ASEC has reached yet another milestone with the publication of our newest book, Transformative Partnerships: Role of Agencies, Foundations, Institutions in Promoting Strategic Social and Sustainable Change for Women Religious in Africa. The book documents various collaborations and partnerships of sisters as well as their leadership training programs and the important role of spirituality in empowering sisters. The book invites us into an emerging field of research on women religious in the Global South.
The Transformative Partnerships book launch took place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 10am at the Tumaini Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. ASEC was represented at this event by Sr. Lina Wanjiku Ndung'u, SE, ASEC Regional Director East & Central Africa, Sr. Joyce Rita Karambu, NSA, ASEC Programs Coordinator, Kenya and ASEC alumnae and students from Nairobi, Kenya.
The event began with an opening prayer and a welcome address. Several Transformative Partnerships chapter authors then shared their writing experience:
- Sr. Mary Germina Keneema, MSMMC, ASEC Director, Uganda
- Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, ASEC Programs Coordinator, Malawi
- Sr. Helene Kisaka, LSMI, Zambia
- Sr. Deusdedita Lutego, CST, Tanzania
- Dr. Simon Kang’ethe, Kenya
The above Transformative Partnerships chapter author speakers and several other chapter authors from Kenya were present for the signing, including Rev. Fr. Gichure, Dr. Simon Kang’ethe, Sr. Esther Mwangi, LSOSF, Sr. Agnes Wamuyu, FES, Sr. Naomi Wangui, SE, Sr. Agnes Njeri, SSJ, Sr. Alice Anzoyo, SHS, Dr. Salome Nyambura.
Remarks were given by Transformative Partnerships editor and former ASEC Executive Director, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Ph.D., Director, Catholic Sisters Program, Conrad. N. Hilton Foundation and the Guest of Honor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Steven Mbugua, Rector/Vice Chancellor of ASEC-HESA partner university, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Several other honored guests were also in attendance, including Sr. Pasilisa Namikoye, AOSK Secretary General, Sr. Alice Wanjiku, LSOSF Regional Superior, Sr. Olga, Paulines Publications and Dr. Ann Rita Njageh, Office of Academic Linkages and HESA liaison at CUEA
Following the remarks, ASEC’s Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) and Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program alumnae sung a song.
The book launch ended with a vote of thanks and final prayer by Sr. Agnes Wamuyu, FES.
ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG adds,
“I congratulate the authors who contributed chapters to the book, of particular mention are ASEC Africa Staff and participants from ASEC's partner universities and Institutions.”
Special appreciation goes to Sr. Jane Wakahiu, who spearheaded the editing and completion of the book, Jaime Herrmann, ASEC Assistant Director, SLDI, who coordinated the process of the publication on behalf of ASEC and to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, who funded the book’s publication.
On behalf of ASEC, gratitude goes to all individuals who’ve made invaluable contributions to the successful completion of Transformative Partnerships. May you be richly blessed.
Transformative Partnerships: Role of Agencies, Foundations, Institutions in Promoting Strategic Social and Sustainable Change for Women Religious in Africa (ISBN 9966-60-133-9) is available through Paulines Publications Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. A Kindle Ebook Edition can also be purchased through Amazon.com.
