- Ashford Kimani argues that young Africans want churches that listen to their struggles, questions and aspirations rather than simply lecture them.
- He says genuine inclusion requires giving youth meaningful leadership roles and opportunities beyond choirs, rallies and symbolic representation.
- Kimani urges churches, schools, governments and families to treat young people as partners in shaping Africa’s present and future.
Africa is the world’s youngest continent, with more than 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25. This demographic reality presents both the Church and society with an extraordinary opportunity and a daunting responsibility.
If Africa succeeds in nurturing its young people, it will shape not only the continent’s future but potentially influence the wider world. If it fails, the consequences could be equally profound.
It is therefore encouraging that Catholic bishops meeting under the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have acknowledged an important truth: young people do not want to be treated merely as the future of the Church. They want to be part of its present.
They seek answers to life’s difficult questions, meaningful participation in decision-making, genuine inclusion and leaders willing to walk alongside them rather than simply preach to them.
For too long, many institutions—including churches, schools, governments and even families—have spoken about young people instead of speaking with them.
Policies are designed for youth without their input. Conferences discuss youth challenges while the very people affected sometimes remain absent from the conversation.
The result is predictable. Many young people feel misunderstood, unheard and disconnected.
This disconnect is not unique to religion.
Across Africa, young people face unemployment, mental health challenges, substance abuse, technological disruption, migration pressures and increasing uncertainty about the future.
Social media has given them unprecedented access to information, but not necessarily wisdom. They are connected digitally yet can still find themselves isolated emotionally.
The Church cannot adequately respond to these realities using yesterday’s methods alone.
Today’s youth are searching for authenticity. They can distinguish between institutions that merely demand attendance and those that genuinely care about their struggles.
They are less impressed by authority and more inspired by credibility. They want leaders who listen before they lecture.
This is precisely why the bishops’ message deserves attention. Recognising that young people should be involved as collaborators rather than passive recipients signals an important shift in pastoral thinking.
However, inclusion must go beyond statements made in conference halls.
Give young people meaningful responsibilities
Churches should create spaces where young people can lead ministries, contribute ideas, participate in planning and help shape community outreach.
Their gifts extend far beyond singing in choirs or organising youth rallies.
Many possess remarkable talents in technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, environmental stewardship and social advocacy. These abilities should be viewed as opportunities for service and ministry rather than distractions from them.
The same lesson applies beyond religious institutions.
Schools should cultivate student leadership instead of suppressing youthful initiative. Governments must move beyond promises and invest seriously in youth employment, skills development and entrepreneurship.
Families should replace constant criticism with mentorship, listening and open conversation.
A society that continually tells young people to wait their turn risks losing their contribution altogether.
Young people need hope and practical support
The Church also has a unique responsibility to accompany young people facing despair.
Across Africa, many young people risk dangerous migration routes in search of opportunities they believe no longer exist at home. Others battle depression, addiction, broken families and the pressures of an increasingly competitive world.
They need more than sermons. They need communities that offer hope, friendship, mentorship, practical support and a sense of purpose.
Encouraging examples already exist.
Catholic skills centres, youth empowerment programmes and vocational initiatives across the continent demonstrate that faith can be expressed not only through worship but also by equipping young people with practical skills that restore dignity, confidence and hope.
Ultimately, the greatest question facing the Church is not simply whether young people are abandoning faith. Rather, it is whether faith communities are willing to meet young people where they are—amid their questions, ambitions, fears and aspirations.
Young people are not asking for a diluted Gospel. They are asking for authentic communities that listen, accompany and believe in them.
They want mentors instead of judges, dialogue instead of monologue and meaningful opportunities instead of tokenism.
Africa’s youth remain one of the continent’s greatest assets.
They possess creativity, resilience, energy and a strong desire to make a difference. What they need are institutions courageous enough to trust them with meaningful responsibility today—not someday.
The Church has taken an important step by recognising this reality. The next step is translating words into action.
If Africa’s churches, schools, governments and families truly embrace young people as partners rather than spectators, the continent will not merely prepare for the future—it will begin building it now.
By Ashford Kimani
Ashford Kimani is a teacher of English and Literature who writes on education, youth and social affairs.
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