The youth population in Africa is projected to double and reach nearly a staggering billion people by 2050. This demographic surge brings with it immense potential for economic growth, innovation, and cultural diversity. However, it also poses significant challenges, particularly in the realm of social cohesion and peace. The youth, often the most vibrant and dynamic segment of the society, are also highly susceptible to manipulation by those spreading hate, religious intolerance, radicalization and violent extremism.

In this context, the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) organized a two-day workshop during its week-long 18th General Council in Mombasa, Kenya, to create awareness and foster understanding among the youth on the importance of religious tolerance and cooperation, respect for diversity and promoting religious freedom for all. This is an essential step in harnessing the potential of this demographic and creating synergy to achieve a more peaceful, inclusive and developed Africa.

_{A Christian and Muslim youth keenly following proceedings in the workshop.} 

The workshop, themed "Fostering Religious Tolerance among the Youth for Sustainable Peace and Development", was not just a standalone event but a strategic initiative informed by PROCMURA’s areas of work and a direct response to the African Union's Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want. This ambitious agenda envisions an inclusive, peaceful and secure continent for everyone. Recognizing the critical role of the youth in achieving these goals, PROCMURA gathered youth leaders from across East Africa for a series of dialogues and capacity-building activities designed to enhance their knowledge and understanding of religious tolerance and cooperation for sustainable peace and development.

_{PROCMURA's Youth Coordinator Rev. Winny Metto facilitating one of the sessions.} 

Over the course of two days, the workshop featured a series of interactive sessions, panel discussions, and breakaway group activities. Experts on religious tolerance and peacebuilding provided insights and facilitated discussions on various informative topics aimed at fostering interfaith cooperation in a religiously pluralistic environment.

Sheikh Musa Mwale, a senior Muslim cleric and religious scholar in Kenya and one of the workshop facilitators, laid the foundation for interactive discussions and rich engagement in his presentation, “Understanding Religious Tolerance.”

_{Sheikh Musa Mwale from the Council of Imams in Kenya engaging the young people in the workshop.} 

“The interactive workshop facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices in promoting religious tolerance and cooperation by bringing together youth leaders drawn from different Church Denominations, Mosques, Ecumenical Organizations, Learning Institutions and Youth-Led Organizations in East Africa. This platform allowed participants to learn from their facilitators and from each other's experiences and develop effective, innovative and practical peacebuilding strategies within their respective communities,” Shiekh Musa Mwale said.

In a bid to create synergies among young people, Rev. Dr. Simon Babs Mala, a religious scholar and researcher based in Canada, made an impactful presentation on “The Role of the Youth in Fostering Interreligious Cooperation”. These synergies are essential in amplifying the impact of the young people’s efforts in promoting religious tolerance and cooperation for sustainable peace and development. The youth leaders were equipped to tackle religious intolerance more effectively through the power of collective action, collaborative projects and networking, an approach that Dr Mala observed has been tried, tested and proven to be effective.

_{Rev. Dr. Simon Babs Mala from Canada delivering his presentation.} 

A significant milestone of the workshop was the launch of the PROCMURA East Africa Youth Network. This network is envisioned as a dynamic and robust platform for continuous engagement, mentorship, support, and collaboration among the region's young people committed to promoting peace and religious tolerance as their eyes remain fixed on the larger picture of making a significant contribution towards achieving the PROCMURA Continental Youth Movement. 

_{A section of the youth in a breakaway session.} 

"The importance of engaging the youth in peacebuilding cannot be overstated," said Rev. Ignatius Sheri, a priest of the ACK Diocese of Eldoret and a Dean of Students at Moi University in Kenya. "Young people are often the primary targets of radical groups seeking to sow discord through hate and religious intolerance, especially in learning institutions. Empowering youth leaders with the knowledge and tools to counter these influences is essential for the future of Africa."

_{Rev. Ignatius Sheri, a priest of the ACK Diocese of Eldoret and a Dean of Students at Moi University in Kenya.}

Rev. Sheri took the youth through a session on “Creating Peaceful and Inclusive Societies: The Case of Moi University PROCMURA Chapter.” The Moi University PROCMURA Chapter is one of the Chapters that PROCMURA has established in institutions of higher learning to help address the rise of radicalization, violent extremism, religious intolerance, and other issues of common concern among the youth in these institutions.

A presentation by Mr. Azgard Stephen of the Christian Council of Tanzania on “Preventing/Countering Religious Intolerance, Radicalization and Violent Extremism Among the Young People” marked yet another highlight of the workshop. The presentation provided a platform for participants to share their communities' best practices and successful initiatives to fight against this menace. These ranged from interfaith sports events to collaborative community projects, among others. Such exchanges underscored the creativity and resilience of young people in addressing religious intolerance in their own small but effective contexts.

_{Mr. Azgard Stephen, a representative of the Christian Council of Tanzania.}

“By fostering religious tolerance among the youth, PROCMURA addresses the immediate challenges of religious intolerance and builds the foundation for long-term sustainable peace and development in Africa. As these young leaders return to their communities, they carry with them the seeds of change, ready to cultivate a future where peace, coexistence and respect for religious diversity are not just aspirations but realities,” PROCMURA’s Youth Coordinator Rev. Winny Metto observed after the workshop. “As an organisation, we will be making follow-ups to make sure that this network remains effective and culminates to the PROCMURA Youth Movement in Africa, which will be a voice for the young people anchored on and informed by PROCMURA’s great work.”

_{Rev. Winny Metto having some light moments with a section of the youth after the workshop.} 

The workshop's impact was palpable, as participants left with renewed vigour and a shared commitment to be PROCMURA Youth Peace Ambassadors in their respective communities. Establishing the PROCMURA East Africa Youth Network further solidified this commitment, providing a structured platform for ongoing collaboration and support.