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 students pose for a photograph together.

Excellent Education: Celebrating HESA Graduation Ceremonies in 2023

Jun 12, 2024: [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

Jun 7, 2024: [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.

Participating facilitators learn the impact of the SLDI program from SLDI alumnae.

Team Building- 2024 SLDI Partners Workshop in Tanzania

May 15, 2024: [Tanzania] Networking, team building, and relationship building activities led to a successful 2024 SLDI Partners Workshop.

Because of improvements made to the Orphanage Centre of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters, the children who are cared for there have an improved quality of life.

Transformation Over Time - Mgolole Orphanage

May 9, 2024: [Tanzania] Over the past 7 years, the Orphanage Centre of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters in Tanzania has undergone an immense transformation.

ASEC’s Night of Storytelling: Creativity was an evening of joy and inspiration.

A Grateful Recap of ASEC’s Night of Storytelling

May 3, 2024: [USA] The 2024 ASEC Night of Storytelling: Creativity was a great success!

Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, ASEC Programs Coordinator - Malawi

Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS: Exemplifying the purpose of Women's History Month

Apr 4, 2024: [Malawi] In reflection of Women’s History Month, ASEC wishes to shine the spotlight on Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, who has been nominated for the 2024 Africa Day campaign, in honor of her work in improving the lives of African women.

ASEC to Host "A Night of Storytelling: Creativity" Fundraiser

Mar 26, 2024: [USA] African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) is hosting the fundraising event, A Night of Storytelling: Creativity, on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at Marywood University’s Fireplace Lounge in Nazareth Hall from 6:30-8:30 pm

The obstetrical waiting room with mothers during health education.

Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women in Cameroon

Mar 14, 2024: [Cameroon] Sr. Cordelia Uche Anikwem uses the skills she learned in SLDI to write a grant proposal to provide necessary medical support to pregnant women to help reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortality.

ASEC Executive Director Sr.Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG and Joyce, a 12-year-old Maasai girl, walk together on the coast of Tanzania along the Indian Ocean.

Perspectives- 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania

Mar 12, 2024: [Kenya, Tanzania] At just 12 years old a Maasai girl captivated participants at the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop and represented the impact delivered by ASEC sisters

Clockwise from top left: Sr. Kathryn Clauss, IHM, presents at ASEC’s Night of Storytelling, Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, networks at ACCU Annual Meeting, ASEC staff visits the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mission Advancement 2023 Year in Review

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] In 2023, ASEC continued to empower Catholic sisters in Africa through training and education while expanding its outreach and preparing for its 25th Anniversary amid global challenges.

2023 Service Learning participants at service sites in Ghana.

A Return to Africa

Jan 1, 2024: [Ghana] The ASEC Service Learning Program resumed in 2023, with students from Chestnut Hill College and Marywood University traveling to Ghana for three weeks, where they engaged in volunteer work, cultural immersion, and academic study.

Clockwise from the top left: Sr. Innocentia Ndikum, SOM, at poultry raising project in Cameroon, Sr. Immaculator Rugumila, FDCC, with scout children at Canossa Primary School in Tanzania, Sr. Harriet Baker, IHMR, cares for patient in Uganda.

ASEC's Path to Sustainability

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] ASEC empowers Catholic sisters in Africa to transform marginalized communities through education and leadership, with its Path to Sustainability Initiative securing future support via a matching challenge grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

ASEC nurtures multi-layered partnerships that further its mission in accordance with the gospel call to unity and solidarity. Recognizing the shared goal of furthering educational opportunities for women religious in Africa, ASEC works together with partners in the spirit of global sisterhood to support the personal and spiritual growth of sisters in Africa.

Partnerships Rooted in Collaboration

Jan 1, 2024: [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.

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