The mission of the Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) is to mobilize restless Christian leaders from across the Great Lakes region of Africa, create a space for their transformation, and empower them to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation in their own communities, organizations, and nations. 

Since its launch in 2005, the center has identified the Great Lakes region of Africa as a key geographical area of partnership. Together with the Mennonite Central Committee, African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM), and World Vision International, the center hosts has hosted yearly gatherings in the region that have contributed to forming a fresh movement for peacemaking.

Bringing together Christians from nine countries in Africa, the GLI has hosted numerous regional leadership institutes based on the same model as the Summer Institute for Reconciliation. The GLI deepens its work at the national level through the creation and support of individual Country Working Groups, each focused on specific national reconciliation issues.

"When I look at the many divisions in our country and particularly those pertaining to the African Americans and America, I see and sense an insurmountable amount of unaddressed trauma trapped within the body of America. It is my hope that during my time here at Duke, I may acquire greater tools that are useful for contributing to the overdue reconciliation within our country."

Deandre Dukes, M.Div '21

Strategic Partners

The African Great Lakes Initiative would not be possible without abiding and mutually transformative leadership and support from partner organizations in Africa. These ministries have committed time, institutional energy, and resources to this initiative over many years of shared partnership.

Great Lake Resources

Great Lake Initiative group gathered in a large group circle

Leadership Institute

This annual program offers participants an opportunity to interact with and learn from some of the most remarkable and dynamic Christian leaders in East Africa. Through seminars such as “Civil Society, Political Engagement, and Advocacy,” and “Counseling and the Healing of Memory,” participants engage a specific theme intensively with others who have similar expertise. Participants also gather for prayer, for plenary sessions, and for a pilgrimage to a local community of peace and hope.

GLI 2023 Leadership Institute

  • Dates: June 18-24, 2023
  • Location: St. Mary's National Seminary, Ggaba in Kampala, Uganda
  • Participation fee: $600 USD (covers catered meals, accommodation, Institute materials, and bus park/airport transportation)
  • Registration is ongoing: sign in if you already have an account, or sign up and create an account to register
  • Contact: Marion Wasia Ndeta, GLI Regional Coordinator - gliregionalcoordinator@gmail.com