Youth leaders in Sierra Leone trained to promote SRHR and sustainable families in Africa

Young people in Sierra Leone face various challenges regarding Sexual Health, including early sex debut, the consequent rise in unwanted and teenage pregnancies, unsustainable population growth, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, among others.

These challenges partly thrive on some deeply entrenched life-threatening cultural and religious conceptions and practices around gender and sexuality that curb the potential impact of policies and other Public health interventions implemented to address the SRHR challenges in the country.

In response, the AACC and the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone equipped 25 youth leaders from the AACC member churches to use Contextual Bible Study Methodology to promote SRHR and Sustainable families in Africa. The training took place at the CCSL headquarters in Freetown between 21st and 23rd October 2024 as part of the All Africa Youth Networks’ efforts to build the Africa we want.

Mrs. Phyllis Brewah, AACC's Director of Finance and Administration, opened the training on behalf of the AACC General Secretary. Drawing from her experiences, she highlighted the importance of this training in promoting human dignity and holistic health in Africa. The CCSL General Secretary, Mrs. Keziah Kargbo, reiterated the council’s commitment to promoting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Western Africa, noting that this aligns with its core mission to uphold human dignity.

Facilitated by AACC’s Executive Secretary, Youth, Brian Muyunga, the workshop involved contextual bible studies on Menstrual hygiene, body autonomy, human rights, family planning, reproductive health, among other themes.

“We are grateful to the AACC for investing in the young people of Sierra Leone, and we will do our best to ensure that we use the skills and resources received from this training to improve the quality of life in Africa, our home and future.” Affirmed Ms. Elizabeth Nyalima Yambasu. 

In Photo - [ Brian and the Youth Leaders during the Training ]