In-Country Training on the Use of the SRHR and Sustainable Population Growth (SPG) Manuals in Mozambique
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Background
The All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) continues to accompany its member churches in responding to pressing social and development challenges affecting African communities. Among these are issues related to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and Sustainable Population Growth (SPG), which are closely linked to human dignity, family wellbeing, health systems, and sustainable development.
In recognition of the important role of faith actors in shaping values, attitudes, and community practices, AACC developed and launched SRHR and SPG resource packs in 2025 to provide churches with faith-based, theologically grounded, and contextually relevant tools for engagement. These manuals aim to support churches in promoting informed decision-making, responsible parenthood, and holistic wellbeing, while upholding Christian values and respect for life.
Mozambique continues to experience demographic pressures, high fertility rates in some regions, early marriages, adolescent pregnancies, and limited access to accurate SRHR information. Churches, as trusted institutions, are well positioned to contribute to community education, pastoral accompaniment, and advocacy on these issues. This in-country training seeks to enhance the capacity of church leaders and key stakeholders to effectively use the AACC SRHR and SPG manuals in responding to these realities.
Rationale
Mozambique is experiencing rapid population growth, with an annual growth rate of approximately 2.8–2.9 percent and a high fertility rate of about 4.5 births per woman. The population is very young, with a median age of around 16–17 years. While this presents potential for future development, it also places significant pressure on families, health systems, education, and livelihoods. Despite population growth, quality of life indicators remain low, with life expectancy averaging about 64 years and infant mortality rates still high, particularly in rural and underserved communities. These realities point to a widening gap between population growth and the capacity of systems to support holistic wellbeing.
Within this context, the Church has a clear biblical and pastoral responsibility to respond. Scripture affirms children as a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), while also calling God’s people to wisdom and responsible stewardship (Proverbs 21:5; Genesis 2:15). Jesus’ mission of abundant life (John 10:10) reminds the Church that faith is concerned with the whole person – spiritual, physical, and social. By engaging Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sustainable Population Growth through faith-based approaches, churches can protect life, support responsible parenthood, and advocate for the wellbeing of families and future generations, particularly the most vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8).
To translate these biblical and demographic imperatives into practical action, churches need structured support to apply the knowledge contained in the SRHR and SPG manuals. While the manuals offer valuable guidance, their impact depends on intentional training and contextualization. Many church leaders and programme staff may have limited exposure to population dynamics, reproductive health concepts, and their intersection with faith and community development. Providing a safe and participatory learning space will allow participants to engage deeply with the manuals, clarify key concepts around sustainable population growth, and explore practical ways to integrate these principles into ministry and community work. Strengthening understanding and ownership of the manuals will equip churches to promote healthy families, responsible relationships, and sustainable development outcomes across Mozambique.
Main Objective
To strengthen the capacity of youth leaders pf the churches in Mozambique to effectively use the SRHR and Sustainable Population Growth (SPG) manuals in faith-based programming, pastoral care, and community engagement.
Specific Objectives
To equip youth leaders with knowledge and practical skills to apply the SRHR and SPG manuals in addressing reproductive health and population-related issues within their contexts.
To promote faith-informed approaches to sustainable population growth that support healthy families, responsible parenthood, and community wellbeing among youth leaders in Mozambique
Expected Outcomes
Improved understanding among participants of SRHR and sustainable population growth concepts from a faith-based perspective.
Increased and effective use of the AACC SRHR and SPG manuals in church programmes, pastoral counselling, and community outreach initiatives.
Strengthened contribution of AACC members in Mozambique to informed dialogue and action on reproductive health and sustainable population growth.