their first fervor. In 1551 he returned to Malacca to revisit his converts in India. Now a new goal loomed up before his eyes—pagan China, but he was not to reach it. Arriving on the island of Sancian at the mouth of the Canton river, he became ill of a fever and would have died abandoned on the burning sands of the shore if a poor man named Alvarez had not taken him to his hut. Here he lingered for two weeks, praying between spells of delirium, and finally died, his eyes fixed with great tenderness on his crucifix. He was buried in a shallow grave and his body covered with quicklime, but when exhumed three months later it was found fresh and incorrupt. It was taken to Goa where it is still enshrined. St. Francis Xavier was proclaimed patron of foreign missions and of all missionary works by Pope St. Pius X. Excerpted from A Saint A Day by Berchmans Bittle, O.F.M.Cap
AJAN in collaboration with @Catholic Diocese of Machakos kickoff a 5-day Capacity building of the youth leaders in integral development. Day 1 saw the participants introduced to the pedagogy of, the AJAN HIV and AIDS Prevention Program for the Youth (AHAPPY) manual, a training tool designed by AJAN to accompany young people. The AHAPPY manual consist of five modules, where participants are taken through a journey of discovery of self and relationships with one another, with the world around us, and with God. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dzQeQKPy #ahappytot #integraleducation #youthempowerment #skilldevelopment #capacitybuilding
✨ Join Us for an Inspiring Webinar! ✨ on 🗓 Date: 26th November 2024 🕒 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM (EAT) 🌟 Topic: Promotion of Human Wellbeing Through Our Families "Life is not simply time that passes; life is a time for interactions." (Fratelli Tutti, no. 66) Families play a crucial role in fostering solidarity, caring for creation, and transforming society for the better (Amoris Laetitia). Let’s explore how we can strengthen these bonds to promote human wellbeing and a shared commitment to the common good. 📌 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/dNxd-86H See you there! 🙌 #Family #Safeguarding #HumanWellbeing
We are grateful for the work he has done at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection which truly touched countless lives, embodying the values of faith, justice, and solidarity in action. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those committed to social justice, especially within Zambia and the broader African context. May his spirit rest in peace, and may his memory encourage all who knew him to carry forward his mission of service and compassion. 🙏
😢 In Memoriam: Fr. Alexander Muyebe, SJ (1968-2024) With heavy hearts, we join our companions in the Jesuits in Southern Africa Province to mourn the passing of Fr. Alexander Muyebe, SJ, Director of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection - JCTR in Zambia. Fr. Muyebe, aged 56, passed away peacefully after a short illness. A native of Malawi, Fr. Muyebe faithfully served as a Jesuit priest for 21 years, dedicating the last four years to leading JCTR. His tenure was marked by unwavering advocacy for the marginalized, a profound commitment to social justice, and a deep engagement with pressing societal issues. Fr. Muyebe’s life and work embodied the Jesuit mission of faith, compassion, and solidarity, strengthening JCTR’s voice in policy and justice work across Zambia. His passing is a tremendous loss to the Society of Jesus, the JCTR, and the countless lives he touched. Fr. Muyebe leaves behind a powerful legacy of service and compassion, inspiring all who strive for justice and peace. Our deepest condolences go to Fr. Muyebe’s family, friends, and colleagues at the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection. We are grateful for his life, his ministry, and his enduring legacy as a Jesuit of the JCAM - Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar May God grant him eternal rest, and may his spirit continue to guide us in our mission for social justice.
African Jesuit AIDS Network-JCAM reposted this
Sharing the Praying for change at #COP29 an initiative by Jesuits in Europe through the Jesuit European Social Centre (JESC). 📌 The #JesuitsForClimateJustice Prayer Guide, is written by an international team of Jesuits. Join Jesuits as they collaborate with others towards a holistic care of our common home. 👇 Download Praying for change at #COP29 guide on these links: English: http://bit.ly/3Yo2Q50 French: http://bit.ly/3Au4NoF German: http://bit.ly/4hJhX22
African Jesuit AIDS Network-JCAM reposted this
The Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops represents a significant moment in the history of the Church. Among the Jesuit participants at the Synod is Fr Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, SJ, who took some time to share his experience of the month-long event. Fr Orobator describes the Synodal process as a “remodeling” of the Church, inviting reflection, listening and a collaborative spirit. He likens it to a structure undergoing renovation. Just as craftsmen and artisans – architects, welders and carpenters – work together to reshape a building, so too does the Church engage its members with their gifts and talents in this remodeling effort. The aim is not necessarily to build something entirely new, but rather to fashion a Church that more closely reflects God’s vision. What is the Spirit trying to tell us about Synodality for the Church in Africa? Here is Fr Orobator SJ sharing his insights. Watch the full video on the Jesuits Global YouTube Channel, on the link here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFMz8YS4
On Day 2 and 3, our amazing participants dove deep into understanding the world they live in — uncovering both the beauty and challenges within. 🌍💡 From learning about HIV & AIDS, STIs to addressing the pressing issues of drug and substance abuse, these catechists are now better equipped to make a positive impact in their communities. Let’s continue the journey towards knowledge, compassion, and a healthier future! 💪❤️ #AHAPPYToT #EmpoweringCommunities #FightDrugAbuse #EndSTIs #PrisonCatechists #coastalregion