AACC REGIONAL TRAINING OF TRAINERS FOR YOUTH ON ADVOCACY FOR DEMOCRACY, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS.

The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC-CETA), through its programme, is bringing together young leaders from AACC member churches across 16 Africa countries namely: Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Sudan, and Somalia in Kigali, Rwanda, at Isano, for a three-day Regional Training of Trainers on Advocacy for Democracy, Governance and Human Rights, taking place from 9 to 11 November 2026.

The training aims to equip young people with practical knowledge and advocacy skills to promote democratic governance, defend human rights, strengthen accountability, and contribute to peacebuilding across the continent.

Officially opening the gathering, Rev. Dr. Pascal Bataringaya, the President and legal representative of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR), described young people as both the present and the future of Africa and its churches. He emphasised that young people are not merely observers of democratic processes but active agents who shape, take ownership of, and lead them. He noted that democratic governance and human rights continue to face significant challenges across the region, stressing that addressing these challenges requires more than passion and goodwill. It calls for strategic action, effective coordination, and a strong network of skilled and resilient advocates capable of inspiring and mobilising others.

The programme explores democratic governance, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the UN 2030 Agenda, human rights frameworks, youth participation, and advocacy strategies for faith-based actors. Participants will also develop practical skills in policy messaging and training others to promote change within their communities.

As a Training of Trainers (ToT), the gathering calls on participants to take the knowledge gained back to their churches, youth groups, and communities, empowering more young people to stand for justice, peace, democracy, and human dignity.

Africa does not have to wait for tomorrow’s leaders. Young people are leaders today, and their voices and actions are essential to building a just, peaceful, and accountable Africa.