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The workshop was designed to help participants enhance their roles in the health ministries of their churches.
Among the many challenges African youths face are health and health-related issues, including mental health, HIV, and sexual and reproductive health.
The workshop provided an overview of a health-promoting churches model, and explored opportunities for youth action for a healthier Africa. It also provided examples of good practices in youth action on HIV prevention, including behaviour change, treatment, and care.
Through presentations and small group discussion, the young people explored ways to boost their personal health and the health of their communities. The participants were excited to receive the Health-Promoting Churches publications which, they say, will be very handy as they will try to implement in their churches what they have learnt at the congress.
WCC staff also offered counselling and accompaniment to delegates attending the congress, hearing their concerns on health matters, including HIV, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health.
Through confidential, one-on-one consultations, young people found a safe space in which to voice their concerns and explore a way forward.
Organized by the All Africa Conference of Churches, the All Africa Youth Congress, being held 31 October-5 November, centres on the organization’s continental youth campaign on African patriotism. Another of its aims is to create awareness of the existing potential and opportunities that would inspire the use of talents and gifts to build a thriving continent.
Over 1,000 young people—ages 15-35 years—from across Africa are attending the event, which is the first of its kind.
