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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Reducing Maternal Mortality in Malawi

last month: [Malawi] When a mother in Malawi faced a life-threatening childbirth complication, Sr. Maureen Chalamanda, SOL—a three-time ASEC alumna—used her education to save both mother and baby, proving how vital trained sisters are to community healthcare.

Bridging the Gap to Higher Education in Malawi

last month: [Malawi] In Malawi, Sr. Agnes Mmanga, SOL—a three-time ASEC alumna—used her second chance at education to become a special needs teacher, now helping girls overcome the same academic barriers she once faced.

Grateful Hearts: A Gift of Learning for African Sisters

6 months ago: [Kenya] Through her heartfelt poem, Sr. Anastacia Oyieko, FSHJ, expresses deep gratitude for the transformative impact of ASEC. With every opportunity given, Sisters are igniting hope, building bridges, and creating lasting impact—empowered to serve, uplift, and heal communities across Africa.

ASEC my Enabler: From learner to leader

6 months ago: [Kenya] With the support of ASEC, HESA alumna Sr. Margaret Wanda, DOJGS, became a trained nurse and leader, serving as Superior General of her congregation and a board member of CASA-K, where she integrates healthcare and compassionate leadership to uplift both her congregation and the elderly Sisters in her care.

Graduating in ASEC's Silver Jubilee Year: A Journey of Empowerment

6 months ago: [Kenya] With the support of ASEC’s HESA program, Sr. Caroline Wambui Gachoki, SMI, earned her Master’s Degree in Administration and Planning in Education—gaining the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact in her community.

Little Girl, I Say to You, Rise Up; Igniting Hope for Human Trafficking Survivors

6 months ago: [Kenya, Uganda, USA] Sr. Jackline Mwikali Mwongela, an alum of ASEC’s HESA program and Project Manager at Religious Against Human Trafficking (RAHT) in Kenya, has been empowering women and children to rise above human trafficking through prevention, protection, and partnerships, while offering hope to survivors through education and holistic support.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Change Through Sr. Grace’s Mission

7 months ago: [Nigeria] Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ is transforming health awareness in African communities through her dedicated advocacy for breast cancer education.

Technical & Vocational Training in Cameroon

10 months ago: [Cameroon] Sr. Vera Bi Kiekiseeh Otia, HHCJ, principal of SPICOTEC in Cameroon, leverages her ASEC education to expand access to technical and vocational training, empowering youth to become entrepreneurs and job creators.

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.

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.

Partnerships Rooted in Collaboration

more than a year ago.: [Kenya, USA] Collaboration is central to ASEC's mission, exemplified by partnerships with educational institutions and national conferences of religious across ten African countries, all aimed at empowering Catholic sisters through education, as highlighted in the 2023 HESA Partners Conference.

Higher Education for Sisters in Africa 2023 Year in Review

more than a year ago.: [Ghana, Kenya, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program empowers Catholic sisters in Africa by providing access to post-secondary education, resulting in over 1,144 graduates across 24 partner institutions in 10 African countries and the U.S.

Sr. Josephine Kwenga wins People's Choice Award for Project on Sustainable Human Development

more than a year ago.: [Kenya] On September 27, 2023 ASEC participant Sr. Josephine Muthoni Kwenga, SJT won a People's Choice Award for her Sustainable Agriculture Project in Kenya.

HESA Partners Conference takes place in Nairobi

more than a year ago.: [Kenya] The 2023 HESA Partners Conference took place in Nairobi, Kenya from June 13-17th.

How can we measure the impact of education?

more than a year ago.: [Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, SouthSudan] We measure the impact of education through qualitative data by interviewing ASEC sisters, both those current students and alumnae. Through learning their stories, we can connect the dots between education and transformation, both within the sisters and their communities.

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