ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, providing access to educational opportunities. There is much to celebrate regarding the work of ASEC and the impact of Sisters who are benefiting from our programs.

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HESA graduates and ASEC staff celebrate with a cake-cutting ceremony at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Kenya.

Graduation to Action - HESA Supported Sisters Driving Lasting Change

2 weeks ago: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe] Across Africa, sisters reached a major milestone as they completed their studies through ASEC’s Higher Education for Sisters in Africa program. Graduating from colleges and universities, many earned honors and are now putting their education into action as leaders in their communities.

Left to Right: Staff members cut cake in celebration of their service to ASEC for over 10 years; Sr. Verla Elbira, SST, teaches in Cameroon; Service Learning participant Madilyn Grose visits Cottolengo Home in Kenya.

Advancing ASEC’s Mission

2 months ago: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] This story highlights how ASEC’s mission continues to grow globally through trainings, celebrations, cross-cultural exchanges, and the collective impact of sisters whose education strengthens communities across Africa.

Students learn in a science laboratory at Bigwa Secondary School.

Realizing Dreams At Bigwa

2 months ago: [Tanzania] ASEC’s long-term partnership with Bigwa Secondary School in Tanzania has expanded educational access, strengthened facilities, and empowered women religious and local students to become confident, skilled leaders in their communities.

Imagine! The Power of Service in Kenya

2 months ago: [Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, USA] Guided by ASEC connections and inspired leadership, Sr. Caroline Ngati, ASE, transformed barren land in Kenya into the thriving Dorothea Rescue Center, offering safety, education, and hope to vulnerable girls while enriching ASEC’s Service Learning experiences.

Sr. Lydiah Shirotsi, SMK, serving the homeless in Nairobi, Kenya.

Investigating the Impact of the HESA Program

4 months ago: [Kenya, Tanzania, USA] Sr. Lydiah Shirotsi, SMK, investigated the societal impact of ASEC’s HESA program, finding that alumnae are transforming communities in Kenya and beyond through education, leadership, and innovative initiatives.

"Women Belong in All Places Where Decisions Are Being Made”: Catholic Sister Lawyers

4 months ago: [Tanzania] Through ASEC’s education programs, Catholic sisters in Tanzania are breaking barriers in the legal field as they teach, practice law, and advocate for justice and gender equality in their communities.

Sr. Catherine Felix Kimario, SCC, serves at Holy Cross Health Centre in Kihonda, Tanzania, where she educates patients on proper medication use to combat issues like antimicrobial resistance.

Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance in Tanzania

5 months ago: [Tanzania] Sr. Catherine Felix Kimario, SCC, a 2023 ASEC Scholarship graduate from Tanzania, is combating antimicrobial resistance by educating patients and ensuring proper medication use at the Holy Cross Health Centre.

Catholic sisters in Tanzania join ASEC staff and partners to cut a Jubilee cake during the first celebration of ASEC’s 25th Anniversary in Morogoro.

Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: ASEC’s Silver Jubilee Across Two Continents

5 months ago: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] ASEC’s 25th anniversary year united SLDI graduations across Africa and a jubilee gala in the United States, celebrating a global community committed to educating Catholic sisters for transformative ministry.

Left to right: Scholarship Orientation entertainment in Tanzania, Bigwa Secondary School graduation in Tanzania, first Scholarship graduates in Cameroon.

Scholarship 2024 Year in Review

more than a year ago.: [Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe] The ASEC Scholarship Program empowers Catholic Sisters across nine countries with access to education, enabling them to better serve their congregations and communities, with over 890 scholarships awarded since 2012.

HESA students pose for a photograph together.

Excellent Education: Celebrating HESA Graduation Ceremonies in 2023

more than a year ago.: [Malawi, Tanzania] The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program has helped education for women religious in Africa make strides, despite education for women in Africa facing significant barriers. In 2023, over 200 sisters graduated from HESA programs, overcoming challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing to their communities’ development and gender equality.

Sr. Magreth Laurenti Amani, FSSB completing medical work.

Serving Across Contexts - Tanzania to the United States

more than a year ago.: [Tanzania] At the St. Joseph’s Center, Sr. Magreth currently serves as a Direct Support Professional, assisting in caring for adults and children with disabilities. She continues to utilize the knowledge and skills she gained from the ASEC Scholarship program and HESA on a daily basis. She feels grateful for the opportunity to serve across the globe and remains connected to the ASEC alumnae network, attending virtual ASEC Alumnae Workshops annually despite her placement in the United States.